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DIY Oil Change using Fumoto Valve?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Willem, Jun 21, 2009.

  1. Willem

    Willem Junior Member

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    Would the installation of a Fumoto valve make it possible to empty the oil pan without having to remove the skid plate?
     
    #1 Willem, Jun 21, 2009
  2. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    If you can reach the valve to open it and get the drain tube down.
     
    #2 Rest, Jun 23, 2009
  3. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Still need to remove it for the filter.
     
    #3 HTMLSpinnr, Jun 23, 2009
    sumguy likes this.
  4. Willem

    Willem Junior Member

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    Let me try to be more clear:

    If someone removed the skid plate (or whatever Toyota calls it), removed the oil drain plug, replaced it with a Fumoto valve, and then reinstalled the skid plate, would they be able to reach the valve to open it and get the drain tube down?

    This is not a question about oil filters, ramps, lifts, jackstands, etc.

    If no one can answer this definitively, I will try to do this myself and report back the results. I have just hoped that this has already been tested by someone...
     
    #4 Willem, Jun 23, 2009
  5. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    I do not know, htmlspinner's comment seems relevant. Or do you not replace the oil filter when you open the oil plug ?
     
    #5 SageBrush, Jun 23, 2009
  6. Willem

    Willem Junior Member

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    That's not my question. :)

    I'll just see if a Fumoto valve will fit and then report back the results. Talk to you in 4,789 miles...
     
    #6 Willem, Jun 23, 2009
  7. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    If you have the car then just get under there and look for yourself.

    I myself am not a fan of using an oil drain valve, for fear running over something might cause it to open and thus damaging the engine as it runs out of oil. To me it is not big deal to use a wrench for the oil drain bolt.
     
    #7 Rest, Jun 23, 2009
  8. Willem

    Willem Junior Member

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    To quote a veteran PriusChat member:

     
    #8 Willem, Jun 24, 2009
  9. 925PriusGuy

    925PriusGuy Winter Gray & Blizzard Pearl Pri

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    Will,

    I do not have the answer you are looking for but I plan on doing the same thing. I have [FONT=&quot]Fumoto[/FONT][FONT=&quot] valves on both my HiHy and the 05’ Prius and they are great. I didn't realize that the skid plate covers up the oil drain plug on the 2010 models. I'll report back when I get my Prius as I already have the drain plug.[/FONT]
     
    #9 925PriusGuy, Jun 24, 2009
  10. Willem

    Willem Junior Member

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    Thanks. I won't be able to explore under the car until my back surgery heals.
     
    #10 Willem, Jun 24, 2009
  11. 925PriusGuy

    925PriusGuy Winter Gray & Blizzard Pearl Pri

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    Ouch.. well, I hope that your recovery goes well :mellow:
     
    #11 925PriusGuy, Jun 24, 2009
  12. FireEngineer

    FireEngineer Active Member

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    The basic answer is no. The location of the drain hole is towards the back of the underpanel that has to be folded down.

    Wayne
     
    #12 FireEngineer, Jun 26, 2009
  13. accordingly

    accordingly Member

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    Wouldn't the same panel that prevents you from wrenching on the drain plug still prevent you from hand opening a valve attached to the drain plug?

    I think the real question is if there will be enough clearance to replace the panel after installing a fumoto valve.
     
    #13 accordingly, Jun 26, 2009
  14. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    The point of my response is that even if you found a way to penetrate the panel w/ the Fumoto valve, that same panel must come down to replace the oil filter. I couldn't recommend an oil change w/o changing the filter, especially if you follow extended drain intervals.
     
    #14 HTMLSpinnr, Jun 28, 2009
  15. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    Could you cut out an opening in the panel to access it?
     
    #15 Rest, Jun 28, 2009
  16. topkick

    topkick Member

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    That seems to be the question and I also would like to know if the panel will close after installing a fumoto valve? I have not been under mine.

    As for running over something and opening the valve, you can get a safty ring and that will stop the valve from opening unless the ring is removed. I used one for a couple of years on my 2007 without any problems, and it is much easier to drain the oil with one.

    Just my 2 cents.
     
    #16 topkick, Aug 13, 2009
  17. Jensent

    Jensent Junior Member

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    I would like to install a Fumoto valve. The valve w/part #F103N would be my choice as it has a short nipple to attach a drain tube.
    So if anyone has installed a drain valve on a Gen III please let us know if enough clearance exists to allow replacement of the underbody panel. Let us know which of the three available Fumoto valves was used, F103 w/o nipple, F103N w/straight nipple , or the third variation W/angled nipple.
    Thanks
    Tom
     
    #17 Jensent, Aug 20, 2009
  18. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    Since the engine is now different.. I'm not even sure what size to get..... the part numbers for the drain plug is different at the dealer so how do you know which one to get?

    Also, I wonder if one could strategically cut a hole big enough for your first and hand to fit through directly under the oil filter?... you may could access the drain valve through the same hole.. I haven't investigated myself yet.
     
    #18 windstrings, Aug 21, 2009
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