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Fumoto Qwik Valve F103S Short Nipple Version Works !

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Pooka, Apr 21, 2012.

  1. Pooka

    Pooka TIFOSO

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    Hard to find confirmation about Fumoto for the Prius Gen III, so here it is:

    atleast the Fumoto / Qwik Valve F103S Short Nipple works !

    I installed one today. Says new product on their website.

    http://www.qwikvalve.com/fumoto-f103s-valve.html

    Does NOT touch the cover panel. See pics below. I opened a little slit to take that pic. Judging by that pic the F103N might touch the panel. F103S does not.

    While installing, make sure that the lever is on the top - that way when tightened by crescent wrench 1/4 turn after hand tighten, it will be perfectly on top.

    I ordered directly from Qwik Valve (their ebay store does not yet sell the F103S). Use coupon code "hotrod5" for 5% off. Took 3 days to receive here in KS.

    hope this helps !
     

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    3 people like this.
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Glad they shortened it. Still don't know if I would install one though...
     
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I was going to read this thread but the title short nipple turned me off..... :(


    Seriously, thanks for the links and the pics. :)
     
  4. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    +1
    Fumitomo valve failures are rare but they have happened.
     
  5. anewhouse

    anewhouse Active Member

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    Nice - just ordered an F103s - I'll let you know in a few months how this works on a Prius v (wagon). :nod:
    FWIW, I've had these valves (regular "N" version) on two other cars and I love them. I do keep a short chunk of 12ga copper wire wrapped around the valve just under the lever - this keeps the lever from opening accidentally. I'm sure this would function just like the hose clamp/"safety clip" they sell now.
    I've put something like 200K miles on cars with these valves, and never had a problem.
    Looking forward to getting one on my v at my first oil change!
    Andy
     
  6. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    I've been running once since my first oil change in December 2009. Given we have the underbody cover, I don't really worry about it. I did struggle with it one oil change for 10 minutes thinking somehow the valve wouldn't open, then I found out I was pushing instead of pulling on it LOL.
     
  7. p00kienrayray

    p00kienrayray Active Member

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    Hmmm...I was against getting one, but now I'm kind of on the fence...:confused:
     
  8. metro-mike

    metro-mike Junior Member

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    I have these on a couple of my cars, they work great. I also throw a small zip-tie around the valve when I close it just for insurance and peace of mind.
     
  9. anewhouse

    anewhouse Active Member

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    That's a good idea - a releasable ziptie would be perfect. Cutting off a regular zip tie isn't difficult, but it's one more tool to remember when you crawl under the car... In the past I've used a chunk of fairly thick copper wire - easy to set in the notch and wrap around the spigot, and doesn't require any tools.

    When I ordered the F103s for my v, I added a couple of their "Safety Clips", thinking that would be a very convenient solution. Received this order yesterday, and just playing with the clips, I can tell I will NOT be using them. The spring pressure is VERY firm! I had to use pliers to squeeze the tabs together just to get it around the valve. If I have to use a tool to access the valve to drain the oil, it nearly defeats the purpose of this specialty valve! I'm going to stick with my copper wire. Fortunately their "Safety Clips" are only $1/ea.

    However, since the Prius has the dumb plastic access door that covers all the oil change components, this valve is MUCH less likely to be accidentally opened, compared to a valve on an exposed oil pan. Maybe the door isn't COMPLETELY worthless... ;)

    Andy
     
  10. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Anyone try the F-103N regular length nipple version, any clearance issues?

    EDIT: No one has ever mentioned this, but wouldn't there still be some oil left in the pan due to the Fumoto drain plug threading protruding up into the drain pan? I highly doubt that the end of the valve sits flush with the inside surface of the drain pan.
     
  11. ahmeow

    ahmeow Prius Lover

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    I've started using this goody since my 1998 CamryV6. Four cars did used. Now it's the Pruis. Very good product,easy to install and operate. No more scare of damaging the oil pan threads, more easy to control the down flow of old oil. All should use one if you haven't. Highly recommended.
     
  12. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Is it the F-103s short nipple, F-103N regular nipple, or F-103 no nipple version installed on your Prius? Thanks. :)
     
  13. ahmeow

    ahmeow Prius Lover

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    I use the F-106 for all my cars(all Toyota). You can check/choose the type when ordering on line. It will ask you the make,model and yr. of your car. Right type will be recommended. Whereas using short type, if you are 2011+ model,yes may be you'll need short type.
     
  14. DONNY S

    DONNY S New Member

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    Do i have to put the oil pan cover back on....

    it appears that somewhere along the line, wherever i took my car to get the oil done took it off and never put it back on, so i will have to buy one. (the pan cover that is)

    i just ordered the one with short nipple
     
  15. Francos

    Francos Member

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    I love Fumoto too. I have been using it for many years with 0 issues. I guess F103S will work on PIP as well. Please correct me if I am wrong.
     
  16. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    oil comes out way slower than taking the plug out
     
  17. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    Just what I have been thinking, I have a Fumoto valve in my Honda lawn tractor and I had one in my Gen2 Prius but I noticed that the oil comes out rather slowly. I think when I remove a normal drain plug the quick out rush of old oil carries some of the debris out with it, this doesn't seem to happen with the slower flow through the Fumoto valve. I haven't put one on my Gen3 Prius, I do use a new crush washer each time though.
     
  18. Francos

    Francos Member

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    the quick out rush of old oil carries some of the debris out with it
    Does anyone notice some debris when doing oil change with regular plug? I used fumoto valve on my Accord for many years and did not encounter any problem. My Accord ran 220K miles almost trouble-free before it was rear-ended and totaled.
    With regular plug, I had hard time removing it. My concern is that the thread may be damaged if I do it too many times. That is the main reason I use Fumoto.
     
  19. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    Pooka,
    Thanks for the detailed pics!
    This would have been great on my previous VW TDI. It had the drain plug located horizontally on the aft side of the pan.
    Your pics show that "when push comes to shove" this valve will be the first thing to make contact.
    I'll pass on this mod.
    It's only once every 10k. I'll make the dive with a wrench and spend an extra minute under there.