I've always done my own oil changes, as I've had problems with every Lube-N-Go place I've ever taken my cars to. As I was browsing YouTube, I came across this video: This seems like a neat invention, and I checked the vendor's website and they do have a M12-1.25 valve that should fit a 2nd gen Prius oil pan. It runs $34.99 with free shipping, I see they have promo codes from time to time on their facebook page. Does anyone have experience using this product or some similar valve system on your oil pan? I'm tempted to make the jump and buy it, but if anyone has any input, please share.
Don't know if this applies or not but.............. Things like that have been around for a LONG time. The only major dis-advantage that I know about is: If your drain plug is the lowest point on your oil pan, that new plug is now EVEN LOWER and more likely to catch on something. Do they even put the drain bolt on the very bottom anymore ??
Good point. I've yet to put my gen 2 up on the ramps for its first oil change, but will check the ground clearance like you suggested when I get under there. I need to poke around and see where the drain cock plug is. According to this article, it looks like it is canted out to the side a bit, not directly pointing downward: http://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/How-to-Change-The-Oil-in-A-Toyota-Prius-Model-Years-2004-2009 Hopefully that would make it less likely to catch on something
I think people have more commonly used Fumoto valves; I've never heard anyone mention ValvoMax before. Some people like them, some say they open too easily. I don't see that it's that difficult and the risk seems higher than that of stripping out the threads from regular plug insertion.
heaven forbid that little valve starts to leak or gets bumped. you should be able to remove and reinstall your drain plug many many times without damaging the threads. (of course, if your a completed spazz or a cheapskate looking for the budget oil change at jiffy spooge, all bets are off.)
I'm somewhat suspicious that there might be a marketing arrangement between Scotty Kilmer and the manufacturer of that device. In my 45+ years of changing oil in every vehicle I have ever owned, I can't recall ever saying "if only I had some fancy valve that would free me from the burden of unscrewing this plug from the bottom of my oil pan." That part of the oil change is perhaps 15 seconds on and 15 seconds off. The oil filter takes quite a bit longer, particularly if it's dripping hot oil down your arm.
Too bad they don't make them, anymore. My friends have used the Fram Sure Drain SD3 for years, and I have them both on my Prius v, while my husband has it on his Nissan. They've bee discounted for over 10 years, but still can be had on eBay. My friends and mine never leaked. It has an internal seal and an "o" ring sealed brass cap. It comes with a hose that allows me to drain the oil directly into an old 5 quart oil jug, by sampling unscrewing the cap and screwing on the hose fitting.
I use and love fumoto. Fumoto® USA | Quick and Easy Engine Oil Drain Valves I’ve used them for years on a variety of cars without any problem.
I wish Scotty would be more enthusiastic about things. He's so laid back. (Just kidding). I don't change my own oil. But it seems like a valid enough product. The biggest drawback would just having some place to keep, store and NOT lose the drain attachment. But assuming that is possible, seems like a good product to me.
Stuff like that, I would keep IN the car. That said, I'm never a fan of such products, prefer a torqued drain bolt and washer; it's not that hard to deal with.
I don't change my oil. So I'm just evaluating from watching the video. It seems like a potentially helpful product IF you so change your own oil routinely. But to those that ARE changing their own oil, it would be up to them if they think the set up is time saving or convenience producing enough to warrant purchase and installation. I would think a torqued drain bolt and washer isn't so hard to deal with. But then again, Fumoto valves and products like this do sell. And my only other observation, is as Scotty admits, you DO have to clean and store the drainage attachment. Maybe not a big deal at all, but could be a problem if wherever someone decided to store it, it got lost. Also you do suddenly have a plastic tube, filled with oil. So...while the overall tool might make oil changes cleaner, faster, that is something you have to stop and clean or just deal with. Obviously directly after usage, you wouldn't want to just throw it in your car. Maybe a non-debate for me, because at this point in my life, I pretty much just pay someone to "hopefully" do my oil change right.
You don't have to actually USE the extra hose. Just not having to fish the plug and washer out of the drain pan each time might be worth it.
Yeah I was think that about the hose. One advantage of that gizmo: if you've overfilled and just want to remove a fraction of it, say a cup.
