Would the installation of a Fumoto valve make it possible to empty the oil pan without having to remove the skid plate?
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...
I do not know, htmlspinner's comment seems relevant. Or do you not replace the oil filter when you open the oil plug ?
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...
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.
Will, I do not have the answer you are looking for but I plan on doing the same thing. I have [FONT="]Fumoto[/FONT][FONT="] 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]
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
