Drain valve...

I can help you with this one! Get an electric mower and stop changing oil and storing gasoline. You'll love it, and your neighbors will love you.

 

I did this a couple years back and will never go back to gas. Dealing with the cord is nothing compared to the starting/storage/maintenance of the old Briggs and Stratten.

 

That's a great idea - except mowing 4 hilly acres by hand gets really old fast!

I'm thinking sheep might be the answer! Automated mowing with a fertilizer byproduct! Sorry for digressing.

 

Cord?! Yikes. I have a battery electric. NO CORD! You have one more step to go to achieve mowing nirvana.

 

Hey... the response was specifically aimed at the "push mower" mentioned!

What was this thread about, again?

 

I just can't figure out how to get my gas mower into Stealth mode!

Maybe the Prius can be retrofitted with a mower blade...ever watch "Monster Garage?"

Maybe we can get the drain plugs added to the Store?

 

I use the Fram drian valve and when I went to install it I found that the supplied copper washer was not soft. So I annealed it and it was dead soft when I put it on and has never leaked a drop. I'm sure with the standard washer at the proper torque that it's still not going to conform to the undulations on the oil pan where the drain plug goes in. Next time you have the drain plug out have a look and see, what I found was it was quite rough and uneaven.
Anneal copper is really easy, take the washer and hold it with needle nose plier and heat it with a propane torch till you see a colour change and then drop it into cold water. Dead soft.

 

the extractor sounds pretty neat (double meaning intended). The least expensive one I found was about $75.00. Does that sound right?

 

Yeah. I haven't found an extension cord long enough for field mowing. I tried hand mowing for 2 years, it was a marathon. No exageration, in spring, by the time I finished, it was time to do it all over again.

However, that doesn't mean I don't dream of an EV lawn tractor. Considering converting the Craftsman to propane at least.

 

But don't you still have to drag out the oil pan to deal with the oil filter? At that point, pulling the plug seems just a part of the process. I ended up buying the NAPA version of this drain pan:
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail....artnumber=11837

 

In my case... if I go through the trouble of using a drain valve, it is for MY own convenience. No reason to install the drain if you're paying somebody else to perform the service. I'm the only one who changes the oil on my cars (I mean on the one that actually NEED oil changes!). The lowest-common denomintor employee is the one who usually does oil changes, regardless of the vehicle. Not for me, thanks!

 

That sounds close. This is the one I purchased.
The-Fluid-Evacuator-Plus,-8.8-Liter

 

I just knew someone would call me on that point.

Yes - I have a pan, but so far, very little oil has spilled out when I removed the filter. I think if I had more working room under the car (a lift or a pit), I'd probably opt for the traditional method of oil changing.

But since I can use the pump with all my small engines, it makes sense for me.

 

Ah.... I still don't let them change the oil... so I'm no help with this answer.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ScottY @ Mar 6 2006, 10:38 AM) [snapback]221059[/snapback]</div>

I'm trying to decide between the Fumoto and the Fram. My local O'Reilly auto parts store only has a drain valve called "EZ Drain" where you push an outer ring and twist to lock and it starts draining from a hole in the center. The only thing holding me back from a Fumoto was the safety, but now I know about the hose clip ring that can keep the lever in the locked position. I like how the Fram drain is more secure where you can only drain it with the proper fitting. The biggest thing that leans me toward the Fram is that it has the drain tube, which would be nice to have without adding any additional length to the drain valve on the oil pan as opposed to the Fumoto with the nipple. Since I cannot find the Fram locally I will have to order anyway, since I don't have actual experience with a drain valve... which one should I order? Oh yeah, I also do not like that the Fram has the copper washer that needed to be annealed...? I do not have a blow torch... Would I be better off going with the Fumoto assuming it is a higher quality product? Or should I just forget about the whole thing and get the gaskets with the oil filters and just use the drain plug?

Thanks!

 

I've got the Fram and to be perfectly honest I wish I'd just left the origional drain plug in it. As far as anneling the copper washer you could do in on you kitchen stove all you need is a pair of pliers to pick it up and drop it into the cold water. For that matter just use a new origional gasket and skip the copper. Also it hangs down a bit low with the protective cap on it as well. Honestly, save your money.

 

Fumoto works great. I also tie wrap a piece of electrical tape over the outlet of the valve to keep it clean for catching oil for analysis.

 

I installed the Fumoto valve (#F-103) on my 2006 Prius. It comes with a washer which I also installed. Installation was a breeze, and so far completely bubble tight. I did not order the nipple as I wanted to minimize undercarriage projection.
The Fumoto drain valve does not appear to reduce ground clearance, as it seems to project no farther than other undercarriage components.
The lever w/detent seems secure enough, so I haven't added the locking clamp.
Eventually, I'll be taking my car to discount oil change outlets, and I'm hopeful that an added drain valve, will only make it easier for the teenage lube jockeys to change the oil without cross-threading the oil pan.

Oh, did I say I love this car?