Fumoto Valve Fram sure drain etc

[lars-ss]

Now we need a similar gadget to make changing the filter a less painful procedure.
It was the quantity of oil trapped above the filter that ended up on top of my skid plate resulting in a mess and more work than I had planned

How much oil spilled out when you took off the filter?  

I ask because I will be using AMSOIL synthetic, so I will be changing the FILTER at times when I WILL NOT BE CHANGING the oil...

What kind of oil loss can I expect from this?
Thanks........

[jackalanche]

you can expect a mess (to the man who plans on removing his oil filter without draining the oil first). And you reason for changing a filter (meaning you feel that it has done it's oil cleaning job) without changing the dirty oil too is what?

The mess on other parts caused by the oil which invariably spills out from the oil filter when you remove it during a normal (normal = draining the oil first) oil change is typical, the only solutions involve jaming old towels just underneath the filter and of course, becoming the fastest oil filter spinner / remover in the west. she only spills when not upright. but this ain't news for any shade tree mechanic

[lars-ss]

you can expect a mess (to the man who plans on removing his oil filter without draining the oil first). And you reason for changing a filter (meaning you feel that it has done it's oil cleaning job) without changing the dirty oil too is what?
The mess on other parts caused by the oil which invariably spills out from the oil filter when you remove it during a normal (normal = draining the oil first) oil change is typical, the only solutions involve jaming old towels just underneath the filter and of course, becoming the fastest oil filter spinner / remover in the west. she only spills when not upright. but this ain't news for any shade tree mechanic

Well, ACTUALLY, the extent of lost oil and mess at filter change location depends on the engine and the angle of the filter.    I was asking because I have not yet looked at the AV filter position.  

Many cars and trucks these days have the filter angled DOWN or at least LEVEL so that you CAN change it without changing the oil.

And the reason you change the filter and NOT the oil is that you are using AMSOIL synthetic (or another brand) long-drain-interval oil.  

You can go 10K-12K between oil changes, but filter changes occur 5K-6K.  So there will be a lot more filter changes over the life of the engine than there will be oil changes.

Thanks for the info about the mess....I guess I'll have to find out the extent of the problem the first time I do it......

Laterz.........

[aVOLanche]

Lars,a couple of suggestions for changing the filter:(1)Loosen filter slightly and punch a drain hole in the bottom with a sharp tool to allow xs oil to drain.(2)Take a piece of card board,fold into a "V"-shaped "funnel" to run the oil down away from the  skid-plate(cover with aluminum foil for extra protection)- when you spin it off.This helps if there is oil pooled above the filter.

[jackalanche]

cool beans, whatever makes y'all happy out there - but in my book, if you be changing the filter and have the freakin hood up anyway, spend a few more bux and a couple more minutes and change out the oil too - I change oil at 3,000 intervals religiously in every one of my vehicles, yes I use (and pay more for) synthetic oil, and never ever had a problem with a lubricated engine mechanical part - 12 cars, three motorcylces, none of them pampered in how I use them. Just how I care for them.

as for the oil filter mess, only if you are so lucky to own a vehicle where the filter attaches at a near vertical, and updised down angle will you not have to deal with a little spillage. At least in my experience, but maybe I have been doing it wrong.

[wrchism]

The Av filter is vertical, and Yes, I did drain the oil first.  But, the Av seems to retain a bit more oil above the filter than other vehicles with vertical filters that I have changed.  And, the filter is partially over the skid plate on the Z71, which adds to the excitement!

Next time . . . I'll try either the aluminum foil trick to guide the errant oil into the drain pan, or punch a hole in the bottom of the filter to drain it before removing.

The Av's certainly not the worst setup out there.  I really don't like horizontally mounted difficult to access filters - such as on my 2.8L S-10 Blazer and several 4-bangers that I have had the pleasure of working on!

[aVOLanche]

wrchism,I think you are right that the filter seems to retain a bit of oil above itself.And if the anti-drainback valve is working properly,there should be some oil above it.

I like the vertical position for 3 reasons(1)It stays full of oil for start-up,(2)you can fill a new filter with oil and(3)the oil stays in the filter when you spin it off.But I wonder why it even has an anti-drainback valve since it is in an inverted,and vertical position??

 jackalanche,I think 3,000 changes with synthetic is pure overkill.I'll give you one thing though,no one can say you don't get good protection that way.I'm not ready for 12-15K intervals with synths,either.I'll probably use the new "SL" oils(which are synth/dino blends) and go by the oil indicator in the truck.

[nfhjr]

Have changed my oil twice so far   what i do is i have a thin piece of alum about 24in. long and 8in wide put it under the oil pan and into the drain pan   as to the filter i use the same piece of  alum. and wack a nice 1/4 inch hole in the filted it works great not much mess  

[lars-ss]

Well, I bit the bullet today and ordered the Fumoto valve.

My first "do it myself" oil change will be at the end of this month, right before the wife takes the AV on a 2,000 mile jaunt to Texas the first weekend in May.

I'll take all the tips so far and let 'er rip.......
Laterz..........

[zeeya2000]

???I definetly like the idea, but am wondering how much oil will stay in the engine since you will have about 3/8" of the threads that will be above the oil level engine and that oil will not drain, also i will loose the magnetic tip on the oil drain plug that i check each oil change for anything that might show signs of wear
my 2 cents, but have not ruled out. i like the idea, just thinking hard before changing
zeeya

[aVOLanche]

Good points.I thought about losing the magnet,but I think that stuff will end up in the oil filter.The pieces are too large to cause wear(it's the smaller particles that can get between moving parts).

AFA the oil left behind,it would be minimal and you're never gonna get it all out.The stuff clinging to all the internal parts is just as "dirty" as the stuff in the pan.It's the oil's job to keep the junk in suspension.So reasonable oil change intervals should eliminate any problems.If one wanted to get every last drop,with or without the Fumoto,it can't be done.A small,inexpensive suction pump like is used to drain diffs might help a little to get the stuff from the bottom of the oilpan.I'm just not that worried about every last drop.

I feel like making it a much cleaner,easier job to do is more important(I'm likely to change oil more frequently that way).
 

[bowtie-racing]

first zee.... you own a Avalanche  you have to change....lol

okay I have seen the one with the hose you put on and it drians. that is cool.

this one seem like a nice one.. I too will look into this.

I am one of those guys that takes the truck to the dealer and have them do it,..
I like the way they tell me to have a nice day and that I have a cool truck..( I am a show off..)

pete

[jst4f]

Just for everyone's information the Fumoto valve for the 2002 Avalanche is F107 with adapter.  F107 is the regular valve and the F107N has the nipple for draining through a hose.  Fumoto recommends against the F107N cars with low clearance.  While I have a 4wd Z71, I still got the F107N since I haven't seen any dents or scapes new the drip pan.

[openminds]

Wonder if you can plumb in a piece of copper tubing to it and bend around the obstacles. That would be a clean permanent solution.

Years back I used to run an oil filter with replaceable elements. Haven't seen them lately. Great thing about it was the drain valve built right into the bottom of the filter.

You could always relocate your filter too. That can make things easier.

Jonathan

[colonelmotox]

On the 2003 Av be sure you buy BOTH the plug AND adapter.  The F107 and F107N [adapter] must be ordered at same time. This does beat the standard plug operation hands down and hangs down only 1/2 inch more than OEM. Also, if you punch a hole in the filter before removal you will eliminate the problem. Of course if you do not change your own oil do not waste the money.

[j75player]

hmmm, i'd be too worried about some punk kid zippin around under trucks in the parking lot, flippin your drain plug open.   that'd be fun to come out of target to.

i have a big drain pan, and realy good access to the oil filter and plug with the lift, so i dont get too much of a mess doin it the old fashined way.

[jackalanche]

well, any punk kid can, if he so chooses, get under any Av (especially yours if you have a lift   ) and open up the oil drain bolt too, but let's stick the real world here since that scenario is so very unlikely too.

Anyway, I put the fumoto valve on the Av soon after I got it back in Nov 01, all I can say is don't knock until you have tried it - for instance, I put the Av up on a ramp to change the oil (makes it even more spacious under there) and when changing the oil on any of my vehicles, a slight breeze can make the oil stream in the last few minutes (just before the drip drip phase) wander out of the catch pan area - the fumoto valve w/ nipple lets you solve for this quite handily. Not to mention not having to engage in the old favorite game of "twist the hot oil drain bolt off for the last few turns by hand, and quickly pull it away once the threads are clear" - which, since I assume we are all doing this task ourselves on this thread, is a real PITA.

[colonelmotox]

Jackalanche- succiinct analysis of exactly how good the Fumoto oil plag really performs. I have always changed all my vehicles oil and the oil part problem is the fast dash removing that threaded plug by hand because you will Always get the oil on you or drop it in the oil drain pan. The Fumoto eliminates all that. And I wonder what weird kid hs time to egt under every Av to try and find out who the h--l has a Fumoto vs regular drain plug. It's not like there is a sticker or ad on the Av. Your spot on about the Fumoto.

[irontrain]

I picked up a FRAM sure drain kit today from PepBoys. They had them for $7.99. Anyone else using this for oil changes?

[WILDFIRE]

tried one when they first came out, it leaked as it didn't appear to have enough threads to fully seat 

[irontrain]

tried one when they first came out, it leaked as it didn't appear to have enough threads to fully seat 

Yeah, I'm a little worried about that. The directions say that if the included copper washer does not seat against the oil pan to place back in package and return. Should post on my experience over the weekend.

[Z66 BUTCH]

We gave away two of the Fumoto Valves at the Central Indiana Modding GTG. The first guy to win one broke it off trying to install it, part of it was left in his threads of the drain plug! Luckily someone got it out for him. The second winner would not install it!

Butch

[WILDFIRE]

Yeah, I'm a little worried about that. The directions say that if the included copper washer does not seat against the oil pan to place back in package and return. Should post on my experience over the weekend.

Hope it works out for you, functionally it worked well when I drained the oil to remove it

[irontrain]

tried one when they first came out, it leaked as it didn't appear to have enough threads to fully seat 

I installed the FRAM SD4 today. Went on with no problems. The directions say to torque at 20-27ft.lbs I went with 24ft.lbs. and had no leaks and next oil change no drips hopefully

[WILDFIRE]

maybe they improved them, might have to look at them again