Does anyone change their own oil?

[last5oh_302]

I've been meaning to get a Fumoto type oil drain valve for years, but couldn't find a decent Canadian price.

I found this instead, which is the same thing. No more tools (except for oil filter), no more mess and no more oil basin needed, You can just drain the old oil back into your empty oil bottles.

I just ordered one before my first oil change on the truck. Canadian funds and free shipping:

http://www.ezoildrain.ca/

Has anybody used one of these?

[3Wheelerdude]

I thought about it but the fear of the valve opening on debris while off roading kept me away.

[last5oh_302]

That's a non issue. Read up on that myself.

[3Wheelerdude]

Fumoto themselves recommend the use of an additional clip if you take your truck offroad. It makes it less appealing when it becomes more steps and more things that can break.

[COLOR=#333333]"FOR USERS OPERATING VEHICLES IN EXTREME CONDITIONS[COLOR=#333333][COLOR=#333333]If you operate your vehicle on rough terrain or in conditions where objects may strike the oil drain area (ie. logging, off-road, farming), we recommend installing a lever clip. A lever clip firmly secures the lever in the locked position at all times and prevents accidental openings."

And a quick google search revealed a couple reported leaky valves.

[last5oh_302]

The lever is spring loaded. I read the the clip isn't necessary by those that have been using them for years. I'm sure if you google you can find a person or two that may have had a leak, but then you'll get a whack more that have never had a leak after using them on several different vehicles over the years.

I guess it depends on your oil drain pan and the angle of the plug. I have a skid plate as well. Not too worried about catching it on anything and if it does I think you have more serious issues..lol. Apparently there are many other things that would be taken out before the valve when off roading but if it worries you then I wouldn't do it.

[last5oh_302]

The only complaint I've read is that the oil drains slower, but then that's another reason to heat it up. If it takes an extra minute to drain I'm ok with that.

[Fox]

I would be worried about it catching on something but that would be a dependent on the angle the plug sits. On my Jeep the plug is straight down, I know a branch would grab that and rip a hole in my oil pan on the first run, even with the skid plates on. I don't know if that would work on the Matrix, I have not yet changed the oil as it is still on warranty.

[Marker]

My boat had a similar device, I found an oil vacuum was easier but you may not be able to use it on certain vehicles.

[mattadam]

I did an oil change on my Tacoma last weekend. Put a brick as a wedge on both rear tires, jacked up the front and put jack stands under, put down some cardboard incase of spillage, put my catch basin under, took out the plug and let it drain. I try to do as much maintenance on my own as possible.
I personally wouldn't use the valve but that's just because no matter what the manufacturer and internet users say, you never know what can happen. My plug points straight down and there is no skid plate, I would be worried just like Fox.

[last5oh_302]

Well I'll let you know how it goes. I've always done my own oil changes using those plastic Rhino ramps, and I think this valve is going to make things much easier, and cleaner, and quicker. Like I said I've been meaning to get one for years and finally ordered one. I'm pretty sure the plug on my 2016 F150 sticks straight down as well but I haven't looked yet, and I want to put a few k more on it before it's first oil change. Either way there's usually a cross member like in the pic posted above, plus a skid plate. My 05 F150 looked like the pic above. I'm not worried about it catching anything while off roading. I don't do any serious off roading with my daily driver anyway.