Oil Pan Drain Plug

[stubborn1]

I was changing the oil yesterday and noticed how beat up the hex head was on my drain plug. I had to hammer on a socket just to loosen the head, otherwise it kept slippinging. Anyway, to make a long story short, I called a dealership for a replacment and they want $14.57 for the plug

Anyone have luck taking the bolt to the hardware store and buying something with the same threading? I figure I could find something grade 8 to match and add a nylon washer. I'll buy a Fumato valve before I pay $15 on a standard plug from the dealer.

Thanks

 

[aldive]

Why not upgrade with a Fumoto Oil Drain plug?

http://www.fumotovalve.com/

These make changing.sampling oil a snap.

 

[springer]

I bought one (stock replacement, not the Fumoto) at O'Riley's auto parts. Two, maybe 3 dollars, at the most.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It looks nice, but I would be afraid to install something like this on a low underclearance where that valve is very close to the ground. If I ran over something, and it hit someting, it might break off. I would be in serious trouble (not to mention having a bent oil pan, and possibly stripping the thread where it was connected). One thought is to use a plumbing valve that is much cheaper. I know that this has a locking handle to keep it from moving, but they also make valves that use a special key to open, so there is no external handle to accidentally move. I personally like a magnetic drain plug for catching all of the shavings.

 

[aldive]

It looks nice, but I would be afraid to install something like this on a low underclearance where that valve is very close to the ground. If I ran over something, and it hit someting, it might break off. I would be in serious trouble (not to mention having a bent oil pan, and possibly stripping the thread where it was connected). One thought is to use a plumbing valve that is much cheaper. I know that this has a locking handle to keep it from moving, but they also make valves that use a special key to open, so there is no external handle to accidentally move. I personally like a magnetic drain plug for catching all of the shavings.

I have never heard of a problem with the Fumoto drain plug and lots of folks use them.

 

[BrooklynBay]

This might have other uses, such as on a transmission pan, or a differential cover. Al, do you have one of these on your vehicle?

 

[trucku]

I like that valve...gonna get one for my father inlaw. He uses non synthetic oil would make his life easier as often as he changes his oil.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Since there are different threads on pans, make sure that you get the correct one before you order it.

 

[DeathsArrow]

I installed the quick change unit made by Fram. It workes well enough, although it takes longer to drain the oil, but with the supplied tube, it doesn't make any mess.

 

[aldive]

Al, do you have one of these on your vehicle?

Indeed I do.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Al, I see that your valve is going horizontal. My original concern was on the pans that have the valve mounted directly underneath of it. I also see that you have a remote oil filter. Do you have the single, or double end (one oil filter, or twins side by side)? I once had the double with the hoses that were provided. The ends kept leaking. Maybe they are making them better now. This was back in 1989. I remember that the crimped end had a yellow plastic bushing that was a separator between the threaded end, and the hose. That plastic piece was the culprit for the leak. I don't see that on your hoses. I think I might have had Transdapt, or some other brand. I don't remember.

 

[aldive]

Al, I see that your valve is going horizontal. My original concern was on the pans that have the valve mounted directly underneath of it. I also see that you have a remote oil filter. Do you have the single, or double end (one oil filter, or twins side by side)? I once had the double with the hoses that were provided. The ends kept leaking. Maybe they are making them better now. This was back in 1989. I remember that the crimped end had a yellow plastic bushing that was a separator between the threaded end, and the hose. That plastic piece was the culprit for the leak. I don't see that on your hoses. I think I might have had Transdapt, or some other brand. I don't remember.

The hoses lead to my Amsoil bypass oil filter system. Take a look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126111&highlight=bypass+oil+filter

And, no, I have never had a single drop leak.

 

[302Xplorer]

I wouldn't use it if you go offroad much.
If you are mainly on road, you should have no problem.

 

[stubborn1]

Well - NAPA auto parts and $5.50 later and I have a drain plug. Spendy, but not as bad as it could have been.

 

[trucku]

Hey you synthetic dual filter Bypass guys don't need no stinkin quick drain valve..weld them drains shut and go for broke...LOL

My drain valve on my truck angles almost completely down so definately can't use one of them. It would surely be knocked off with a New York pothole or road debris from the BQE.

 

[BrooklynBay]

That's what I was afraid of, since I have low ground clearance, and my 3.0 has the plug on the bottom. By the way, a few years ago there was a write up about the nation's 10 worst highways. One of them was the Gowanus Expressway (I-278), which is about 4-5 miles from my house. I'm not surprised. It has extremely heavy traffic with 18 wheeler trucks going across it 24/7, and is a real joke to even post a speed limit there. They should take off the "Expressway" from it's name, since nobody has ever done more than 20-30 MPH the most on it!

 

[aldive]

Hey you synthetic dual filter Bypass guys don't need no stinkin quick drain valve..weld them drains shut and go for broke...LOL

We eventually change the oil

The Fumoto drail is very useful for pulling oil samples for UOA. It takes about 10 seconds.