I'm forever afraid of stripping the threads, not just on oil changes, but anytime. I have not done so yet on any vehicle in 20+ years, but there is always a first time. Saw this little device for oil changes, looks real cool, so I was wondering if anybody has one.


http://www.fumotousa.com/main.htm

 

that is kinda cool but after reading the site i'm curious as to why they don't have anyone "real" stores selling it. the local dealer here would be someone rich guys house

 

I have one of these on my Ram and one on my 300C. Much neater oil changes. No leaks whatsoever. I wonder if these guys make one for the tranny pans?

 

On my truck no..

But a ton of our tractors have them, no problems at all with them..they are factory. So i dont see why it wouldnt work.

 

a ton of guys in the CTD section are using them.. they do work well but stick out a lil more than a regular bolt... i just use the bolt..

 

Somehow I do not see how that fits into this post, and it is dirty

Back on topic, these type of things always scared me. I guess the valve opening is more likely than a bolt falling out of the pan. The other thing that would worry me is if I took it off road, given the oil pan is the lowest point of the engine and now you have this extra thing sticking down from it to grab things as they go by. Guess I am just paranoid, but since it is easy enough to take the plug out, especially on a 4x4, I am sticking with the plug.

 

thats the other thing that had me wondering is what 94rt10ohio said... i dont want that thing catchin when im off roading...

 

On the Ram and the C, they stick out, not down. Your point about the valve is well taken. For a little extra insurance, I just put a 5/8" hose clamp around the valve body, so the lever can't come up. Off-roading is a different kettle of fish, for sure. My off-roading days are over anyway. Plus, the C doesn't get off-road much.

 

hehe my off roading days are far from over!

 

I think the funny thing about the responses here is that I never knew the thingy existed and it was brought to my attention on one of the off-road forums I'm on, where the little do-dad has attracted quite a following...