ANSWERS
Q: Is my Engine Oil Drain Valve going to leak?
A: No. In its closed position the Engine Oil Drain Valve extends from the oil pan only about one half inch more than a standard oil drain plug. The valve's simple but effective locking system requires two distinct actions to open it and its heavy-duty construction will withstand any engine vibration. Over 2,000,000 Engine Oil Drain Valves have been sold in the past eight years and no problems have been reported.
Q: Will my Engine Oil Drain Valve open up while I am one the Road?
A: No. The "ball valve" design of your Engine Oil Drain Valve is just like the design of valves used in pressurized gas applications. Every valve is constructed to exacting specifications and each and every valve is tested for air tightness before it leaves the factory. The Engine Oil Drain Valve has been tested and granted "Genuine Part" status by six major motor vehicle manufacturers in Japan. These approvals were not granted easily and gaining them was a testimony to the quality and durability of the Engine Oil Drain Valve.
For users under extreme conditions:
If you are using the Engine Oil Drain Valve on off-road vehicles such as farm tractors and logging equipment under extreme environment (i.e. corn fields, brush areas), it is recommended that a hose clip as shown below be used for extra safety and security. The hose clip, which can be purchased at our online store, will firmly keep the lever in the locked position at all times.
Q: Does my Engine Oil Drain Valve protrude into the interior of the oil pan and prevent full drainage of my engine oil?
A: No. The threaded oil drain plug hole is always reinforced to accept the threaded bolt of the drain plug. Your Engine Oil Drain Valve will not extend past this threaded portion of the drain hole and will allow the oil to be properly drained. Your Engine Oil Drain Valve will let you drain your engine oil while it is hot without burning your hands and it is much more effective than trying to pump the oil out from above.
Q: How long will my Engine Oil Drain Valve last?
A: Your Engine Oil Drain Valve is constructed of corrosion resistant forged brass and stainless steel. To gain the approval of motor vehicle manufacturers it was subjected to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. It endured 336 hours of salt spray and thousands of openings and closings and still functioned perfectly. You can expect the Engine Oil Drain Valve to outlast your engine.
Q:Q: How much does the Engine Oil Drain Valve stick out from the oil pan? Is it safe to use the N-Type valve (with Nipple) for cars and light trucks?
A: The Standard Oil Drain Valve for passenger cars and light trucks is approximately 7/8" thick. This means that the valve sticks out only 1/2" more than the regular plug head from the oil pan. The Nipple on the N-Type Valve extends from the valve for 5/8". We do not recommend using the N-Type valve for vehicles with low clearance, as the valve may stick out too far against the ground. We recommend using S-type valve which extends only 3/16" from the valve for automotive engines for a hose use.
Q: I tried to open the valve before installing it but I can't move the lever. Is it defective?
A: The valve lever is a bit on the "stiff" side on the first try. Please use a glove, or a pair of pliers to "force" open it. It should move smoother after the first try, and it will be even easier once it's "lubricated" by the oil after draining.
Q: My oil drain pan threads have been stripped. Do you have over-size threads valves or is there anyway to use the oil drain valve?
A: We don’t have over size valves. Our recommendation is re-tapping your current stripped oil pan threads to the next largest thread size, and install the corresponding Fumoto Valve. For example, if your original thread size is 12mm-1.5, re-tap it to the size 14mm-1.5 and use the Fumoto Valve Model No. F-106. You can hire a mechanic do this for you, or you can do it yourself if you have the right tools and skills.
Q:The valve is not positioned straight up and down when tightened. Does it matter what position the valve handle is in?
A: No. It doesn't affect to the functionality of the valve at all. If the position is still a matter with any other concerns, we recommend using two gaskets instead of one, in order to avoid the position you don’t like.
Q: Can these valves be used with Motorcycles?
A: The valve can be used for some motorcycle engines as long as its threads size matches and your engine has enough space to install it. Please note that this valve wasn't originally manufactured for motorcycles. Therefore, the valve may be too exposed or less protected due to the lower ground clearance or other factors that depend on the engine model. Please make sure that you have enough space to install the valve and can install it in a protected position. Take this all into consideration for your safety when using our valves.
Q: If I am not sure that I need an adapter, what should I do?
A: An adapter(ADP-106, ADP-107, etc.) is used as a extension for a recessed oil drain port which may prevent your valve installation from hitting the oil pan wall. The best way to determine if you need one is to check your oil pan and see how the drain port is shaped. If it is recessed, it might be better to get an adapter with the valve. If you are not quite sure, we recommend that you purchase an adapter along with the valve, and see for yourself when you install the valve. If the adapter is not necessary, you can return it for a refund.
Q:What is the recommended torque to screw the valve into the oil pan?
A: Here is a list for the recommended torque for each valve.
| Valve Model # |
lbf/in |
ibf/ft |
| F-103, F-107, F-109 |
177 |
15 |
| F-101, F-102, F-104, F-105, F-106, F-108, F-110, F-111 |
211 |
18 |
| FG-2, FG-3, FG-7B, T-202, T-204, T-206, T-208, T-210 |
354 |
30 |
| FG-1NS, FG-5, FG-6, FG-7, FG-8, FG-9NS, T-200, T-201, T-203, T-205, T-207, T-209, T-211 |
531 |
44 |