I read somewhere that you can change to a Fumoto valve when your oil pan is full by applying suction to the oil filler tube and then remove the normal drain plug and replace it with the Fumoto valve.I have a new fumoto valve and need to change my oil and would like to do it the easy way and drain the old oil into jugs I already have.Is this really true. Hate to try it and get oil everywhere.Thanks for your commentsBusyguy

That was posted by Fuzzyface with the link to it below. (First post on page 2)PostFor the first oil change on my ISL, I was concerned about capturing the 7 gal or so of oil draining out of the engine (I had the Fumoto valve, but had not yet installed it). In a stroke of genius, I hooked up my shop vac to the oil filler opening, and had my wife hold it there, while I pulled out the old oil plug and installed the Fumoto valve.....Not a single drop of oil was spilled....worked like a charm (I could actually hear air bubbling up thru the drain plug opening before I screwed in the Fumoto valve).

Vacuum is a tremendously powerful force. I'm glad it worked for FF but I would be concerned it could damage a gasket or seal someplace. I would wait until an oil change to install it.

I would wonder if the fumes from the crankcase, when compressed and drawn across a sparking motor, might be hazardous. Like "boom."

Moved from Forum Technical Support

Go ahead, let us know how it turns out.

Fumoto valve install | Good Sam Community

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Apr 29, 2017
Grit dog wrote:
3 pages later, just drain the oil and then put in the valve.

BINGO!
Grit_dog
Navigator
Apr 29, 2017
3 pages later, just drain the oil and then put in the valve.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Apr 28, 2017
Humm, back in the day of carburetor vehicles I don't know if it would be Completely safe. If the carb ran to rich and filled the pan with some gas then the gas fumes would be sucked up by the vacuum and KABOOM.

Some vacuums use part of the exhaust gas from the vacuum to cool the motor.

I heard of something like that happening once. I think it was on a episode of an old radio show called Car Talk.
djousma
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
It will probably work, but I'd work quickly. Leave that vacuum on the oil fill too long, and you may suck the oil right up into the vacuum!
richardcoxid
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
A number of years ago I had a dealer do it (used the shop vacuum) when the brass gasket on the drain plug cracked. Worked perfectly.

I would recommend NOT using your wife's house vacuum. Use your shop!

So I would say that the first time I saw it done was on my vehicle at least 25 years ago! KEEP the end of the vacuum hose TIGHT against the oil fill until after the Fumoto/drain plug is reinstated!
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Apr 26, 2017
coolbreeze01 wrote:
fj12ryder wrote:
^^^^Only $20 for the labor, but what do they charge for the parts? :) It's pretty much a given that shops make a lot of their money from the parts price markup.

I furnished the oil, filter was $13 plus they grease, top off fluids, check the tires, brakes and batteries. OTD for $33.
Not too bad, but don't forget to include the cost of the oil in that price. Figure 3 gallons at $13/gallon, and that works out to around $75. Not a bad price, not super cheap, but a pretty good price, especially for a dealer.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Apr 26, 2017
Oh so that's what that is called ! We have one on our farm's combine. It is quite nice !! (The one on the combine is a little bent because we could not figure out how to open it the first time.)

I think that I would wait until after the oil change and then install it. But, that's just me.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Apr 21, 2017
fj12ryder wrote:
^^^^Only $20 for the labor, but what do they charge for the parts? :) It's pretty much a given that shops make a lot of their money from the parts price markup.

I furnished the oil, filter was $13 plus they grease, top off fluids, check the tires, brakes and batteries. OTD for $33.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Apr 21, 2017
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Go ahead, let us know how it turns out.

X2. Would love to hear the results.
fpresto
Explorer
Apr 20, 2017
The idea of using a shop vacuum at the oil fill hole while removing the drain plug is nothing new. I first saw it done at least 30 years ago and am sure that wasn't the first time it was done. In that case it was to replace a seeping plug but it worked well.

Forum Discussion

Fumoto valve install

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Fumoto Valve

Fumoto valve question

DIY Oil Changes- Fumoto Valve

Installed A Thermostatic Shower Mixer Valve

Mixer valve