For those that have not been arround G35 Driver too long...

Here's a oil drain valve that makes oil changes a snap.
No need to take off the under cover & all those screws.
I just got arround to installing mine last weekend.

The Fumoto drain valve has been arround for a while (there are some old posts), ....

You can get them HERE


In the 2nd pic purple arrow is the valve open/ close handle.
The green arrow is the drain; you can attach a small hose to keep things clean.

 

I don't think accessibility to the drain plug has ever been a concern. I believe the location of the oil filter in relation to the cover to be the most problematic.

 

Great find Ian . That looks like a must have for any DIYer.
See you Sunday.

 

Like spendgy said, my concern is the oil filter location and the labor required to remove the panel (lots of jacking, supporting the car, etc). I would never consider only replacing my oil and not my filter on every change. That's just me though.

The valve is a good idea, but I can remove a drain plug in seconds with a rachet. I've never replaced the so-called crush rings on the plug on any of my cars and I've never had any sort of leak.

 

Am i the only one that doesn't find it necessary to jack up the car? I can remove all of the screws for the panel just crawling under the car. I did consider the valve but didn't bother. Don't see any reason to yet. As it's only going to be 3-4 times a year I crawl under the car.

 

I changed out the oil myself the last time and I believe that that will be the last time. The clearance issue was just too much to bother with. The $30 the dealership is asking starts to sound good after trying it myself.

 

I can't crawl under my car - too low...

Anyone use ramps?

 

I don't jack up my car either. Since my driveway (and i believe most people's driveways) slope slightly downward, I just move my car out of the garage half way. The front wheel is in the garage and the back wheels is in the driveway. That slight incline gives me enough room. If that isn't enough room for you then maybe you need to go on a diet. LOL! Just kidding. But seriously, I have more than enough room by doing that. And there's no Safety concerns as with ramps and jacks, since at worst your car will slide down your driveway.

 

Ramps can present a clearance issue with the front fascia. There are extender pieces that attach to Rhino ramps and the like for this problem, but I feel like the money and effort would be better spent on just investing in a good pump handle jack and a couple of jack stands. I can have my car up in the air in under a minute and not have to worry about dropping my car off the front of the ramp if my foot slips.

 

Yep, I use ramps with extenders. Ultra ramps. The oil drain is not an issue, the oil filter is. The oil will drain much faster with the standard drain plug than with that oil drain valve. To change the filter I remove the two bolts at the rear of the guard, and work work through the slit that creates. I also use a K&N filter, which has a nut built into the filter housing making it easier to change.

Lou

 

I agree about the filter comments, but......

I run Amsoil synth. & will be doing oil testing.
What I like about the valve is it will let me take oil samples
between drain downs.

 

This product has been around for quite some time, my concern is that you are taking what is the lowest point on your car and making it even lower, might it be possible that this valve assembly might be broken off if you drive over some road debris?

I do have to admit though, with 700 miles on my G I have yet to craw under it to take a closer look, but that will all change soon.

 

I wondered about that initially as well...but;
It's not the low point. It's still above the plastic cover, which
gets bolted to the cross member you see in the pic.
(pic is with plastic cover removed)

 

get some rino ramps at pep boys 15 bucks they work great.
change your own oil
inspect your front end and check your car while saving some money.
the dealer is looking for business.
you can get a free scratch wash anywhere.
my free first oil change instructions to them was no wash no vacuum.
no matter how hard they try the will never love your car like you.
i cringe when i think about giving them my car.

 

I like the ramps idea but doesn't that make for a portion of the oil not being drained?? I thought at that angle there would be a portion of the oil/sump that wouldn't drain if only the front of the car was raised.... If I'm short on understanding...please fill in!