Topic: Fumoto Valve Washer *REPLACE IT!*

[TWRC]

I remember reading a while back about LilDrunkenSmurf's Fumoto Valve Washer disintegrating, well guess what?  It happened to me too.

I removed my skidplate this morning to change my oil and noticed a 3"x3" oil stain on the skidplate.  I traced it back to the Fumoto valve and decided to remove it.  Upon the removal I noticed that there was just about nothing left of the washer and it had pretty much crumbled away.  I replaced it with the crush washer that came with my new oil filter so hopefully I won't have to revisit this problem down the road. 

Right now I'm just really thankful that I caught this in time and the fact that I check my oil pretty much at every fill.  *phew*

[Zaider]

What's the fumoto valve washer made out of? Is it one of those fabric washers or is it a metal crush one?

[TWRC]

It's like a rubbery cork material.  Obviously it can't handle the temperatures of the oil / oil pan or can't cope with our winters.

[Sean]

I bet the stock crush washer is a good bet.

I was just thinking today about getting a quick drain for the forester and obs. Don't wanna cut my skidplate for the WRX though

[Wally]

Mine looked to be in good condition when i checked a few weeks ago. It's been on there for a year.
But I just might toss on a fresh crush washer if people are starting to have issues.

[LilDrunkenSmurf]

When I was under the car a few days ago, I noticed that even though the valve hadn't backed off at all, I was able to tighten it up even more with the crush washer..

[snackers]

Mine looked to be in good condition when i checked a few weeks ago. It's been on there for a year.

Same deal. Mine has been on since Sept 08, and still looks good.

[Waller]

I just took my quick drain off a couple days ago and the washer was fine.

[Claw]

Good to know; I'll replace it with a standard crush washer next time I change the oil.

[stefan]

How often are you guys  changing these crush washers? I was looking into getting a fumoto valve, but if you're having to take the assembly off to replace the washer, isn't it no better than just doing an oil change without it?

And the washer's made out of.. cork? Seems a bit strange.

[Perfect Dark]

How often are you guys  changing these crush washers? I was looking into getting a fumoto valve, but if you're having to take the assembly off to replace the washer, isn't it no better than just doing an oil change without it?

And the washer's made out of.. cork? Seems a bit strange.

They are just changing it the one time from the washer supplied to a metal one.

[pearl boxer]

How often are you guys  changing these crush washers? I was looking into getting a fumoto valve, but if you're having to take the assembly off to replace the washer, isn't it no better than just doing an oil change without it?

And the washer's made out of.. cork? Seems a bit strange.

If the cork/rubber washer is breaking down, then you should take off the valve and repace it with a metal crush washer.  You won't have to take off the valve after that...ever most likely.  If you're worried just put a crush washer on to begin with instead of the cork/rubber one that comes with the valve.

I havent had any issue with the drain valve leaking on mine and I think it's been around a year.

[LilDrunkenSmurf]

How often are you guys  changing these crush washers? I was looking into getting a fumoto valve, but if you're having to take the assembly off to replace the washer, isn't it no better than just doing an oil change without it?

And the washer's made out of.. cork? Seems a bit strange.

Just the one time

[stefan]

Gotcha
Wonder why it doesn't ship with a standard metal crush washer?

[snackers]

Just gonna bump this up for some proof that they're not all bad.

This fumoto has been on the car for ~2.5yrs, since the very first oil change on my car.
2 winters, 3ish summers. Tons of autox's and more than a few 12hr drives, so I'm sure that oil pan got plenty hot.

Perfect seal. The only oil on the gasket is from the valve coming out, and oil obviously draining out.

[jutes]

^^^This.

I've had mine on for over 2 years now and never had any issues. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[Catalyst]

I'm thinking about getting one as I change my oil every 3000kms religiously.

[soulvaccination]

I changed mine out recently after reading this thread.  It looked fine, but I figured it couldn't hurt to change it just in case.  I'm just going to make it a yearly thing, just for the OCD to relax a bit.

[GrantC]

I think the take away message is that it doesn't hurt to check it.  Which you'll be doing (hopefully) every time you're down there doing an oil change.  (You are cleaning/investigating all the leaks down there every time you change your oil, right?)

[snackers]

I think the take away message is that it doesn't hurt to check it. 

Yup.
I checked it each time anyways (especially after threads like this one) but it always looked good.
The point I was making is that they are only a concern if something happens. I didn't replace it with a crush washer because it was perfectly fine and showed NO signs of deterioration after 2.5yrs.
The only reason I took it out is because it will be going on my next car.

[pearl boxer]

I think the take away message is that it doesn't hurt to check it.  Which you'll be doing (hopefully) every time you're down there doing an oil change.  (You are cleaning/investigating all the leaks down there every time you change your oil, right?)

People look under their cars?