Huffer Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 Any tips for removing one? I've had PB blaster soaking on this sunnavabich for nearly an hour, and I am still having no luck getting it off. Also, just to confirm for me, which way should the plug be turning? Clockwise or anti-clockwise? Thanks, Grumpy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 Counterclockwise. Got an impact wrench? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenSisters Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 Doubt it it's rusted. Try a 1/2" drive 6 point socket on an 18" breaker bar,if you don't have the impact wrench and find a new mechanic. Proper torque is only around 30 ftlbs., if that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huffer Posted January 15, 2005 Author Share Posted January 15, 2005 Thanks guys, found a suitable socket wrench and the thing came loose after a few good pulls. I'm throwing the whole plug and gasket, fitting with a new one because the corners are a little rounded off now... WHEW! PS. You guys are QUICK on here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballitch Posted January 16, 2005 Share Posted January 16, 2005 ya use the proper metric socket with a 12'' socket wrench, oyu shouldnt have to over torque those darn things, i think someone way back when said that all his oil drained out because he didnt torque the oil plug enuf, since then everyone has been like, "torque that B**CH down boys, ahuk." ~Josh~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frag Posted January 16, 2005 Share Posted January 16, 2005 One way to forget all those problems (stuck plug, finding right torque, stripped threads, plug falling into oil catch pan, oil getting all over your hands and on the floor, etc.) is bying a Fumoto valve. A flick of the lever and your oil starts to drain, one flich of the lever and it's closed. Had it for over three years and am very happy with it. http://www.fumotovalve.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted January 16, 2005 Share Posted January 16, 2005 Torque spec for the drain plug is 40Nm, which is as stated above roughly 30ftlbs. I always tighten bolts with my torque wrench. I think the grease monkeys at most dealers just overtighten everything, thinking that way nothing will fall off. Overtightening IS dangerous, bolts can break suddenly under later stress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnuman Posted January 16, 2005 Share Posted January 16, 2005 One way to forget all those problems (stuck plug, finding right torque, stripped threads, plug falling into oil catch pan, oil getting all over your hands and on the floor, etc.) is bying a Fumoto valve. A flick of the lever and your oil starts to drain, one flich of the lever and it's closed. Had it for over three years and am very happy with it. http://www.fumotovalve.com/ That valve bothers me. What if a stick or something got stuck in there just enough to acuate the valve. . . I'll stay with the standard drain plug, thank you very much. . . HTere is such a thing as too easy. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillAileo Posted January 16, 2005 Share Posted January 16, 2005 I've had the Fumoto valve on three Subarus, three Volvos and a Toyota and its made oil changes much quicker & cleaner. The first thing I do when I get a new car is buy one. The actuation of the valve requires two movements and accidental activation would be extremely difficult to cause. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted January 16, 2005 Share Posted January 16, 2005 I've had the Fumoto valve on three Subarus, three Volvos and a Toyota and its made oil changes much quicker & cleaner. The first thing I do when I get a new car is buy one. The actuation of the valve requires two movements and accidental activation would be extremely difficult to cause. Bill I agree with Gnuman, this puts the valve down way to low if you hit a curb or go on off road trials like I do it would be way to risky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frag Posted January 16, 2005 Share Posted January 16, 2005 I agree with Gnuman, this puts the valve down way to low if you hit a curb or go on off road trials like I do it would be way to risky. It's a matter of choice of course. I was only stating what my experience has been. Add to that the fact that I have been on this board and on alt.autos.subarus for more than five years, know that many have the fumoto valve or something similar and I've never read a single post from someone having had the kind of trouble some here are fearing. But I've read numerous posts of drivers having had trouble with the standard plug. And I think people doing serious off road should have a skid plate anyway. If you go places where the valve could be damaged, you're goint to places where your oil pan could be punctured. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted January 17, 2005 Share Posted January 17, 2005 Yeah, but the standard skid plate on the Legacy BC7 I owned DID protect the oil pan (I made use of the plate too!) but a fumoto valve would stick out an be just past level with the plate. Meaning you would need to fit a new plate. I have often been tempted to fit a fumoto, since I replace my oil every three months, but I must admit that I share "the fear" :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted January 17, 2005 Share Posted January 17, 2005 It's a matter of choice of course. I was only stating what my experience has been. Add to that the fact that I have been on this board and on alt.autos.subarus for more than five years, know that many have the fumoto valve or something similar and I've never read a single post from someone having had the kind of trouble some here are fearing. But I've read numerous posts of drivers having had trouble with the standard plug. And I think people doing serious off road should have a skid plate anyway. If you go places where the valve could be damaged, you're goint to places where your oil pan could be punctured. I just fear adding a failure point to my vehicle. Even a good curb shot could take the valve off, or a wayward rock. I do not do serious wheeling with my subaru but have bounced a few rocks off my underside from time to time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frag Posted January 17, 2005 Share Posted January 17, 2005 Yeah, but the standard skid plate on the Legacy BC7 I owned DID protect the oil pan (I made use of the plate too!) but a fumoto valve would stick out an be just past level with the plate. Meaning you would need to fit a new plate. I have often been tempted to fit a fumoto, since I replace my oil every three months, but I must admit that I share "the fear" :-) Maybe we've got the scenario for a new asian horror movie here : the Fumoto fear!!!!!! Setright, I will look at it more closely next time my head is under the car... but in my opinion - and i remember it was a reason why I was at ease with the valve - the valve does'nt protrude under he pan bottom level. I dont know how it is with your car, but on mine the oil plug opening is on the side of the pan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted January 17, 2005 Share Posted January 17, 2005 Just when you thought it was safe to scoot under the car.... Fumoto Valve! Coming soon...Only in Cinemas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Clark Posted January 18, 2005 Share Posted January 18, 2005 Buy the valve, they are most excellent. Quit what if'ing the frikin' thing to death. What if your oil pan got hit by lightning while you were racing up Pike's peak? What if a train track rail suddenly popped up off the roadway and knocked off the valve? What if, What if, What if... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger1 Posted January 19, 2005 Share Posted January 19, 2005 [i had the same problem with my old Mercedes and a mechanic fro germany said give a good rap with a hammer on oil plug. Never was frustrated again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strakes Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 The solution to the dreaded Fumoto Fear and an end to your Fumoto Nightmares: http://www.fumotousa.com/faq.htm Check out the 2nd question and the answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 Those Fumoto valves are pretty cool but I wouldn't reccomend one if you do any kind of off-roading. I have heard people say they use them while off roading and had no problems but I wouldn't want to be the exception. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 What if your oil pan got hit by lightning while you were racing up Pike's peak? What if a train track rail suddenly popped up off the roadway and knocked off the valve? Yes, Yes, Yes! That's exactly what happened to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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