I'm about as OCD about my Challenger as they come. Even though I've made it to 66, I still get under the beast and change the oil. However, I've been looking at the different valves used to drain the oil, i.e. Valvomax, Votex, Fumoto, Stahlbus, and a couple of others. In my search, the reviews I've seen for the Valvomax have been good. Some say it's a little pricey and the oil drains a bit slower, but it seems the latter is a common complaint about all of the different drain valves. I like the idea of being able to drain the oil when it's a bit warmer without the potential of burning my hand. Is anyone using any of the drain valves or specifically the Valvomax? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
I gave up on valves, found it so much quicker to pull the plug, and get 100% drain down. I have used Fumoto, and still have them on a couple of my vehicles. You might also consider getting a dipstick pump, that way you don't even have to pull the plug. I should probably get one myself.
Speaking of oil plugs, I just had a customer come in the shop this week with a small oil leak and come to find out a quick lube in my town must of used a power tool to tighten the drain plug up and it broke the head of the plug off flush with the oil pan. So, if you are able to change your oil or know someone personally it will possibly save money and agony.
I have been changing the oil on my cars since I was 17 using car ramps. I enjoy doing my own maintenance and insuring that the job is done right. I always use factory-recommended Mobil 1 0W-40 and an SRT oil filter.
X2, I can count on one hand the times I actually took my vehicles in for any work, that was not warranty. Body shop not included.
Right there with ya' Tom. I'd much rather do my own maintenance. I've seen so much about the different types of oil valves, I wondered if it was worth it. I've concluded that removing the bolt is still the better idea and it drains much faster.
As long as you know who is doing the wrenching you don't have to worry about it. I am on the fence about a dipstick pump, how much crap would be left behind? And would the little bit left behind be a problem, I have an oil change coming up on the truck, and was considering trying a pump?
I've been using valvomax on all of my vehicles for a couple of years now. Makes it less messy, and easier, being I'm also 66. No problems yet.
