For the past year I’ve had difficulty doing oil changes because my drain hole on my 2012 JKUR didn’t line up with the hole on the Rock Hard skid plate. It was aimed at the side of the skid plate hole. I could either try and deflect the draining oil into the catch basin and make a big mess or remove the skid plate. After a few oil changes of removing the skid plate I was tipped off to Fumoto oil drain valves, Fumoto Valve | Qwik Valve™. They have several options of oil drain valves for lots of vehicles. There is also an easy make, model, year search feature.

I went with a 90 deg elbow option ($29.95) and I’m able to rotate the elbow to about a 4 o’clock position. I also ordered a 3’ piece of 3/8” ID tubing ($3) and a 5/8” spring clip ($1). The tubing allows me to direct the oil flow by attaching it to the 90 deg elbow. I’ll be able to drain directly into the 5qt & 1qt bottles that I saved from the previous oil change.
No mess from dripping oil pans.
No mess from pouring the used oil into plastic bottles to transport to recycling center.
No more dropping the skid plate every oil change.

Here are a few photos before and after the skid plate was installed. I have 5/8’ between the skid plate and the bottom of the elbow on the drain valve.



I did have to trim the deflector ring that was on the skid plate for added clearance.


If I remember I'll post a follow up of my next oil change.

 

These are actually pretty terrible.....ask me how I know. I've got the hose and all hooked up and make sure that I try to drain after running the engine when it's hot and it still takes forever to drain.

Mine was not protected by a skid and the nipple broke off but the valve still works great.....though it now needs teflon tape to fit my pan correctly (just a word of advice).

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Can't say that I agree with a Fumoto being "pretty terrible". Even if it does take a little bit longer, I can drain oil directly into a couple of one gallon water containers without spilling a drop. The oil filter can be handled with minimal spillage too if you pay attention. I can have the whole job done and the used oil dropped off at Pep Boys while it's still warm.

My only caution is to install the valve lever and outlet so it doesn't hang down where it could get snagged on a rock or brush. But that's what skid plates are good for.

 

Yes, I should say "your mileage may vary..." but it's a much slower process than I anticipated when I purchased the valve. It is certainly true that it can keep the oil changes much cleaner than previous experiences.

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I must say I love these valves, makes oil changes clean and easy. One concern I had though after using one is that it's not magnetic therefore will not collect the small metal filings that a normal plug will. My answer to that though is a powerful neodymium magnet that I place on the oil filter. Probably pointless but I figure it can't hurt.

 

I've used them for years,no problem.