Remember my incident a while back of the cracked oil pan? I had to remove the pan, pressure wash and degrease it so it could be welded to repair a couple of hairline cracks that were caused by an overzealous mechanic who took the term "crush washer" from pronoun to verb.
This repair to my oil pan creates an uneasiness whenever I change my oil, for fear of stressing the welds by tightening the drain plug to the recommended torque.
Upon reading the review, my fear shifted to dreams of a one time install of the EZ Oil Drain Valve and each subsequent oil change thereafter... cake.
I jumped online, found a free shipping discount code, placed my order and cleared my schedule for the following Friday to change my oil.
The valve arrived from California within two days, then it was just a quick jaunt on the Tiger to Autozone for some oil and a filter. Rotella T6 synthetic was on sale so I bought 2 gallons, 2 filters hoping they would fit in my pannier.
With the oil and filter home, my Tiger warmed, I was ready to get this done. Carefully removing the drain plug and old filter was easy peasy, the installation of the new valve was somewhat unnerving; were the threads tapered and what's with this o-ring?
I threaded the valve into position by hand, then reached for my Saskatchewan socket set and ever so gently turned the valve until the o-ring seated against the flange of the pan. So far so good. I replaced the filter and buttoned everything up. Now to add the oil, add a little and check for leaks. Add a bit more, no weeps. A little bit more, check again.... then... meh, fill 'er up.
Looks good, but does hang down too low? Not any lower than the exhaust or filter, besides, the center stand hangs lower. Sure, the sidestand bracket will protect it, right? How often do I ride the Rubicon Trail anyway?
But that handle, ohhhh pretty, I'm tempted to touch it. Then visions of my friends being led into temptation flooded my mind; four litres of motor oil pooled under my bike and running down the storm drain at the next bike night are images I cannot get out of my head. So my next stop is the hardware store, the manufacturer recommends using a 5/8" hose clip to secure the valve from "accidental" operation.
That, and if I don't tell them they won't know, right?!?
I've been using one of those on my truck for almost 8 years and have never had any problems. I do have a clamp against the valve handle and have never had a problem but I do worry about hitting it with something if off road. It is still above the bottom of the axle but definitely looks a little vulnerable hanging down there. Maybe a bash plate isn't such a bad idea to protect the oil filter and the drain.
ReplyDeleteThe hose clip locks the handle, keeping curious paws from opening it, but the valve itself is vulnerable to rocks, curbs and things that go bump in the night. Now to find a bash plate.
DeleteIf you have been using one on your truck for 8 years then you have been using a Fumoto oil drain valve and not the EZ oil drain valve. The EZ valve is a Chinese knock-off of the Fumoto valve once Fumoto's patent ran out. Fumoto's got a great reputation but I don't know who the EZ guys are. Be careful.
DeleteIf you want to know who the EZ guys are, that's me! I used to sell the Fumoto valve for 28 years as the President of Fumoto USA. I developed the EZ valve, which has improved features such as Lever Handle Cover, Nickel-Plated body, Laser Etched Logo, Optional Hose Ends, and Viton O-ring seal. These features are not available with the Fumoto valves. EZ has a good reputation in the industry too, as they are approved by many OEM's such as JLG, Caterpillar, Deutz Engine, and many more. If you want to know more about EZ, visit www.EZoildrain.com
DeleteYou forgot to start your comment with "Thanks for the review on the EZ Oil Drain Valve, Bradley."
DeleteDear Bradley, My apologies! I forgot to thank you for such a nice review of our EZ Oil Drain Valves. I really appreciate you going to great length to take the time and consideration to write a review. Thank you very much! :) To return your favor...We also came up with an EZ Cap that screws into the valve just like our optional hose ends. It prevents dust and dirt build-up. If you can add that to your review, we'd be glad to send 1 FREE EZ Cap to you for your valve. Here's what the EZ Cap looks like from the link below. http://www.ezoilchangevalve.com/store/p64/EZ_Cap_-_%28SMALL_PC-001%29.html
DeleteGlad you like our valves and it is working out well for you! Thank you! Please email me your mailing address to ezoildrain@msn.com and we can have one EZ Cap sent to you.
I certainly like the concept but my first reaction was that the lever seemed a bit vulnerable to accidental 'activation'. Unless you're out in the serious mud and brush, it should be more than fine. It would definitely make oil changes more fun.......and carefree. :)
ReplyDeleteThat was my first thought as well, I immediately installed the hose clip against the lever. I am actually looking forward to my next oil change rather than dreading it.
DeleteLooks good and i like the idea but i would be worried about it cracking or damaging that aluminium thread if your bike vibrates a bit.
ReplyDeleteI never considered vibration being a problem, there is more weight to it than the plug. Although it does have a rubber o-ring between it and the pan, I will keep an eye on it for stress cracks.
DeleteI like it! This may be one of my next projects.
ReplyDeleteI like it so far, but clearance and vibration has me somewhat concerned ;)
DeletePerhaps a skid plad to protect those tender underbelly points? I like the concept, but you already mentioned the worries I would have. Good idea on the safety clip.
ReplyDeleteI may look into a skid plate, but I've never touched down the belly before...
DeleteTroubadour:
ReplyDeleteI would be tempted to "move" the lever, bike night or not
I think there should be a hole drilled into the lever and then zap strapped so it could not move. I like the idea as I am always afraid of overtightening. You put 2 gallons of oil on one side ? you must have been off balance all the way home
bob
A weekend photographer or Riding the Wet Coast
The hose clip prevents anyone/anything from moving the lever and I'm usually a little off balance anyway so two gallons on one side just leveled me out some :)
DeleteI've seen those before too and like you worry about the valve handle - can you just remove the handle?
ReplyDeleteI think the whole thing would hang down too low on the Connie - it has a little guard (cast as part of the sump) in front of the drain plug to protect it and it already has a couple of nicks in it - not sure if from stones hitting it or perhaps a judder bar or something in the road.
I never took into account speed bumps (judder bars) but thanks for adding to my apprehension ;)
DeleteGlad to see you blogging again. I hope the new valve works our for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you and sorry, I'll try to blog more. The valve is working great so far!
DeleteI forgot to mention the best feature, on the truck I drain it directly in gallon plastic bottles so I don't even have to deal with a drain pan!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome, I never thought of that! I have to use a piece of plastic or cardboard to funnel the draining oil past the center stand into a drain pan then transfer it to jugs. I wonder if Lucy has enough clearance to drain right into a gallon jug. Thanks!
DeleteBut that handle, ohhhh pretty, I'm tempted to touch it. Then visions of my friends being led into temptation flooded my mind---- I don't know why but I giggled! LOL This will be on my list of to-do projects! That's for sure.
ReplyDelete