I'm thinking of the Fumoto Valve for my '05...what are your experiences. I figure this is what a discussion forum is for. I learned a ton off stuff from the TT forum.

It costs about $28.00 to get an oil change at the dealer. The time factor might be equal by the time you buy the oil, a filter and get it home, and do the change yourself. I will most likely do the dealer thing in the winter months but a couple of spring or summer oil changes might really be easier if this valve works. I usually put on 12 to 15k a year. My idea of a good oil change is drive in with my oil and a K&N give it to the mechanic and sit and wait for 20 or 30 minutes reading Car and Driver. So some things I need to know are as follows:

1. What do you use to catch the oil,
2. what do you do with that oil?
3. Is it difficult to change the filter ?...
4. I would change it everytime if I change oil every 5k and how does the filter come off ? (I guess that ones in the book.) That can get expensive with a K&N .
5. Can you do it from the top of the engine compartment ? Or can it only be done underneath on a lift?

These questions sound lame sometimes but I've been with Audi's, a TT and A4 and Acura before that, for a few years and would never attempt such a feat...They were FREE oil changes anyway. When I had my RX 7 in '87, for 12 great years, I never did the changes myself either. Is it worth it or better to let the dealer do it?
I've read the threads from other guys from 2006 and before...Just looking for some more up to date stuff. There are things I've done like changing plugs, wires, belts, alternators, distributors, washer pumps etc I even used to set the dwell , points and timing on my cars when I was younger so although i'm not a mechanic I know i'm capable. The question is, is it worth the time and is it safe enough? These new cars worry me. I don't wanna mess anything up if it's working...If it ain't broke ...Ya know? I don't think I know anyone that changes their own oil and filter any more. Most of my friends have never seen their engine. OR have an SUV I guess i'm old.
Thanks all.

 

Your answers can be found in this thread.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ght=oil+change

In summary, oil changes on the RX8 are quite simple. I had the same questions a few months ago and found this thread. However, I went with the Fram Quick Drain in stead of the Fumoto. I believe the Fumoto has received excellent feedback from some of the members here. Maybe someone can chime in on the Fumoto. I cannot comment on the Fram as of yet since I have not changed my oil since I installed it, however I have read that it can be slower to drain when compared to the stock oil drain plug.

I drain the oil into an oil pan canister (purchased at Walmart or any auto parts store) and dispose of the used oil at any number of auto parts stores/gas stations that accept used oil. Hope this helps.

BTW, where in Bucks County are you located?

 

1st Question: How big are your hands?
2nd Question: Can you wait longer than normal to do the oil change?

Reason being, it helps to have smaller hands, because trying to reach the oil filter is a PITA! It can still be done without small hands via usage of extension tools...

I would recommend changing your oil every 3K, and your oil filter every 6K. Normal car usage (not ours) use the oil filter between 6K-9K. Since our car drinks oil on a regular basis, it is good to change the oil out often @3K. I just take a marker and label it 2 or whatever you want on the filter so you know this was the 2nd usage you had on the oil filter to save yourself some $$ on the K&N (I use that too). As for the oil, whatever you want to use. I prefer dino oil 5w20, with a flush of 3 QT of 5w30. You be amazed the dirty oil coming out even after flushing it with the extra 3 QT (do this since your oil coolers hold X amount of oil).

On the side note, I use the Suredrain valve from FRAM. Works like a charm!! Don't even need to jack up my car to do the oil change. Just get really close to the passenger side front wheel, reach in, remove cap, install tube/valve, and have an oil catch can underneath that. Leave it, then do whatever you want for 30 minutes and check back. Remove the valve/tube, cap it, pour 3.5 QT of new oil in, take it for a drive, check the dipstick, pour some more if you have to, and voila!! Oil change 101.

Oh yeah!! Pour the old oil back into your empty oil container, and throw it into the recycle bin (red): assuming your system is the same as mine; might want to call your disposal service about that.

 

I put about 16K ~ miles a year on my car and I change my own oil. by doing so I will have *complete* control over the process.

I have the fumoto valve, yes its alot slower than regular drain plug, but what I do is I slide my oil pan(you can get this for a few bux at any auto parts store), open the valve, go have lunch, come back and its done.

I Do it about between 1.5K to 2.5K miles, with oil filter change, its only about 6 bux for WiX(9 bux for K&N) anyway, not alot of money.

 

Other than the orientation and location of the oil filter being a messy hassle, the RX8 is a piece of cake to do the oil change on. The difference between doing an oil change with a regular drain plug and the fumoto valve is pretty minimal. In all my years of maintaining my cars and trucks I have never found myself wishing I had one, but those that buy them seem to like them.

Realistically all you need is a wrench and a drain pan, and make sure to get a new crush washer when you pick-up your filter. The downside to taking your car anywhere for an oil change is that they can get the interior of you car dirty, slop oil around when they pull the filter, and take a lot less care with your car than you ever will because its not their car and they aren't going to worry about it. I say do it yourself and be confident in the results.

Jeff

 

First time I changed the oil on anything was on my RX8. Not too bad, but as you have read, removing the filter blows.

Another interested party as to your location. I am in Doylestown during the summer months

 

I ended up buying the Fram Sure Drain SD-2. There was a seller on eBay selling them for $6.70 shipped so the economics were compelling. I don't think I'll use the rubber hose with it though.

The Fumoto sure looks nice though.

 

I have the Fumoto on my 8, a Miata and an SUV. They work great, just drain a little slower but it gives you time to check the other fluids, etc. The only concern some have had is that it may stick out far enough to be damaged. I can attest that it doesn't, hit a five foot long retread on the highway (pretty much centerpunched it damaging the lower grill area on my 8) the valve didn't get touched. I find that if I turn my wheels full right lock, I can slip a standard plastic oil drain pan under and reach the valve to open it without having to raise the car. Really simplified the oil change for me.

 

read this thread for comments/feedbacks between the Fram SureDrain and Fumoto:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/fumoto-valve-vs-fram-sure-drain-43607/

 

and just for my feedback, i have been using the Fumoto valve since the very first oil change on my 8, and I'm pretty certain I have saved hundreds of dollars in 53000 miles by doing all the oil changes myself

 

Richboro....I just didn't know if it's easier than taking it to the dealer , which seems pretty easy. I'm not sure I trust myself as much as i want to.

 

Richboro...near 232 and Bustleton pike, near Second St Pike.

 

What do you think the cost of doing it yourself is compared to the dealer...then there is the time factor. I can get it done on my way home from work and it's over...If I do it myself I have to go pick up oil/filter and then get the time too. Maybe my brain is less lazy than my body at this point.

 

Depends on what the dealer charges you. $30 bucks everytime adds up. If the dealer charges $15, maybe less compelling to do it yourself.