[s-cars] RE: Fumoto

[David Mackintosh]

I just did my first oil change on my recently acquired UrS6.  I had ordered
the Fumoto, after previously using one on my '96 Integra.

First off, I had a hell of a time getting the old drain plug out.  I
couldn't break it loose with a box-end wrench, and I only had a 3/8" socket
in the required 17mm.  I needed a long ratchet, so I used a 1/2"-3/8"
converter, which I broke.  I was also starting to round the drain plug, so I
went out and bought a 17mm impact socket and a 1/2" drive breaker handle,
which worked.  At least I've got a nice socket to use with my torque wrench
for the lug bolts, now.  The previous owner had oil changes done at the
dealer, and the drain bolt and filter were both very tight.  At least he
sealing washer appeared to have only had one use.

With the wheels hanging, I couldn't thread the Fumoto in due to the sway
bar.  I tried loosening the nuts on the sway bar bushings, but after
breaking them loose, the bolts spun and I couldn't reach the heads.  :^[  By
jacking one control arm up the sway bar rotated enough for me to get the
Fumoto valve started, and it's in place now.  I also had to tighten it more
than they recommend, since the lever interfered with the sway bar.

In addition to the installation difficulty, I also wouldn't recommend the
Fumoto because, due to the horizontal orientation of the valve, it won't
drain as much oil as removing the drain plug.  I hadn't had the belly pan
off myself previously to check this out.  I ended up using it anyway since I
didn't want to re-use the damaged drain plug.  I think it'll be OK, but
probably not ideal in this application.

David Mackintosh
Hood River, OR