[Vwdiesel] Oil change on '84 Quantum turbo diesel

[Andrew Buc]

This car (mine) is due for an oil change in a few weeks, and I was 
planning to order a Fumoto valve to replace the drain plug. I've had a 
Fumoto valve on my Audi 4000 quattro for a few years and been very 
pleased with it. However, this time around I'm thinking of getting the 
variety with a nipple that lets you attach a hose to the valve:

https://ssl2.adhost.com/fumotovalve/static/products/oem.htm

The lack of a nipple on the valve on my Audi hasn't been onerous by any 
means, but it would be nice to be able to attach a hose and have a bit 
more control over where the stream of oil goes. As you'll see by this 
page:

http://www.fumotovalve.com/

the nipple adds 5/8" to the length of the valve, for a total length of 
1-1/2", and Fumoto specifically says a valve with a nipple shouldn't be 
used on cars with low ground clearance. I don't think it would be a 
problem on the Quantum, but I'd like the list's opinions. Since the 
drain hole is at an angle, the actual loss of ground clearance would be 
less than the length of the valve. I definitely won't be taking the car 
into long grass where components could be bushwhacked by hidden rocks 
and stumps, and with 68 bhp, 2500 lb, and my driving style, the worst 
thing likely to happen to the bump stops is cobwebs! Any reason not to 
get the valve with nipple?

I've also considered one of those pumps that suck the oil out through 
the dipstick tube--how well do they work? I've never used one. One web 
page says that if you go this route, you need a clear shot to the 
pan--if there are components in the way, forget using a pump. I'm sure 
someone who's torn down one of these engines can tell me if there are 
components in the way. Thanks!