EZ Oil Change Valve

[nkemp]

Anyone tried this: http://www.ezoilchangevalve.com/delorean.html

I had a boat where there was a drain hose attached to the oil pan instead of the traditional plug. Since changing oil in a lot of I/O boats is such a PITA ( You have to stand on your head just to get the oil filter off) the drain hOse, with the plug in the hose end, was a delight. A similar setup for the D with about 12" of hose and a good gasket on the pan might be the cat's meow. Searching I found the above link. Not exactly a hose solution but it look convenient. It takes two operations to release the valve so it won't accidentally open. But is there sufficient clearance ( with or without sagging engine mounts)?

[Ryan S.]

Anyone tried this: http://www.ezoilchangevalve.com/delorean.html

I had a boat where there was a drain hose attached to the oil pan instead of the traditional plug. Since changing oil in a lot of I/O boats is such a PITA ( You have to stand on your head just to get the oil filter off) the drain hOse, with the plug in the hose end, was a delight. A similar setup for the D with about 12" of hose and a good gasket on the pan might be the cat's meow. Searching I found the above link. Not exactly a hose solution but it look convenient. It takes two operations to release the valve so it won't accidentally open. But is there sufficient clearance ( with or without sagging engine mounts)?

I bought one from Toby about a year ago and I have done 3 oil changes with that ez valve. So much easier, faster, and less messy with that valve. Recommend buying it from Toby since he will answer any of questions related to installation. Here are some photos. http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?11136-EZ-Oil-Drain-Valve

[nkemp]

Thanks. I just changed the oil and even with the crush washer in place it is leaking. THis looks like a better alternative. Plus easier to change the oil.

[mr_maxime]

I finally used mine for the first time after installing it. It seems to drain slower than without it but it is definitely easier and less messy. Don't bother with the hose adapters since they will not fit. While properly installed the valve should be above frame protecting it from road hazards.

[nkemp]

Somewhere I saw a hose with a hole cut in the side large enough to slip over the valve. The fit was such that it staid on by itself throughout the draining process. This acts as a diverter to direct the oil down the hose to the collection tub rather than getting on the frame as the OEM design was prone to.

[eight8toy]

Changed the oil in mine yesterday, used some painter's tape and put some newspaper along the frame and down into my collection pan. Not a single drop was lost!

[Chris4099]

While I don't have the valve, I use a paper towel tube when changing oil. Simply cut it length wise and open one end of it. Put this up between the engine and frame and it holds itself in place. Once the drain plug is removed, the oil is all caught in the tube and funneled down. No mess and I just toss the tube when done.

[mr_maxime]

I managed to wedge a funnel in place but I shut a door and knocked it loose.

[spikeygg]

I saw the EZ Oil Change valve thing come along just over a year ago and I bought it for my DeLorean. It's been sitting in a box because we've recently moved and the automotive stuff has been on the back burner for the last several months.

I tried to install it today and it barely fits in the area. After installing it and checking the fitment I would say: if I had the option in front of me again I would not purchase it. The oil pan drain plug hole is so close to the cross member that you cannot fully open the "easy open switch". It is supposed to turn by 90 degrees to full open (ball valve) and I can only open it by say 35-45 degrees.

I saw the posts from others in the EZ Oil Change valve threads and there are a few good ideas but nothing can solve this problem (aside from notching the cross member). Frankly, it surprises me that no one who uses the valve even mentions this as a problem. Anyway, I thought I'd weigh in just in case others were interested in this device...

-Greg

[Ryan S.]

I am not sure where you bought yours but I can open mine fully, 90 degrees.
Yes, it’s a tight spot but doesn’t affect opening and closing of valve. You may want to post photo of your installation. If you purchased yours from Toby, you can email him. He is pretty good about answering any installation questions.

[Michael]

I don't see the need for a car that in most cases doesn't see much road action. I mean how hard is it really to remove a drain plug? My car sees about 2k a year or less, much less so for me once a year is not bad. Maybe if you had a fleet of work vehicles that you service using your own in house department?

I use a plastic plate to keep the oil off the cross member, unscrew the plug, replace plug. Done and done. Another option is the oil suckers that remove it through the dipstick tube but I don't like those because any loose sludge has a better chance of staying in the pan.

[spikeygg]

I am not sure where you bought yours but I can open mine fully, 90 degrees.
Yes, it’s a tight spot but doesn’t affect opening and closing of valve. You may want to post photo of your installation. If you purchased yours from Toby, you can email him. He is pretty good about answering any installation questions.

I bought it direct from ezoilchangevalve.com. They shorted me one seal and I bugged them about it and they sent it to me. Here are the photos of mine installed. One picture has the valve closed and the other picture has the valve as opened as I can make it (as I said about 35-45°). The black handle should swing all the way forward pointing towards the front of the car, but it hits the cross member.

Opened as far as possible:
53380

Closed:
53379

Also, In your very large photos on the other thread (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?11136-EZ-Oil-Drain-Valve&p=174480&viewfull=1#post174480), it looks like you'll have the exact same problem as I have with yours. Maybe you didn't realize that it should swing all the way forward, pointing to the front of the car...

[Ryan S.]

OK. I know why.
I just went out and checked mine and now I can see why mine turns 90 degrees when yours cannot.
My valve knob is tilted a little so that when it’s open, knob is just under or outside of cross member. My valve is not installed perfectly straight. It was turned just a little so that knob is pointing at 4 or 8 o’clock position.
Let me know if it doesn’t make any senses. Maybe I can draw it for you.