Hi all,

I'd like to start doing my own oil changes, as paying someone to put in synthetic is pricey.

How far do you have to get the front end off the ground to get at the drain plug? Will those cheap front wheel ramps work? Or do you need a lift? What torque setting should I use for the oil filter? The drain plug / crush washer? Any other tips on changing the oil?

Thanks,
JAS

I don't raise my car, I can reach the drain plug and filter just laying (lying?) on the ground in front of the car. I tighten the filter according to the instructions on it, by hand. Regarding the drain plug, everyone here loves the Fumoto valve. Install it and never mess with a drain plug again. Do a search for links and details.

YES!

www.fumotovalve.com

OK, you guys have me sold on the oil drain valve. Questions:

With or without nipple?
F-series or T-series?
Valve adapter?

TIA,
JAS

Originally posted by JustAnotherSquid
OK, you guys have me sold on the oil drain valve. Questions:

With or without nipple?
F-series or T-series?
Valve adapter?

TIA,
JAS

I got F105 (no nipple). I think T-series may be too long.:)

The Fumoto valve is good, but there are downsides.
(For the record, I use one on my car.)

The valve is fragile in comparison to the pan bolt. It is also about 1/4 to 1/2 inch longer than the pan bolt. One hit and oil all over.

The inside threads on the valve tend to extend into the oil pan about 1/8 of an inch. Which leaves about 1/8 inch of used oil still in the pan when you go to drain it.

Other than that, Subaru engineers did a great job in placing the oil filter and drain plug. Just throw down a blanket or the trunk mat in front of the car. Reach underneath the front of the car and unbolt and twist to get the oil filter and bolt off.

Amen Revision. Even with the coilovers on and a 1.5" drop, I can change the oil in my WRX without even lifting it one bit. It's a little snug under the car for the pan, but I manage.

Kevin

what type of locking mechanism does the Fumoto valve have to keep it form opening up inadvertantly?

Does anyone know what oil filter to use on the WRX? I went to a local auto parts store to get the oil & filter but their book only listed up 2001 cars.

I'm interested in getting a Mobil 1 or Purolator Pure One filter. Any suggestions?

The guy at the counter said if I could come up with the number, he should be able to cross reference to another brand.

Originally posted by FastRedWrx
Does anyone know what oil filter to use on the WRX?

AFAIK it's the same filter as the 2001 2.5RS.

JAS

Originally posted by WRXDAN
what type of locking mechanism does the Fumoto valve have to keep it form opening up inadvertantly?
Here's a photo of the F105. You can see the handle is dropped into a notch, and has to be raised up before it can rotate to the right.

If I don't have my front skid plate on, I can do my oil change in 10 minutes because I have a fumotovalve on my car. No need to raise the car. As far as the valve itself, it is considered a OEM grade product by Subaru.

Originally posted by Revision



The inside threads on the valve tend to extend into the oil pan about 1/8 of an inch. Which leaves about 1/8 inch of used oil still in the pan when you go to drain it.



Where did you get this information?

Fumoto Page

Q. Does my Engine Oil Drain Valve protrude into the interior of the oil pan and prevent full drainage of my engine oil?

A. No. The threaded oil drain plug hole is always reinforced to accept the threaded bolt of the drain plug. Your Engine Oil Drain Valve will not extend past this threaded portion of the drain hole and will allow the oil to be properly drained. Your Engine Oil Drain Valve will let you drain your engine oil while it is hot without burning your hands and it is much more effective than trying to pump the oil out from above.


:confused:

I've owned ten cars in my life (so far) and have changed my own oil on every one. The WRX is by far the easiest yet. I do not need to lift the car in any way, and I use a fumotovalve so the only tools I need are a drain pan, a couple clean rags and my hands.

http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/impreza/oildrainvalve.php

info and more pics there

http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/impreza/images/wrx_valve1.jpg

As far as the oil filter you are right the same as the RS here is an OEM one: http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/impreza/images/oilfilter.jpg

Is the Fumoto value safe and reliable? I'm afraid that it might come loose on me during off road or heavy driving. I'm being pessimistic but just curious? Which one should I get for my 2002 WRX? Is one type better suited than another? Thanks.

I haven't had any problems in many miles on both cars. Don't get the one with the nipple it's a little too long then I think.

i have the fumoto valve and really like it. Fits good, seems secure and tight. I did a lot of reading/research on it before i bought it. Seems that the company has a great track record with this tool. And it's been certified by Subaru and other manufacturers.

~V

So I should go with the F150 regular without the nipple for my 02 WRX? Do I need any special tools or pay attention to any special details? Does it come w/ everything I would need? Thanks.

http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/impr...ldrainvalve.php

That link should answer your questions, no special tools, no nipple

The link was broken, do you have another one?

not sure what happened but try this again:

http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/impreza/oildrainvalve.php


if all else fails go to www.scoobymods.com and go to the impreza performance section and look for the oil drain valve link.

Sorry about that.

Peaty