BillLipson Posted October 13, 2023 Share Posted October 13, 2023 Thinking of retrofitting a curtis drain valve to replace the drain plug in my 912 ULS's oil tank. Should make oil changes simpler and less messy. Has anyone done this and where best to obtain an aviation grade valve in Australia? Thanks everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
440032 Posted October 13, 2023 Share Posted October 13, 2023 Look at the FUMOTO automotive drain valves online. I use these in all my cars, and have one to fit to my Jab 2200. If I'm not mistaken, the one you want is 12mm x 1.75 - but do your own checking. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgmwa Posted October 13, 2023 Share Posted October 13, 2023 I've had a Saf-Air drain valve in my 912ULS oil tank for about 7 years. It worked very well but started leaking a few months ago, so I replaced it with a new one. It's leaking too - not impressed. Does anyone else use Curtis, Fumoto or other brands in their aircraft and where did you get them from? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippydiesel Posted October 13, 2023 Share Posted October 13, 2023 I can understand that an aircraft, using a Rotax 9 (or larger) & achieving high annual hours (say over 400) might benefit from such a devise but your average privately owned aircraft struggling to get to 100hr/annum.???? If you go by Rotax recommended oil change intervals (ULP), this is one change per annum. Even if your a obsessive personality like me this is only 2 x 50 hrs changer per annum. The addition of a quick drain to save a few moments (probably less than 2-3 minutes/oil change) will: drain your wallet add weight increase complexity introduce a potential failure point Your choice of course but I wouldn't fit one to a mower, unless I was doing weekly oil changes. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
440032 Posted October 13, 2023 Share Posted October 13, 2023 2 hours ago, rgmwa said: I've had a Saf-Air drain valve in my 912ULS oil tank for about 7 years. It worked very well but started leaking a few months ago, so I replaced it with a new one. It's leaking too - not impressed. Does anyone else use Curtis, Fumoto or other brands in their aircraft and where did you get them from? https://www.oilvalve.com.au/ They are a ball valve with a locking lever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgmwa Posted October 13, 2023 Share Posted October 13, 2023 1 hour ago, skippydiesel said: I can understand that an aircraft, using a Rotax 9 (or larger) & achieving high annual hours (say over 400) might benefit from such a devise but your average privately owned aircraft struggling to get to 100hr/annum.???? If you go by Rotax recommended oil change intervals (ULP), this is one change per annum. Even if your a obsessive personality like me this is only 2 x 50 hrs changer per annum. The addition of a quick drain to save a few moments (probably less than 2-3 minutes/oil change) will: drain your wallet add weight increase complexity introduce a potential failure point Your choice of course but I wouldn't fit one to a mower, unless I was doing weekly oil changes. Yeah, I think you're right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueadventures Posted October 13, 2023 Share Posted October 13, 2023 I have a brand new valve, it was with the kit. Don't like the fact could / will develop a leak so never fitted it. It's in my parts box; would not bother fitting one myself. Better in my opinion to use two spanners and new crush washer. Not much time saving really at end of day. I respect other's opinion on the matter though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted October 13, 2023 Share Posted October 13, 2023 I have one of those valves on my motorhome. No mess when changing oil, as apposed to getting oil everywhere and dropping the bolt into the oil container, I'm talking 10Lts bit more than the average airplane sump. Bernie. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacesailor Posted October 14, 2023 Share Posted October 14, 2023 50 hour oil change ! . My half VW is TEN hours. But a four container of oil lasts forever. LoL OR 60 litres of " mogas " per oil change . Expensive. spacesailor 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
facthunter Posted October 15, 2023 Share Posted October 15, 2023 Sucking it out of the top would be best and safest. Weight and a ball and spring is not that safe. Nev 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillLipson Posted October 16, 2023 Author Share Posted October 16, 2023 To all those who took the time to respond. My thanks to you all. Appreciate all your points. On reflection, I will probably stay with the threaded plug, given the infrequency of oil changes. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacesailor Posted October 16, 2023 Share Posted October 16, 2023 One from I . The " Curtis gascolator fuel drain valve " . Can the tiny " O'ring " be replaced ? . spacesailor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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