(Home) Townace oil drain plug

I've just been checking my Townace over, and noticed a strange looking oil drain plug. Where I would expect to find a normal plug, there is what looks like some sort of tap wth a lever on the side. There is a hole in the end of the tap-like object about a quarter of an inch diameter.Is this some kind of drain tap, or do I take the whole thing out of the sump? The sump end isn't nut shaped, more oval with 2 flat sides.

- (#295) Martin Perry, 23 Mar 05 05:28

Two or Four wheel drive? If FWD, are you confusing the front, horizontal radiator drain plug with the engine sump plug?
The engine sump plug is conventional, ie, 14mm hexagon, and it is located to the rear of the engine sump, approx behind the line of the front axle, drivers side.

- (#295) John Davis (Leics), 23 Mar 05 06:49

2WD, definitely oil drain plug, just to the left of the filter.

- (#295) Martin Perry, 23 Mar 05 14:12

Maybe someone has fitted a Fumoto/ Fram- style drain valve then. There's always a chance that it's there because the threads in the sump are buggered, so I wouldn't try removing it unless absolutely necessary...

Don't think I've ever seen anybody sell one in the UK but they're common in the US.

- (#295) david miller, 23 Mar 05 14:38

Well, you learn something everyday. I have often thought that a decent tap, instead of the usual messy plug, would be an advantage. You are lucky Martin, your oil changes must be a doddle.

- (#295) John Davis (Leics), 23 Mar 05 15:03

Yep,it's a Fumoto drain valve.Just found a write-up on it at www.autospeed.com, along with a nifty animation of the gadget in action. Makes you wonder why all cars haven't got one. Thanks for the suggestion David.

- (#295) Martin Perry, 23 Mar 05 17:05


I have just been looking on the Fumoto web site with the view to ordering a Fumoto valve to fit my 1989 4x4 EFI Royal Lounge. It will make changing the engine oil a lot easier. However, the site does not list the Townie but it does list the Mini Van. Will the Townie be known as a mini van in the U.S.? I don't want to order the wrong valve.

- (#295) Lillibeth, 29 Mar 05 08:05

I'll be doing an oil change soon, so when I've wiped the dirt off I'll see if there's a part number of some sort on it. Watch this space!

- (#295) Martin Perry, 30 Mar 05 14:17

Done the oil/filter change. What a brilliant gadget.No part number that I could see, though. No mess from draining the oil, now if only there was some way to drain the filter before undoing it......

- (#295) martin perry, 7 Apr 05 11:09

punch a hole in it at it's lowest point...

- (#295) David Miller, 7 Apr 05 11:22