Fram SureDrain

August 31, 2005

I've done a search on the Fram SureDrain oil changing system and most seem to like it although there are some drawbacks. One thing that concerned me was that it used a knurled cap that screws on the plug. Since this cap can only really be tightened finger tight(maybe with pliers if one's careful), is there a danger of it backing off a bit and eventually losing the cap? If so, is there a danger of any oil leaking out over time or any dirt making it's way into the pan?

Edgar · August 31, 2005

I've used it before, and I took it out simply because I didn't like waiting for the oil to drain out. the valve really causes a restriction in the oil flow and it takes about 4-5 times longer than usual to get all the oil out. I kept in on for about 2 oil changes and then went back to the regular old drain plug.

There won't be any leaks if the cap loosens up or falls off, because the valve needs to be depressed by a plunger in the drain hose in order for the oil to start flowing.

Hope that helps.

mdub · August 31, 2005

When a standard oil drain plug is removed, there's an initial rush of hot oil that flushes any sediment from the bottom of the oil pan. If you let the oil drain slowly, as with the above product, or by a slow removal of the drain plug, you're losing the effects of the hot oil flush.

Also, you can't beat the worry-free reliability of a standard drain plug. Just one opinion though...

mcreyaufmiller · August 31, 2005

Besides all of thee above, the small orfice of the hose and plug may not allow sludge and such to leave the pan.

August 31, 2005

Well, I guess I'll just do it the tried and true way. BTW, don't ever take your truck to Stall-Mart to get the oil changed. I did it once because I was in a real bind and it needed to be changed. I thought that since I could see them doing the change, it would be safe and I could live with it. Boy was I wrong! The dumba*# tightened the plug with an impact wrench and the filter with a filter wrench! Never again will I let someone else so much as check the air pressure on my ride.

Bish · August 31, 2005

The only Fram product I will use is an air filter....if I have to.

Their oil filters are garbage as I have seen one cut open complete with cardboard end cap! Regarding the suredrain....just another point of potential failure. That and the other points raised.

scooter70 · August 31, 2005

I guess I'm the only one who likes it. I've had the Sure Drain on my truck for at least a couple of years. No problems yet.

Black02Silverado · September 1, 2005

I have it on the wifes Venture. Been doing oil analysis as well and all is good. So it isn't effecting anything that I can think of. If you change your oil on a regular schedule sludge and crap in the oil shouldn't be an issue. I have it on the Venture and have been running 12K + oil changes and the analysis's are still good. My insolubles are normal. Of course this is with synthetic oil. Seems to work for me. I have the Fumoto valve on the 02 silverado. I can't put it on the venture due to the way the drain plug points down and the fumoto would get knocked off the pan.

Supurban · September 2, 2005

FRAM suredrain works fine. That knurled cap is more likely to stay on because of the o-ring on the threads - kind of like a lock washer of sorts. Besides, if it does fail, the spring-loaded valve will probably hold up fine until you get to the next oil change. In which case you'll probably end up just sticking the stock plug back in.

For my newer motor, I'm a little less worried about the stuff that doesn't flow through the valve (fast flow, sludge, etc). But I will occasionally take the valve out and run it with the stock plug.

The only thing I'm not that thrilled about is how the hose "curve" turns with the fitting as I am twisting it on. Inevitably, the hose it pointing upward when the oil begins to flow.

As far as slow draining, I usually have a bunch of other things going on while waiting for the oil to drain anyway. If you were trying to make a quickie lube time, then you will find this thing pretty frustrating. If you are sitting back with a beer watching the oil drain and checking out your nice truck, you aren't going to care how long it takes!

By the way, that FRAM filter you see in the photo is LONG GONE (hey it was all I could get that weekend). Good ol' AC Delco is all I run now.

September 2, 2005

By the way, that FRAM filter you see in the photo is LONG GONE (hey it was all I could get that weekend). Good ol' AC Delco is all I run now.

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I was gonna mention the Fram filter you had.

I thought the worse for a moment there!

trout31 · September 5, 2005

Biggest mess maker for me is taking the filter down, not draining the pan. When they invent a gadget that solves that problem, maybe I'll try it.

scooter70 · September 7, 2005

Biggest mess maker for me is taking the filter down, not draining the pan. When they invent a gadget that solves that problem, maybe I'll try it.

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I punch a hole in the botton of the filter with a screwdriver. It takes a while to drain out but it makes much less of a mess.

-Matt

Supurban · August 9, 2006

Sorry - couldn't resist digging up and old thread.

But I have been using a plastic ziplock kind of bag to take off the filter. Hold the bag around the filter while turning and it will catch the oil. Then flip the whole thing over into your drain pan.

Schmids5.3l · August 9, 2006

Besides all of thee above, the small orfice of the hose and plug may not allow sludge and such to leave the pan.

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Don't use quakerstate and you should be good!

I dont see the point in this tool. Guess it keeps your hands dry and eliminates the need for floor-dry. Whenever I work on my trucks I plan on getting dirty ahead of time.

C & A s Dad · August 9, 2006

Supburban, I for sure do not want to begin a debate on filters and I am very happy to hear that the Fram is long gone. However, if you are not aware of it, AC Delco is not affiliated with GM anymore and the AC Delco Filter you buy is not the same filter that comes on your truck from the factory. They are not bad filters and certainly far ahead of a Fram. However, they are produced by different mfg's for AC Delco and the ones that I have seen cut open look pretty good but not always consistent with their quality. I would guess this is because they can be made by different vendors.

Again, no argurment from me on AC, just know it is not an Original Equipment filter. I used them for years until someone showed me a Wix filter's insides and explained the differences.