Engine oil drain valve on a track car
03-02-2007, 08:55 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Engine oil drain valve on a track car
Bad idea?
I bought one thinking it would be nice an easy to remove the overfill qt of oil.
It's a quality piece (Fumoto)
I safety wired it in place just to be sure.
I bought one thinking it would be nice an easy to remove the overfill qt of oil.
It's a quality piece (Fumoto)
I safety wired it in place just to be sure.
03-03-2007, 09:21 AM
#2
Team Owner
While it simplifies oil changes, I would be concerned about something on the track hitting the valve and breaking it. Maybe a very slim chance, but the risk is there.
If you want to simply remove the overfill, just replace the oil filter with a new one, and start the engine. The extra oil will fill the new filter and get the level closer to the stock fill amount.
If you want to simply remove the overfill, just replace the oil filter with a new one, and start the engine. The extra oil will fill the new filter and get the level closer to the stock fill amount.
03-03-2007, 10:25 PM
#5
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2000
Location: Deal's Gap 2004 NCM Motorsports track supporter
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Just a thought but no biggee; What is the inside diameter of the drain? Does this have a pool of oil trapped underneath in the pan? If there were to be an eighth inch or so, one might not get all the little particles out upon change. yea? neah?
03-04-2007, 10:20 AM
#7
Pro
Thread Starter
It's smaller for sure, didnt measure it however I change the oil frequently enough I don't think it's gonna be a problem
03-04-2007, 10:21 AM
#8
Pro
Thread Starter
03-04-2007, 02:38 PM
#9
Drifting
Lots of stuff gets thrown up from the street and track with enough mass/force to do damage. Radiators and oil coolers are frequently damaged on race cars from track debris.
The issue I have with the drain is the length from the base to the end as it creates a lever arm and "might" snap off the part. Somene said the oil filter might be damaged and while true the filter, because of the larger base and by its design, some of the force will be adsorbed by crushing/denting the filter. I have had a few filters with post race dents without any off course events but in over 40 years of motorsports I have only seen one filter damaged enough to leak. I have seen a few few oil line fittings break. I can not say the fittings were caused by vibration or something striking the line or fitting.
In my missile days we have had issues with very small foam pieces damaging the launch platform. NASA has same issues with foam.
Bottom line is risk reduction. Is it worth the increased risk of it breaking and both oiling the track and damaging your engine.
John
The issue I have with the drain is the length from the base to the end as it creates a lever arm and "might" snap off the part. Somene said the oil filter might be damaged and while true the filter, because of the larger base and by its design, some of the force will be adsorbed by crushing/denting the filter. I have had a few filters with post race dents without any off course events but in over 40 years of motorsports I have only seen one filter damaged enough to leak. I have seen a few few oil line fittings break. I can not say the fittings were caused by vibration or something striking the line or fitting.
In my missile days we have had issues with very small foam pieces damaging the launch platform. NASA has same issues with foam.
Bottom line is risk reduction. Is it worth the increased risk of it breaking and both oiling the track and damaging your engine.
John