So as I was deciding on whether or not to get a Fumoto valve for my CRD I came across a lot of people speculating that the fumoto would penetrate into the pan and so there would be a layer of oil in the pan that would not be drained when the valve was opened. Well I came to my first oil change for my new (to me) CRD and the threads were stripped real bad by the PO (as I had feared but I hoped it was just because he had forgotten the copper washer). So I considered an oversized plug, helicoil or rethreading the pan and finally said "screw it, Ill do it right." So I ordered the pan and the Fumoto so it would never happen again. Having these on hand with the pan I had the unique opportunity to see the inside of the oil pan with the Fumoto valve in it and share that with you guys. Long story short, it certainly penetrates into the pan (about 2 threads depth as you can see). But looking at the pan shape and with some redneck science I think it can be easily 'overcome' somewhat. So the pan has 'dimples' in it that will store oil in a regular oil change where the vehicle is drained while level anyway. So by lifting the front end a little while draining it you can cause the oil to pool at the back of the pan and likely drain more of the bad stuff than you would have with a normal plug (and without the risk of stripping the precious threads). So without further adieu here is a brand spanking new pan with a fumoto all up in it. If you want broader pictures of what the pan looks like inside or what happens when VM Motori leaves a steel plug in an aluminum pan in a warehouse I can post those too.
