I bought a 2012 2 litre CX5 with 200k kms on the clock. It has been serviced only at Mazda service centres and is in good condition. I have just done my first oil change using synthetic lubricant and a genuine Mazda oil filter. I have been using Fumoto oil pan valves for some years now with no ill effects. I do this because it makes an oil change much easier at my age of 73, and I don't have the fear of over-tightening the sump plug. Mazda has placed a plastic shroud under the engine compartment of the CX-5, and has included a removable plastic panel under the oil filter and sump pan plug. It's a great idea to make oil changes simpler, and the shroud no doubt improves the air flow under the car and reduces fuel consumption.
My problem is an obvious one. The Fumoto valve is the latest adjustable type and it is in the way of the removable panel. No matter how I adjust the valve, the removable panel presses up hard against it and I run the risk of opening the valve when the engine is running.
I appreciate the desire of Mazda owners such as yourselves to keep the car in the same condition as it was manufactured.
My question is: Can I leave off the small panel I removed without causing a problem?

 

Hmmm .

 

I guess your talking the small removable panel held in place with a screw? If so I'd leave it off and see if you notice anything unusual. I doubt it will make and difference.

 

Case in point for another reason not to use that type of valve .

It will not harm anything to
leave the drain plug access cover off but you may get dirt and debris from not having it covered. And water is you occasionally go through puddles of water.

 

I am a believer in using OE sump plug but some seem to love these valves.

 

i have a fumoto installed on both our cars...no issues with the cx5...our other car i trimmed the splash guard access panel a bit so it fit well...leave the shroud off or cut a hole in it so there is no pressure on the valve/valve arm

 

DO NOT CUT A HOLE in the under plastic panel. The panel is there to do a few things, and one is to protect the undercarriage from road debris impact

If the valve you are using is below the plastic cover then it should not be used!

If the wiser members contact that valve company they WILL recommend the same!!

 

I appreciate all the advice you have given me about the impact the oil pan valve may have on my 2012 CX5.
I have learned from experience that the valve is a reliable and useful device. It is currently not being used by car manufacturers, but due to its reliability it is quite possible car manufacturers will include it in future vehicles.
I very rarely use poor roads in my area in Australia, and damage from road debris and moisture you have warned me about entering the engine compartment through the small panel opening is unlikely to cause any problems.
Your advice has convinced me that the opening in the shroud under the engine compartment is unlikely to result in damage to the car. I will therefore put the panel in a safe place and continue using the valve.
Thank you for the useful advice you have given me. This wonderful forum has once again proved useful for me.

 

I don't think they will ever be fitted by car manufacrurers who sack their design enginers if they can't come up with ways of cutting production costs.

 

This is completely correct from an engineering standpoint the valve is a poor design and is prone to short term use to failures.
The Componets are not even resistant to normal weathering and are low quality material. The casting and small amount of machine for production is terrible and the end product is just amateur at best. I remember in the 70s they primarily sold in JC Whitney.
The only users are mostly DIY you would be hard pressed to find any professional engine builder or race team anywhere useing them unless there was contingency money to be had.