I took a look at the stahlbus valve and I'm glad I have the Fumoto valve. I like the ball valve with a positive lock with the spring loaded lever. I know that it's closed because I closed it.
With the stahlbus, first don't lose the drain hose because that is what opens the valve. And second, if the ball doesn't seat properly and fully seal, what do you do? Oil is draining onto the garage floor. Third, if the spring breaks, nothing is holding the ball on it seat except gravity. It's not for me.
It probably works fine but I just like the Fumoto design better. I think it's simpler and less prone to problems.

 

User experience with Stahlbus option (now with two under my belt):

The good: Pretty German machining (see below). Low profile.

The bad: Flow. In theory, you could take a meter long hose and drain out from under the car. In practice, I don't have all afternoon and into the evening to change the oil, in general. And, who cares? I have no problems doing an oil change with a drip pan under the car in minutes without any cleaning of a highly machined receiver valve and nice silicone drain tube...

AND, the oil filter needs to be removed with substantial drippage anyway, so...

The genius: Not the Stahlbus valve, but the large disposable paint pan (see below). Slap under the car, easy to work above it, catches all drips from anywhere. Drain into the oil recycling can (that had an opening that was always too small anyway) for transport to the local Autozone. Then throw away. Pennies a serving.

Bottom line: I clearly didn't think this thing all the way through, mind clouded by the pretty machined bit. The Stahlbus valve sucks (or doesn't blow, or something..) for me. Having two, I will not have three. I may soon have zero.

Happy holidays.


The good and the bad.


The ugly yet genius.

 

This is what I use under a Fumoto drain valve. It's $13.99 at Harbor Freight. After the oil drains I invert the filter in the valley and let it drain. It works very nicely and I can then easily pour the oil into a waste container. Rarely a drip and no consumables to purchase and discard. I do not use this with drain plugs because the oil comes out too fast and can overflow the valley so for drain plugs I use a regular drain pan. Note: All my cars have had Fumoto drain valves for many years.