Skid Plate Slip-Up: My DIY Oil Change Nightmare

[fossil]

I kinda suspected that the oil stream would either overshoot or undershoot the opening for the drain plug. I'm sorry @jerrisn that you were the first to confirm that. It's hard to estimate how the oil will come out in relation to the opening.

It certainly looks like there is plenty of room for the oil to drain. I just changed the oil in my hybrid about 2 weeks before installing the skid plate so it would have been a long time before I would have found out.
Based on the recommendation above, I went ahead and purchased a ValvoMax oil drain plug. I found it on Amazon for $39. The M12-1.75 fits the Maverick hybrid. See here.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It appears that Rival's one size fits all approach is a fail for the hybrid based on these 2 photos. Clearly the drain plugs are in different locations relative to the opening.

Photo from Rival's "Hybrid and FX4" product page. Oil pan shown is for the 2.0L clearly different than your photo.

Sponsored

 

[Jelvismc]

Got mine sitting in the box in the garage…..now having second thoughts about installing. Wasn’t real concerned about protection issues just wanted to make oil/filter changes a bit easier. Got an email from Rival they stated a Fumoto valve would fix issue wished they had mentioned that in the sales pitch.

 

[Jelvismc]

Sorry to see this, but thanks for the info @jerrisn . To me, the ease of oil change was the only benefit the Rival skid offered over the OEM skid.

Mine is in the box in the garage…Rival just issued me a return sticker(thanks). Just don’t need potential issues. Maybe a next generation one will be better

 

[jerrisn]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It appears that Rival's one size fits all approach is a fail for the hybrid based on these 2 photos. Clearly the drain plugs are in different locations relative to the opening.

Photo from Rival's "Hybrid and FX4" product page. Oil pan shown is for the 2.0L clearly different than your photo.

I also ordered the ValvoMax, but now I’m wondering if the Fumoto would have been a better choice. It seems like Rival was aware of this issue since they're recommending the Fumoto in their customer emails. I wish I had known this before; now I'm out another $50 for a fix and had to deal with the mess it made in my garage. Unfortunately, I already threw out the box, so I can’t return it. It’s a shame Rival doesn’t send a new valve as an afterthought.

 

[jerrisn]

fuck a fuji get the stahlbus http://www.stahlbus.com/products/en/oil-drain-valve/index.php

This looks like the ValvoMax.

https://www.valvomax.com/products/m12-1-75-quick-twist-valve-with-stainless-drain-tube-knob-1

 

[Rivers90]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It appears that Rival's one size fits all approach is a fail for the hybrid based on these 2 photos. Clearly the drain plugs are in different locations relative to the opening.

Photo from Rival's "Hybrid and FX4" product page. Oil pan shown is for the 2.0L clearly different than your photo.

Not surprising that the different engines would have the oil drain in a different place. Hybrids being 2wd only right now I can see why the plate was made to best fit the ecoboost that can come with AWD.
I don't see any 2wd vehicles on the off road trails around here. The AWD model would be a bigger market for skidplates.
But with no low range I guess we are lucky to get any off road parts. I really wish there was someone making a metal rear bumper.
Two companies making skid plates, none making bumpers. Not much competition and options from the after market.
I hope it gets better. But with this being the 3rd year of production and not seeing many options it is not looking good. With the changes being made on the 2025 we may see new aftermarket parts being made for the new body and not ours.

 

[North Georgia Mav]

This looks like the ValvoMax.

https://www.valvomax.com/products/m12-1-75-quick-twist-valve-with-stainless-drain-tube-knob-1

Jerrisn,

I did not see a mention of the oil filter change. Was there any issues with the Rival plate and changing your oil filter? Did Rival’s cutout for the oil filter make a difference or did oil go everywhere there as well?

 

[jerrisn]

Jerrisn,

I did not see a mention of the oil filter change. Was there any issues with the Rival plate and changing your oil filter? Did Rival’s cutout for the oil filter make a difference or did oil go everywhere there as well?

I removed the skid plate before tackling the filter due to the mess. While I can't confirm if there would be an issue leaving the plate on, I don’t think so. I tried loosening the filter with the plate on, but it was too tight from the last dealer change. I finally got it off once the plate was removed. My main issue was with the oil drain. I've ordered both the ValvoMax and Fumoto valves to see which one works best. This should resolve the problem, though it wasn’t my original plan. I wish @RIVAL 4x4 would confirm if they tested this setup. My guess is they didn’t, but I can’t be sure. The skid plate is back on, but it was a messy Sunday. If you have a Hybrid and this plate, I’d recommend getting one of those valves before your next oil change or removing the plate to save yourself a headache.

 

[North Georgia Mav]

I removed the skid plate before tackling the filter due to the mess. While I can't confirm if there would be an issue leaving the plate on, I don’t think so. I tried loosening the filter with the plate on, but it was too tight from the last dealer change. I finally got it off once the plate was removed. My main issue was with the oil drain. I've ordered both the ValvoMax and Fumoto valves to see which one works best. This should resolve the problem, though it wasn’t my original plan. I wish @RIVAL 4x4 would confirm if they tested this setup. My guess is they didn’t, but I can’t be sure. The skid plate is back on, but it was a messy Sunday. If you have a Hybrid and this plate, I’d recommend getting one of those valves before your next oil change or removing the plate to save yourself a headache.

I have the stahlbus kit so I know I wouldn’t have the same issue as you did. I just wanted to know if I would have issues with the oil filter making a mess or not coming off properly with the Rival plate. I don’t want to purchase it knowing of issues. Thanks.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I have the stahlbus kit so I know I wouldn’t have the same issue as you did. I just wanted to know if I would have issues with the oil filter making a mess or not coming off properly with the Rival plate. I don’t want to purchase it knowing of issues. Thanks.

Same here.

 

[Jelvismc]

I removed the skid plate before tackling the filter due to the mess. While I can't confirm if there would be an issue leaving the plate on, I don’t think so. I tried loosening the filter with the plate on, but it was too tight from the last dealer change. I finally got it off once the plate was removed. My main issue was with the oil drain. I've ordered both the ValvoMax and Fumoto valves to see which one works best. This should resolve the problem, though it wasn’t my original plan. I wish @RIVAL 4x4 would confirm if they tested this setup. My guess is they didn’t, but I can’t be sure. The skid plate is back on, but it was a messy Sunday. If you have a Hybrid and this plate, I’d recommend getting one of those valves before your next oil change or removing the plate to save yourself a headache.

I just sent mine back…..can only imagine the mess from the dealer service dept…..lol…they would probably void my warranty!! Thanks for taking f the bullet for us.

 

[Hunters Edge]

As the title states, I just changed my oil after installing the Rival Skid Plate. Although this wasn’t my first oil change for my Maverick, it was my first time doing it myself. I’m no stranger to oil changes, having owned many Ford Rangers and done my own. This would have been my 4th oil change since acquiring my 2023 XLT Hybrid in June 2023. The first three changes were done at the dealer using my Ford Points, but today, I decided to do it myself.

I installed the Rival Skid Plate two weeks ago and really like the design. While the plate is only secured with four screws, which are a bit of a pain, I thought I wouldn’t need to remove the skid plate to do an oil change. Boy, was I wrong.

Initially, I removed the oil cap on the engine and proceeded to remove the oil plug. The oil initially overshot the skid plate, which had enough clearance until most of the oil was drained. As the oil level dropped, it stopped streaming and began pooling on top of the skid plate. My vehicle was on a set of ramps, about 6 inches off the ground, enough to get under and change the oil. When I noticed the oil hitting the skid plate, I used paper towels, but it was too late—the oil started dripping from the far right side of the truck.

I realized I needed to remove the skid plate, but not before taking pictures of the pooling. I wondered if Rival had actually tested changing the oil with the skid plate installed. In my opinion, the opening should be an inch or so larger to account for drippage when the pressure slows down. Needless to say, I made a mess of my garage and was seriously frustrated.

After attempting to clean up, I went to remove the skid plate, knowing there would be more oil. Trying to minimize the mess while removing the four screws by myself wasn’t very successful. After removing the skid plate, I cleaned up a lot of oil using too many paper towels. If I had removed the skid plate from the beginning, this wouldn’t have happened. The manual doesn’t indicate it needs to be removed, so most would assume it doesn’t. From my experience, it does.

I can only imagine a dealer leaving the plate on and making this mess. While I’m glad I did this at home, I wonder if anyone else has had this problem. I do like the skid plate, but if I have to remove it each time, it will be a hassle. I cleaned up and everything is spotless now, but I dread the next oil change.

I’m considering finding better hardware for quick release to make removal easier. The current hardware doesn’t require drilling but could be improved. If the opening in the skid plate were enlarged, it would solve the issue. I wonder if @RIVAL 4x4 tested this. I considered removing the plate and going back to the factory one, but I want to find a solution and wanted to share my experience.

Edit 7/28/24:

I am considering one of these Fumoto Drain Valve as a solution to removing the plate
https://www.fumotousa.com/f137n.html

Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking on a valve to go with the Rival plate just for convenience. So I ordered one after your post. I can't see me wrestling with the OEM steel plate whether removing or trying to reattach it with aligning the holes accurately and quickly. Thus the reason for the Rival plate and offering small access holes. The valve will also help to make it easier with less oil spill and saving the threads on the oil pan from use. Anyway just wanted to say thanks for sharing.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking on a valve to go with the Rival plate just for convenience. So I ordered one after your post. I can't see me wrestling with the OEM steel plate whether removing or trying to reattach it with aligning the holes accurately and quickly. Thus the reason for the Rival plate and offering small access holes. The valve will also help to make it easier with less oil spill and saving the threads on the oil pan from use. Anyway just wanted to say thanks for sharing.

I don't suppose a flexible large volume funnel would work?
I understand that it's just one more thing but to have the protection of the A 22 pound skid plate is nice too.
Sometimes trade-offs are the name of the game.

 

[jerrisn]

Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking on a valve to go with the Rival plate just for convenience. So I ordered one after your post. I can't see me wrestling with the OEM steel plate whether removing or trying to reattach it with aligning the holes accurately and quickly. Thus the reason for the Rival plate and offering small access holes. The valve will also help to make it easier with less oil spill and saving the threads on the oil pan from use. Anyway just wanted to say thanks for sharing.

No problem. I must admit, even the factory skid plate keeps the components spotless, which was my main goal, but it's not as heavy-duty as the Rival. I'm surprised Rival hasn't responded to my tags, but they already have my money, so I doubt they'll do anything at this point. My only concern now with the valves—since I ordered both ValvoMax and Fumoto—is whether I'll end up with more sludge in the engine over time, considering the valve reduces the size of the drain plug. That's my main worry. I suppose as long as the oil is hot enough, it will drain more easily than if it's cold. If I keep the plate, that’s my only option, unless I decide to remove it for every oil change.

 

[jerrisn]

Got mine sitting in the box in the garage…..now having second thoughts about installing. Wasn’t real concerned about protection issues just wanted to make oil/filter changes a bit easier. Got an email from Rival they stated a Fumoto valve would fix issue wished they had mentioned that in the sales pitch.

I am surprised they haven't addressed the issue in this post.

Sponsored