Snyder Performance Engineering (SPE) Drain Valve Disappointment

[Cire]

I just installed the SPE Billet Drain Valve and I'm very disappointed...I plan on removing it during my scheduled fuel filter replacement and reinstall the OEM valve. The idea behind the billet version is great, however the product itself deviated to far from Fords design and creates a mess when draining the fuel. Ford's design consisted of a little funnel and what appears to be a pressure return tube allowing the fuel to be easily captured. In addition to the design flaw, I believe you could purchase 3-4 of the OEM valves should one break while servicing.

I apologize to SPE if I'm being overcritical on your product, all of the reviews I've read (including on your website) were nothing but stellar.

Thanks,

 

[Chris21667]

I just installed the SPE Billet Drain Valve and I'm very disappointed...I plan on removing it during my scheduled fuel filter replacement and reinstall the OEM valve. The idea behind the billet version is great, however the product itself deviated to far from Fords design and creates a mess when draining the fuel. Ford's design consisted of a little funnel and what appears to be a pressure return tube allowing the fuel to be easily captured. In addition to the design flaw, I believe you could purchase 3-4 of the OEM valves should one break while servicing.

I apologize to SPE if I'm being overcritical on your product, all of the reviews I've read (including on your website) were nothing but stellar.

Thanks,

so are you selling the drain value???? i am interested

 

[Cire]

so are you selling the drain value???? i am interested

I don't think it would be cost effective for either of us, but I would gladly trade you for a new OEM valve! Send me a DM and we can work out the details if you're interested.

 

[Bill_D]

It's cool if you don't dig the SPE drain, but do yourself a favor and at least carry a backup OEM.

hc3z-9j305-a-2017-20-ford-fuel-filter-housing-drain-plug.html

 

[Cire]

It's cool if you don't dig the SPE drain, but do yourself a favor and at least carry a backup OEM.

hc3z-9j305-a-2017-20-ford-fuel-filter-housing-drain-plug.html

Wow, thanks for sharing that link Bill_D! Their prices are really reasonable for OEM parts. I'll give it a go for a few maintenance items!

 

[Bill_D]

Credit where credit is due... @Patriot sent me a link to them for filters last week. $5 cheaper than Amazon for the oil filters too.

 

[strogg]

It's disappointing to hear about the drain valve. It does make me feel better that I ended up ordering a few OEM replacements for far cheaper than a single valve. The main reason behind my decision is that the billet valve seems to be stronger than the filter box itself. With OEM, I know the valve will break before the box. That and it's so much cheaper.

One more note against the SPE is that PTT Arod mentioned that he has never broken one. Ever. And he deals with that regularly being a Ford tech, so I trust him when he says that people who break it are doing it wrong. It makes sense, considering practically no Ford dealership has them on hand. You'd think they would if it's a regular problem.

 

[jiggadog]

I broke an OEM drain valve. It was leaking and I backed it off a bit and retightened and broke the plastic piece. I wasn’t wrenching on it. What a mess. I bought two OEM and the SPE unit but haven’t installed it yet.

 

[Wrangler98]

I just installed the SPE Billet Drain Valve and I'm very disappointed...I plan on removing it during my scheduled fuel filter replacement and reinstall the OEM valve. The idea behind the billet version is great, however the product itself deviated to far from Fords design and creates a mess when draining the fuel. Ford's design consisted of a little funnel and what appears to be a pressure return tube allowing the fuel to be easily captured. In addition to the design flaw, I believe you could purchase 3-4 of the OEM valves should one break while servicing.

I apologize to SPE if I'm being overcritical on your product, all of the reviews I've read (including on your website) were nothing but stellar.

Thanks,

I was worried this product would conduct the colder temperatures vs the plastic oem

 

[Cire]

@strogg - I agree, one of the Youtube reviews mentioned a reason for upgrading was to prevent it from breaking off while off roading, but as you mentioned, the entire fuel filter component is plastic...Based on the link that Bill_D provided you could buy ~15 OEM valves for the price of a single billet valve.

@Wrangler98 - One thing that worries me in the long run is the aluminum ears hollowing the plastic grooves. I know I may be reaching, but think of a metal radiator cap on a plastic radiator vs how frequent you remove the cap. In this case the grooves allow for a snug fit to secure the valve in place and I would guesstimate this valve gets cycled more than a typical radiator cap.

 

[MTTremor]

I just installed the SPE Billet Drain Valve and I'm very disappointed...I plan on removing it during my scheduled fuel filter replacement and reinstall the OEM valve. The idea behind the billet version is great, however the product itself deviated to far from Fords design and creates a mess when draining the fuel. Ford's design consisted of a little funnel and what appears to be a pressure return tube allowing the fuel to be easily captured. In addition to the design flaw, I believe you could purchase 3-4 of the OEM valves should one break while servicing.

I apologize to SPE if I'm being overcritical on your product, all of the reviews I've read (including on your website) were nothing but stellar.

Thanks,

I bought one but have not installed it yet. Thank you for the update and what your thoughts are.

 

[Patriot]

I bought and carry two extras, one for me and one to help a Brother out.

here- http://Dieselfiltersonline.com ??????

 

[Brapbrap]

Bah, I just ordered one last night before I saw this. Trying to cancel the order.

 

[Brapbrap]

Bah, I just ordered one last night before I saw this. Trying to cancel the order.

And they shipped it anyways. Well return it is.

 

[PNW]

It's disappointing to hear about the drain valve. It does make me feel better that I ended up ordering a few OEM replacements for far cheaper than a single valve. The main reason behind my decision is that the billet valve seems to be stronger than the filter box itself. With OEM, I know the valve will break before the box. That and it's so much cheaper.

One more note against the SPE is that PTT Arod mentioned that he has never broken one. Ever. And he deals with that regularly being a Ford tech, so I trust him when he says that people who break it are doing it wrong. It makes sense, considering practically no Ford dealership has them on hand. You'd think they would if it's a regular problem.

Yes, you are correct! The OEM valve was design to break off first if over turn (torque) to protect the box.

 

[davidb1841]

I bought and carry two extras, one for me and one to help a Brother out.

here- http://Dieselfiltersonline.com ??????

View attachment 15314

Thanks for the tip......I just ordered 2!

 

[Dezertpilot]

SPE has absolutely trash reviews, I ordered about $1000 worth of shit from them. I was advised by a well known individual to return the t-stat and disaster prevention kit. SPE charges 20% restocking fee. You know this is straight up BULLSHIT. I canceled a part and was charged a restocking fee and the part didn't even leave their building. All they have to do is walk over and drop the part where it goes on the shelf.
I have a feeling they know they have sub par products and people are going to return them and that they need to make that 20% off of them.
I'll be keeping a few items but returning the Disaster Prevention Kit and low temp t-stat.
I'll be ordering the S&S Diesel DPK instead. Boy I feel like a fool for being taken, lesson learned!