Hand Free: Z1 Off-Road No-Mess Engine Oil Funnel

Everyone who owns a 2nd-gen Frontier (like me) who likes to do regular maintenance themselves (like me) will already know what I’m saying when I say that there is no normal funnel that will stay in place inside the oil filler of our VQ engines. Instead, when doing a home oil change you have to hold the funnel with one hand and pour the new oil in with the other – and this gets even more difficult if you buy your oil in the larger 5-quart containers.

So, when it was time to do my regularly scheduled twice-a-year synthetic oil change (let’s not get into my preferred schedule, you do you) I stumbled across the savior to my torment (lol) and something that I wish I had a long time ago: the Z1 Off-Road No-Mess Engine Oil Funnel. Unlike standard universal funnels, the Z1 “No-Mess” funnel features a special lower section that “threads directly into the valve cover on your engine…” or, in the case of the Frontier: the funnel threads right into the oil filler neck of the VQ40.

As I did the oil change, I was very pleased with the convenience that the Z1 funnel provided. The red upper portion of the funnel was nice and wide, and the side walls are thick and sturdy with no flex like other universal plastic funnels. The clear lower section is the part that threads onto the oil filler; not only does the clear walls let me see the oil as it flows into the engine, but its larger diameter means oil flows into the engine much quicker – I never had to do the “pour, wait, pour, wait” method that is common with smaller funnels that have a narrow lower neck. A nice touch is the rubber gasket at the bottom of the funnel; this is mainly to keep the funnel in position and snug against the oil filler.

The oil change went as expected, and not having to hold the funnel with my right hand as I poured oil with my left meant that I could like, fill oil AND check my phone messages. Or fill oil AND have a ham and cheese sandwich. Or fill oil AND drink a Venti strawberry acai lemonade. The options are endless.

The Z1’s No-Mess Oil Funnel is compatible with numerous Nissans, and as of this writing has an MSRP of just $19.99. I am confident to say that this is a well-spent $20 for any at-home DIY mechanic – no complaint here, as the Z1 Off-Road No-Mess Engine Oil Funnel is simple, 100% effective, and very well-executed. Good job as always, Z1!