Oil change - Skeptical but very pleased!

[c-dawg]

So I figured that I'd change my own oil rather than pay the mechanic WAY too much to do it. After researching my options, I decided to go with a manual pump through the dipstick opening. I found the pump at Harbor Freight ( harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45403 ) . It is similar to other more expensive ones but much less $$$.

I warmed up the oil in the engine, inserted the small end of the tube into the dipstick hole and unleashed the pump. Disappointment! The large tube collapsed and the suction was little to nothing. I had to run to the nearest hardware "Depot" and get a few feet of tubing with a thicker wall. Replaced the cheap tubing and that thing started to suck! It wasn't as quick process as the tubes are fairly narrow, but after a while of doing other things like changing the oil filter, you could hear the slurping sound like if you were at the bottom of a soda drunken from a straw. I pumped it a little more and used it like a vacuum cleaner for the sump. In all I pulled around 2.5 gallons out of both engines which is their capacity.

I know some swear by draining oil through the pan plug, but I'm happy so far!:)

BTW - The pump can be used for other liquids too...

c-dawg

[Go Aweigh2452]

I have one of those 5 gal pails with the high cap motor that sucks oil through the dip stick, attach to the battery terminals and let it go. Takes a few minutes and then I try to turn the hose a bit to maneuver the hose in the dip stick to find more oil which does work. Total time maybe 15-20 mins

I have the oil drain line out the oil pan bottom of my current boat. I fish it out of the garber hole and let it drain a couple of hours while I do something else.

Either way works but I find it easier to just unplug the line out of the garber hole then to carry a bucket of oil up and back down the ladder loaded with oil.

[SomeSailor]

Boat motor dipsticks are different than autos too. The tubes extend into the pan as well. This is why they're threaded on the ends so you can screw on an adapter and pull using the tube itself. You'll get most all of it out.

I like the idea of the drain tube out the garboard drain hole myself,but still need to get one of those hoses installed on my motor.

Congrats on saving the money on an oil change though. There's a certain sense of satisfaction knowing you did it yourself as well.

[Play N Hookie II]

I have the same pump but have yet to use it. It is my intention to do it this year. Thanks for letting me know it works. The tubing on mine was already replaced by the PO.