Oil change at home
Discussion
If you have a vehicle that burns enough oil that you have an empty oil can, cutting the side out of one works well, you can still use the spout to pour it out which is helpful. The problem is getting that first empty oil can. I made the mistake of throwing mine away when I moved house.
Otherwise another vote for a washing up bowl.
The ones that look like a jerry can with a draining board on one side are crap, the oil will splash everywhere. You can get ones that have a strainer built in which would be useful when you inevitably drop the washer or sump bolt in there.
Otherwise another vote for a washing up bowl.
The ones that look like a jerry can with a draining board on one side are crap, the oil will splash everywhere. You can get ones that have a strainer built in which would be useful when you inevitably drop the washer or sump bolt in there.
I too use a washing up bowl, I have had those "Halfords type" oil drain pans in the past but always end up back at a washing up bowl. Just buy the cheapest one I can find and it lasts about 10 years or so. You will need a big funnel as well to pour the old oil back in an old bottle. And a big sheet of polythene or similar makes clearing up the spills far easier.
The pans with a spout can be bought for less if you look on carparts4less and similar sites.
I use an extractor pump like this- https://www.screwfix.com/p/oil-fluid-extractor-6lt...
I'm sure I didn't pay that much though, so shop around. You don't even need to get under the car with these pumps, so makes it far easier.
I use an extractor pump like this- https://www.screwfix.com/p/oil-fluid-extractor-6lt...
I'm sure I didn't pay that much though, so shop around. You don't even need to get under the car with these pumps, so makes it far easier.
Just drain it onto a layby at night when no one is looking.
Washing basin here, cheap sturdy and works.
I've found the containers you can buy with the impression and cut out for the oil to drain into always have the exact same hole size as the sump nut, causing a dropped nut to block the entry point causing an oil spill to rival BP.
Washing basin here, cheap sturdy and works.
I've found the containers you can buy with the impression and cut out for the oil to drain into always have the exact same hole size as the sump nut, causing a dropped nut to block the entry point causing an oil spill to rival BP.
If the car's a keeper and the design means oil comes out the drian hole at a rate of knots or splashes, consider fitting a Fumoto Quick Drain Valve.
Our Forester has a larger than normal drain hole bore, hot oil drops at a ridiculous rate, the Fumoto means you could change the oil in your best suit.
Agree with the above, a standard washing up bowl, i keep the previous 20 litre bulk bought oil drum and stick the old oil in that for fewer tip trips.
Our Forester has a larger than normal drain hole bore, hot oil drops at a ridiculous rate, the Fumoto means you could change the oil in your best suit.
Agree with the above, a standard washing up bowl, i keep the previous 20 litre bulk bought oil drum and stick the old oil in that for fewer tip trips.
When it comes to pouring the oil out of the bowl, use the technique used for paint cans to make it pour cleanly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGUApTIJZ70
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGUApTIJZ70
Having bough a vacuum oil extractor about 10 years ago I wouldn't use anything else unless it's absolutely unavoidable for some reason.
Set it up, give it 5 - 10 minutes at most to extract all the oil and pour the replacement oil in.
It's easy, clean and makes an oil change a 15 minute job.
The vertical column ones are about £70 and also let you see how much oil's been extracted so you know roughly how much you need to put in.
Set it up, give it 5 - 10 minutes at most to extract all the oil and pour the replacement oil in.
It's easy, clean and makes an oil change a 15 minute job.
The vertical column ones are about £70 and also let you see how much oil's been extracted so you know roughly how much you need to put in.
Had one like this for 20 years. Still spot on. No spills. Depending on the container I’m transferring into, I’ll use a funnel or if the neck is big enough I’ll use the spout
https://ebay.us/m/Ed3CqT
https://ebay.us/m/Ed3CqT
OP, just in case you weren't already aware, wear suitable gloves when dealing with used engine oil, it's carcinogenic. Disposable or "Marigolds".
If you're changing a cartridge filter under the engine that's when you might find oil going where you don't want. Take it slowly loosen, let some oil come out then fully loosen and try to tip oil into your drain container.
Another thing some do is to put oil in the new filter, it's interesting to see how much the pleats take up, before fitting it. Obviously only works with a filter fitted vertically.
Edit, forgot to mention, put a smear of engine oil on the seal of the new filter.
And apologies if you already knew all this.
If you're changing a cartridge filter under the engine that's when you might find oil going where you don't want. Take it slowly loosen, let some oil come out then fully loosen and try to tip oil into your drain container.
Another thing some do is to put oil in the new filter, it's interesting to see how much the pleats take up, before fitting it. Obviously only works with a filter fitted vertically.
Edit, forgot to mention, put a smear of engine oil on the seal of the new filter.
And apologies if you already knew all this.
Edited by 3454.5 on Sunday 10th August 22:01
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