I did my first oil change with a Topsider this weekend. For those of you who don't know, a Topsider is a vacuum oil extractor that allows you to suck the oil out through the dipstick hole instead of having to drain it out the bottom.

The verdict: LOVE IT! You can take my topsider away from me when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers.

Here's the procedure I used:

1. Run engine to get the oil warm (not hot).

2. Loosen oil filter housing so that it's oil will drain back into the crank case.

3. Pull dipstick.

4. Tighten hose clamp on the topsider & pump 40 times.

5. Put suction probe down the dipstick hole 'till it hits bottom.

6. Open the hose clamp.

7. While the oil is draining, replace the filter & o-rings.

8. Sit back & have a soda.

That's about it, although I did wind up giving it a few extra pumps during the draining process. The whole thing took maybe 10-15 minutes.

Now the big question: How much oil did it get? Answer: ALL OF IT!

When I refilled the engine I was very careful to measure the oil, and it took exactly 8.5 quarts to bring the dipstick back to the "full" mark. Although I will admit that I sucked a bit of oil back out because I like my oil level just a tad below full to be extra sure I won't have any foaming issues.

When you get about 7 quarts added be sure to run the engine for a minute or two to refill the oil filter housing or the dipstick will read artificially high.

Dealing with the oil is a snap as well. Just disconnect the vinyl hose from the topsider and you have a nice spigot to pour the old oil right back into the bottles. No mess & no funnel needed!

I used the Topsider on my 2002 Honda Odyssey with the same results. It got every drop.


In my book, the Topsider's a winner and has earned a permanent place in my garage.