Has anyone had good luck with an oil change pump. One that works through the dipstick? Thanks

 

Try "Oil Change Topsider" in search.

 

A few members do use this method, but I use the old fashioned method of jacking the car up from the driver's side and draining the oil out of the oil pan. By doing this, you have a better chance that ALL the oil is drained. It is super easy, doesn't make a huge mess, no tubes and hoses to deal with, and it is free. By using the pump method, there could be pockets of oil left in the pan if the hose isn't placed just right. I would rather ensure that all the oil in the bottom of the pan, where sediment (if any) settles, is drained out, than safe a few minutes by using a pump. I've been working on cars for over 17 years, and have been associated with performance mechanics for nearly the same amount of time. The only time I have ever seen a pump used, is by a quick lube place who were only concerned about making a quick buck.

Just my $.02

 

I use a Mityvac super, holds 2.3 gals of oil. I travel around to much to be able to haul around ramps and oil pan. Not about to pay the price of changing the oil that some of these places won't. Three oil changes and I've pretty much have the vaccum paid for. I've used the vaccum thru the dip stick 3 different times. Haven't had a problem. Oil is self contained, no mess. You just need a place to dispose of it. I took mine to WAL-Mart and they took it free of charge. I like mine for these reasons.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MityV...spagenameZWDVW

 

try here i got a MOELLER works great

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https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ad.php?t=20155

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...key=SiteSearch

 

I know when i read about the pump method for the first time a guy said that when he took his merc to the dealership they used a pump to pump it out through the dipstick, hence one of the reasons why they put the oil filter one top of the motor maybe?

 

Again, the dealership just wants to get things done quicker. I never substitute quickness for quality. Some may not think it is a big deal; however, I am a perfectionist. I let the oil drain from the oil pan directly until there are no drops left. That takes about 20 minutes sometimes. No big deal to me. I want to make sure all that crap at the bottom of the pan is out. People just want everything faster these days. Sometimes, quicker isn't better.

These topside pumps are mainly used by boat owners due to the fact that most boat engine sumps aren't easily accessible. If you can get to your sump drain plug, why not use it? That's what it's there for.

Why do you think there is a drain located at the lowest point of the oil pan? The lowest point is where the dirtiest "stuff" settles. I mean, what, are people afraid to get dirty? It is a good excuse to clean and inspect the underside of the car. Whenever I'm down there, I clean the undercarrage, the inside of the wheels, the suspension components, the plastic covers, exhaust system, and etc. Then, I use a corrosion inhibitor on all exposed metal parts. I also paint any spots that have chips such as the steel cross braces and A-arms. This may be a bit extreme for many owners, but, like I said, I'm a perfectionist when it comes to keeping my cars like new or better than new.

So, you pump users may be done quicker, but I'll betcha my oil and car is cleaner!!

 

Does this one hold all 8 1/2 quarts?

 

I thought my Topsider pump worked pretty well. Once I figured out how to set the gaskets so that it maintained a good vacuum, it did the job exactly as advertised - just had to take the can to the nearest Auto Zone to dump out the oil when done.

I guess it's possible there were a few drops of oil left after the operation - but from what I've read on other posts, at least one XFire owner has tried pulling the oil plug after a top-side drain ... and got nothing more out.

And the topsider holds all 8.5 quarts.

Not to minimize the need to take very good care of this fine machine, but if there is a bit of left-over oil in the bottom after pumping, it is going to be very well diluted after putting in 8.5 quarts of new oil.

 

My topsider works great!

 

I agree totally and with a new filter, you have it covered. I purchased a Pela pump that holds up to 14 liters and it's fast, easy and I don't have to get the jack and creeper out to crawl under the car. The only thing easier would be paying the $100+ to have someone else do it......oh, wait....no, the $100+ would be the hardest part of all.

Buy a pump! It pays for itself in a couple of changes and you barely get your hands dirty.

http://www.jerrybleach.com/pelapumps.html

 

their have been a lot of members here that have used different
brands of oil vac's ... most all work very well

oh ya if u use ramps most likely youll scuff up the front spoiler i did..

also have to get under the car as well,
the oil pan has a lip on it where the drain plug is so
all of the oil don't drain anyway.

imafink2 here ya go

Transfer probe drains oil via oil dipstick tube
Oil changes and fluid extraction made simple and quick. This 5-quart container with self-priming pump creates a vacuum allowing fluids to flow fast with only 15-18 strokes. Place withdrawal probe in the dipstick and begin pumping. When unit is filled to capacity the internal float shuts off to prevent overfilling the tank, and the pressure relief valve allows handle to return to carrying position for ease of transport. Pouring spout allows clean transfer at a proper disposal facility to make recycling easier

 

That's why you jack the car up at an angle.

 

I use this one as well. Works great for cars, lawn equipment, etc.
The 'topsider' method is used by MB dealerships.
You will hear pros and cons on these as with anything.

 

I agree with cgocifr that the best way to change the oil is to remove the drain plug from under the car. The action of the oil rushing out drawn by gravity, pulls out the containments and any minute metallic particles that reside in the bottom of the pan. The pump, may, remove some of the particles but only at the site that the probe contacts the bottom of the pan.

That said, I'll use the pump method. I have a pump that I use on my jet ski because you can't get a container under the sump and the only way to get the oil out is to suck it out.

I think that even though you can't get every last drop of oil out of the Crossfire engine by using the pump method, it's good enough. Any small amount of oil left in the sump will be well diluted by the eight and a half quarts you will be adding. Be sure to change the filter each time and either method should be acceptable.

 

That is an exact duplicate of the pump I use to change the oil in my boat engines. I have twin 350 c.i. Merc's (Chevy engines) straight inboards. I have no choice but to suck the oil up through the dipstick tube.

I do have one question about this pump. I have to keep pressing the pressure release button to get all the oil out of each engine. If I don't press the button, the oil stops flowing up from the crankcase. I never read anything in the directions about having to do this, but it seems to help. Any of you notice that when using the pump on your car?

Bob

 

try not to pump it so much just 10 pumps .. then 3 or 4 pumps along the way

i hit the pressure release button when i
transfer the oil to a oil container to haul it off.

 

Another nice feature on the MityVac is you can reverse the flow of the pump. After I have poured the new oil into the Crossfire, I reverse the flow and put the dirty oil into the empty Mobile 1 containers.

 

I bought the mityvac, tried it on sunday but it kept losing vacuum. When I reversed the flow to see if it had a leak I could hear air leaking out where the screws hold the cap on. I will try to tighten it this evening to see if it fixes it. If not I will use some gasket maker to fix it. Too much hastle to ship it back for an exchange.

 

I was just looking to buy that at Amazon and was thinking what a hassle it would be to return it if it were defective. I wonder if any of the big box auto parts places sell them at reasonable prices?