Vacuuming Oil Out Of Small Engines

[cabinetman]

I'm fed up with the oil drain plug on small engines that are above, next to or behind some obstruction allowing oil to go everywhere, when draining. I caught this ad in Lowes this morning for a vacuum system to drain oil from lawnmowers, etc. Anyone have experience with one of these, or comments?
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[jhart]

I got one of those for a Christmas present and keep planning on using it for the snowblower and lawnmower, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Too many other things to do this summer.

The idea looks like a good one though. Hopefully, I'll use it before it get too cold here in Minnesota!!!!

[Pappy]

Interesting idea if it works as claimed. It still would be difficult to know if you got all the oil out. Maybe block one side of the machine so the area below the dipstick tube was at the lowest point.

Without a bottom drain plug there is always some old oil/sludge below the level of the oil drain. Black and Decker voided the warranty on an engine I had with a broken rod because of this.

[Uncle Cracker]

Could be worth a try, if you can truly get the hose completely down into the oil sump, and haven't let the oil get too "sludgy"...

[cgallery]

Black and Decker voided the warranty on an engine I had with a broken rod because of this.

Are you saying B&D voided the warranty because you couldn't get all the old oil out through the manufacturer designed oil drain?

[Pappy]

Could be worth a try, if you can truly get the hose completely down into the oil sump, and haven't let the oil get too "sludgy"...

The first couple of oil changes on an older machine you could put a quart of kerosene or diesel in after vacuuming the oil, slosh it around, and revacuum to clear the sludge from the sump.

[cork58]

I have made drains of my own in the past. Remove the drain plug and insert a pipe nipple of the correct size and route to the edge of the frame and install a pipe cap. Now the oil will be in a better spot and will drain completely. Is it on the generator?

[eccentrictinkerer]

The first couple of oil changes on an older machine you could put a quart of kerosene or diesel in after vacuuming the oil, slosh it around, and revacuum to clear the sludge from the sump.

Kerosene, oil, vacuum?

Sounds like the 4th of July when we stood an old vacuum cleaner in an oil pan partly filled with gasoline, then plugged it into 240 V.

If you choose to do this, remember to use a really long extension cord. DAMHIKT

[Tom Slick]

Mercedes Benz has a few engines that the factory prescribed oil change method is to suck the oil out. It is also fairly common on boat engines. I wouldn't hesitate to use a vacuum on a small engine.

pappy, you had a black and decker engine? I've never seen one, sounds interesting.

[cabinetman]

pappy, you had a black and decker engine? I've never seen one, sounds interesting.

Are pull starts considered "corded"?
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[LCHIEN]

The first couple of oil changes on an older machine you could put a quart of kerosene or diesel in after vacuuming the oil, slosh it around, and revacuum to clear the sludge from the sump.

How do you get to the point of FIRST oil change on an OLDER machine...

oh, I get it, you never change oil on a younger machine...

[Mr__Bill]

My first thought on reading the Title/subject was... "This is a case where you defiantly want to borrow your neighbors shop vac."

[gearbuilder]

This one works, no electricity.

I have this vacuum and it works great for changing the oil on small engines.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JFN9WW



Jamie

[WayneJ]

Cab,
Harbor freight sell a 2 1/2 gal vacuum tank for changing oil. Try 45403-3vga IIRW its about $ 25, ita a new item in the store
Wayne

[Pappy]

Massive brian fart this morning...

Make that Briggs and Stratton. CG, that is exactly what they did. 12 1/2 HP on a tractor. No bottom plug; only way to drain the sump completely would be to turn the tractor on its side or pull the engine. Needless to say, I don't by Briggs powered equuipment.

Loring, first couple of changes using a vacuum system.

We are talking air or manual vacuum pumps here, guys. I would try this with an electric vac...unless I got someone here to hold my beer!