Borrowed a topsider

[TheDon]

well.. not the metal one.. but a pretty good plastic one... its tall and stuff.. My friend uses it for his ML320CDI and TDI

If I like it I am so getting one. I just need to degrease the inside some more so I can suck oil into it and pull a sample from it for Blackstone...

and maybe get a franz oil filter thing

[jkoebel]

I've got a MityVac topsider coming FedEx, possibly tomorrow actually.

I want to do my own fluid changes, but not from under the car, I'm lazy.

[tarbe]

I love my Tempo Oil boy, but would never consider using it for getting an oil sample.

I don't think you can keep one clean enough to avoid skewing your sample. It is much better to sample when you drain and catch it mid-stream...kinda like a urine sample

One thing I have learned in 25 years of laboratory chemistry and chemical industry work is the value of a good sample. I believe you will have a tough time getting a good sample out of a used oil extractor.


Tim

[KAdams4458]

Originally Posted by tarbe

... I believe you will have a tough time getting a good sample out of a used oil extractor.


Tim

I know he will. Your best bet, if you're serious about your oil samples, is to just install an in-line sample port right at a 90 degree bend ahead of the Frantz filter, so your sample hasn't already run through the toilet paper. I use this method for my Trabold bypass filter on my Saturn, and plan to use the same set-up on my 300D and the wife's Kia when I get around to installing Trabold filters on them.

The port is triple sealed with a cap and valve to keep the samples clean while they are taken, and the brass nipple that threads on to the port uses disposable nylon tubes. I use a new nylon tube every time I take a sample, and route it directly in to the Blackstone container, then clean the brass connector with brake cleaner and compressed air before sealing it in a bag so it's ready to go for the next sample. As a result, my samples are not only consistently free of contamination, they can be taken while the motor is running without need for a drain of the system, or the possibility of drawing oil from which particles have settled. The components for adding such a valve can be found for under $30, so it's cheap enough that there's no real reason not to do it, and have the peace of mind that only comes with knowing your sampling procedure isn't flawed, and providing false results.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by TheDon

If I like it I am so getting one. I just need to degrease the inside some more so I can suck oil into it and pull a sample from it for Blackstone...

Don't you have better places to put your money than a topsider?

If I can still crawl underneath and remove the drain plug (no jacks required)..........you can certainly manage to do it with your bad back and old stiff joints.............

[TheDon]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Don't you have better places to put your money than a topsider?

If I can still crawl underneath and remove the drain plug (no jacks required)..........you can certainly manage to do it with your bad back and old stiff joints.............

or I can just keep borrowing this topsider...

its a mity vac version

[Jarrett]

Brian?

Quote
If I can still crawl underneath and remove the drain plug (no jacks required)..........you can certainly manage to do it with your bad back and old stiff joints.............

Unquote:

Do you think that removing the drain plug removes more crud that would stay otherwise using the suction method?

Which might be harmful for the engine, if left there?

Thanks for your reply.

[TheDon]

by crawling underneath you get the chance to inspect the under carriage of your car which is a good thing.


its really a personal thing... I know by using the old method I get a full 2 gallon pan of oil...

[H-townbenzoboy]

Originally Posted by Jarrett

Brian?

Quote
If I can still crawl underneath and remove the drain plug (no jacks required)..........you can certainly manage to do it with your bad back and old stiff joints.............

Unquote:

Do you think that removing the drain plug removes more crud that would stay otherwise using the suction method?

Which might be harmful for the engine, if left there?

Thanks for your reply.

The Topsider actually removes more oil than the conventional drain method, so that's not an issue. If your oil has crud in it, you're either not using a diesel rated oil, or your engine has been poorly maintained.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by Jarrett

Brian?

Quote
If I can still crawl underneath and remove the drain plug (no jacks required)..........you can certainly manage to do it with your bad back and old stiff joints.............

Unquote:

Do you think that removing the drain plug removes more crud that would stay otherwise using the suction method?

Which might be harmful for the engine, if left there?

Thanks for your reply.

I think either method is fine.........one just costs more..........

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by TheDon

or I can just keep borrowing this topsider...

its a mity vac version

Do it.........don't waste your money.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

The Topsider actually removes more oil than the conventional drain method........

OK........I'll bite.........care to explain how a device that works against gravity can remove more fluid than a device that works with gravity?

[TheDon]

I duno but it worked pretty fine..

I did what the instructions said and let it suck all the fluid out... I accomplished much. changed the fuel filters, wiped down the engine, did some algebra homework, had lunch. and then refilled the oil and new filter..

[bustedbenz]

I'm curious as to how the anti-gravity method is better too

I've drained mine several times now, and my dad got the oil pan off this week. His report was that the bottom was clean of gunk, and to my knowledge that car has never been Topsided in its life.

[WD8CDH]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

OK........I'll bite.........care to explain how a device that works against gravity can remove more fluid than a device that works with gravity?

That's easy. The bottom of the drain plug hole is about 1/4" up the side of the oil pan so the pan doesn't drain compleatly. The oil extractor tube goes all the way to the bottom of the pan so it sucks out more of the oil.