Topsider Troubles
 

i just changed my oil via the oilpan.i tried using the topsider but it took 1.5 hrs just to get 3 litres.it seemed like i was getting a air leak at the input tube side.i could play with the inlet tube to alleviate the hissing sound but it didn't seem to help all that much.has anybody had problems with this device and how did you rectify?also anybody have any other ways-either homegrown or manufactured.i ran my engine for 30 minutes prior to changing to warm up the oil
'change it hot and change it often'-right larry??
thanks

Cheaper Alternative!
 

This topic will undoubtedly get plenty of opinions so here's mine, again from an earlier post as an answer to the question of alternative methods!

I've had some past experiance with vacum cannister oil change apparatus on marine applications (DD 8-92TI's) these vac cans usually develope some type of leak that neccessitates multiple pumpings. The best solution we found was a $10 drill powered rotary pump. These pumps have a rubber impeller and can self prime up to 8'. They come with male hose bib connectors on for the inlet and outlet. You can either make up adapters to connect small diameter (1/4"- dipstick size) hose or some pumps have the inlet and outlet I.D. of 3/8", if so, then a small (3" long) piece of 3/8 can be inserted inside the punmp inlet and then the 1/4" hose will fit exactly inside the 3/8" piece. I use a 3" piece of 1'4" to put down the dipstick and a 6' piece of 3/8" as my discharge hose. I use milky white polyethelene hose that costs .15 to .25 per foot at the local hardware store, it's used to make plumbing connections i.e. icemakers. P. S. I have extra hoses for transmission draining also. In 10 minutes you can drain nearly every drop (8+ qts.) of warmed oil, just make sure you crack the oil filter housing seal to allow the filter housing to completely drain. After draining you can either plug the hose end to prevent leakage or I disconnect the hose and use a small piece (3") of 1/4" for the 3/8" hose and 3/8" for the 1/4" hose to connect the two ends of the oil fouled hoses in a sealed loop! Neat and clean, they hang on the wall waiting for 3000 miles to pass!

daddiojiggy,

I used to have one of those Topsider units, but changing hot and often contributed to its demise. It collapsed one day.

I experienced an occasional failure of the gasket under the inlet screw on cap. If you pump to much of a vacuum, or the gasket is wet with oil, you can suck it right into the can. I had to take the connection off, reposition the gasket (a flat rubber washer kind of device) and tighten up the connections.

Hope this helps and good luck, Jim

daddiojiggy,

The nipple should be solidly attached to the plate. Mine was loose as you describe yours to be. I called the Topsider folks and they sent me a new fitting with the nipple solidly crimped/sweged/whatever to the plate. It works well now. You might try sealing the nipple joint with RTV compound while you're waiting.

Regards,
Sixto
91 300SE
86 300SDL (due soon)
81 300SD (for sale cheap)