Removing engine oil

[Todd Osborne]

I always have trouble changing the oil in my diesel. I never can seem to get much out when pumping it out through the dipstick with a hand pump (The drain plug is virtually unaccessable). I either suck air, or the suction builds up but doesn't seem to pull much out. To make matters worse, my dipstick reads too low when first pulled, then reads too high on successive attempts.I wanted to drain it completely then fill to recommended level (My 5411 only holds about 2.2 quarts of oil) then get a baseline as to which reading is correct. Any ideas/recommendations gladly accepted!P.S. I added 1/2 quart last week & a fair amount leaked out somehow (breather tube?) Is that an indication of having too much oil?

 

[Robert Fischer]

run the engine first

Run the engine for 10 minutes before sucking out the oil. This will thin the oil and it will flow out much more smoothly.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Low First Reading is Normal

The low first reading is normal with the 5411. I think it has something to do with suction or something. Anyway, all you have to do is pull it slightly to equalize the pressure, reinsert and take an accurate reading.

 

[Mike]

Also...

Also open the oil fill cap when suctioning out the oil... allows air in to help flow.

 

[Randy]

One more thing

If you're sucking it out through the dipstick tube, it may help to cut the tip of your suction hose at a 45 degreee angle. This prevents the suction hose from sucking itself into the side of the oil pan and not picking up oil.Good luck.Randy

 

[Todd Osborne]

All Good Ideas, Thanks!

All sound like great ideas. I'll see if I can't get a successful oil change this time!

 

[Walt]

Last Thoughts

Forget those hand and drill pumps. Get one of those cans you pump up and let the suction pull the oil out.

 

[Pat Shera]

oil pan drain plug

For $50 I had a marine mechanic install a permanent drain plug into the forward end of the bottom of the oil sump on our '84 3 cyl Universal diesel and attach 2 feet of hose to the plug. (No, the engine did not have to be removed to do this. He was able to raise it sufficiently in place.) I plug a hand pump into the other end of the hose and pump out about one-half quart more oil than I was ever able to from the dipstick - it is easy, convenient, and the best modification ever done to my much-modified boat.