garden sprayer for topside oil change

I was wondering if you could reverse a garden sprayer to suck and use it to do topside oil changes? Has anyone done this. Can it be done?

I know you can do oil changes that way; hand-operated vacuum pumps are sold specifically for that purpose. I would be interested if you can GRM-up a used garden sprayer for cheap, though!

There are extensive videos on YouTube of these... But why leave the worst particles in, every oil change? I'd invest in some better ramps or a remote located setup.

1. oil pan drain valve

2. Tubing

3. Vacuum Pump

= Topside oil change

Note: The only pic I found online was with that PVC tubing...Id set it up with a heat and petroleum resistant hose designed for underhood use, and an actual fitting designed for permanent use - leave it open to the pan, and have the valve on the top side...if that makes sense

FranktheTank wrote: There are extensive videos on YouTube of these... But why leave the worst particles in, every oil change? I'd invest in some better ramps or a remote located setup.

This, all the sludge and particulate crap that clogs the pickup screen tends to stay on the bottom unless you pull the drain plug out.

Unless you've got some serious medical problems that prevent you from getting on a creeper, just invest in some good ramps. That and most cars require you to go under to get at the filter anyways.

Drill pump.
I have never changed oil this way but I did use this method to extract auto trans fluid out the fill tube and replace with fresh fluid as a way of improving shifting on a budget (both money and time budget) as opposed to fully dropping the pan/gasket/filter. Pump and hose = less than $10.

JohnRW1621 wrote: Drill pump.

That looks just like the setup I have right down to the Craftsman cordless drill. Never tried it on oil just water.

this is seriously a topic on a forum that is populated with people that actually know how to work on cars?

I don't change my oil. I have. But when you can get your oil changed for $20 and drink coffee and watch the Dan Patrick Show. Why should I bother? I don't have to get rid of the oil either. Now brakes? I do brakes. Water pumps, timing belts, ....

In reply to RossD:

$20 at a quick-lube place doesn't cover synthetics. In my case, my TDi requires a specific synthetic oil no quick-lube place will have. The g/f's MINI is too easy to eff up if you don't know how to install the filter cap. Not to mention, I have a lift, an 8 gallon oil can, and the g/f's twp recycling center accepts used oil and antifreeze. I DIY because it's less hassle than paying someone else to do it.

I don't like top-side changers because I think it's a good idea to be under the car once in awhile to check things out and monitor the various leaks.

RossD wrote: I don't have to get rid of the oil either....

that's what the woods and creeks are for......

(just kidding - Wally world takes used oil back)

Datsun310Guy wrote:

RossD wrote: I don't have to get rid of the oil either....

that's what the woods and creeks are for...... (just kidding - Wally world takes used oil back)

dumping it in the woods or creek seems like a waste of perfectly good dust suppressor for the gravel driveway..

I don't trust anyone to rotate my tires or change my oil. I'm brand specific on oil, filters, and additives. I grease all my zerts check for leaks and wiring issues, tires get rotated and if I find something wrong. I fix it. Right then.

I've collapsed filters after quick lubes have over tightened oil filters on friends cars. When your down to driving a screwdriver through one to break it loose I get mad. My 375lb impact wouldn't break loose my GF tires after wal Mart rotated them. (150lb reverse strength) I always use a torque wrench on every lug nut in a star pattern... From a tractor to a lawnmower. I've also never had one come loose so I must not be too crazy.

I burn mine in the shop heater. It also lubes my sickle mower very effectively. I don't mind it on the driveway or fenceposts in the summer but I usually have a hundred gallons or so around to burn. Also the Nearest recycle center wld be abt 50 miles.