Oil change... can I do it

Topic: Oil change... can I do it (Read 2214 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #25 – March 02, 2019, 03:52:01 pm

Here's a tip with the box,use a 55 gallon plastic bag,in case of a leak and easier to clean the box.

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #26 – March 02, 2019, 08:17:14 pm

I am just waiting on my oil report to come back before I change my oil. I bought a small mortar box at Home Depot as a oil pan and had a old plastic 2qt pitcher I use to get the used oil back into the empty oil containers to recycle. I have changed the transmission oil before and it wasn't that big of a job. The hard part is sneaking the picture back into the house.

Bill

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #27 – March 02, 2019, 08:37:33 pm

I bought a 24 qt oil drain pan/container from the local O Reilly's, it slides in nicely under the oil pan, has a place to put old filters to drain. Then I take it to the store and drain it in the appropriate tank. FYI when putting the the drain plug back the trick that I was taught was to turn the plug/nut/bolt left till it dropped into the threads then tighten, it stops cross threading.

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #28 – March 02, 2019, 09:46:26 pm

Thanks for all the great advice.. got a great offer today from a friend that has access to a pit with one of those catch pans that has a funnel on a pipe that raises up to close to the drain hole... woohoo! Got a fumoto drain valve a couple of weeks ago. Now I gotta get the oil and figure out what filter I need, looks like a fleetguard LF14000 filter is on it. Then schedule some time at the pit. At least the first time will be easier for me to check it all out and get the drain valve in...

This forum is a great place! Thanks to all!!!

Keith

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #29 – March 02, 2019, 09:59:20 pm

Where do people dump their used oil in states like WI when the lakes and rivers freeze up?
(It's a joke!)

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #30 – March 03, 2019, 10:48:29 am

Quote from: Dakota Slim – March 02, 2019, 09:59:20 pm

Where do people dump their used oil in states like WI when the lakes and rivers freeze up?
(It's a joke!)

Down the toilet? (also a joke)

OR, you could burn it in your stove!

Turn Your Waste Oil Products Into Home Or Shop Heat The DIY Way - Green...

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #31 – March 03, 2019, 02:21:20 pm

When I was a kid, we used to use the old oil to kill the poison Ivy growing on the trees or phone poles. Wouldn't be caught dead trying that now.

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #32 – March 03, 2019, 02:32:33 pm

You'd be appalled if you saw what they dump on the ground in the oilfield,offshore is pretty clean,one drop of oil makes a noticeable
spot.

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #33 – March 03, 2019, 02:52:31 pm

Great idea to install a drainer valve on M11 aluminum drain pan. We found Fumoto much longer than Femco Compact, possible causing that drainer to be the lowest point on the engine, with risk of something hitting it.

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #34 – March 03, 2019, 03:01:45 pm

Berry, yes, once you pull the OEM drain plug, how do you stop the flow and if something slips? It's all coming out. And if it's hot? The Femco Compact plug looks hard to damage.

Pierce

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #35 – March 03, 2019, 03:30:50 pm

I dump my fresh oil in a 5 gallon pail. Use a cheapo hand pump form Tractor supply, or Hong Kong freight (harbor freight).

You can throw old oil out in Idaho where we live into the trash. Big mistake. Trash truck decided to crush in front of my house/driveway. Need I explain more?

I have a 55 gallon drum. My friend takes old oil to burn (legally) at his shop

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #36 – March 04, 2019, 12:48:32 am

What is the drain plugs size on an m11?

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #37 – March 04, 2019, 11:24:03 am

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – March 03, 2019, 03:01:45 pm

Berry, yes, once you pull the OEM drain plug, how do you stop the flow and if something slips? It's all coming out. And if it's hot? The Femco Compact plug looks hard to damage.

Pierce

I don't understand the problem. You use a drain pan that is big enough, you pull the plug and let the oil run out. I want it to wash all the sediment and gunk in the bottom of the pan out when it drains.
Here's a tip for when you drain hot oil(the recommended way). Get some cheap cotton gloves to where under your rubber gloves. This will protect your hands from the hot oil.
Bill

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #38 – March 04, 2019, 11:39:28 am

Old oil on the skin can cause cancer. I've owned a couple repair shops and had several mechanics I knew get skin cancer from it running down their right arm. I too was one that changed my oil for a long time, no longer. Truck tire shops that change oil and filters do a great job and earn their money. If cost is a factor for your toad, Walmart can do it as cheap as you. And yes, I assume all made an error, and moniter accordingly.

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #39 – March 04, 2019, 01:01:50 pm

Quote from: Jack Lewis – March 04, 2019, 11:39:28 am

And yes, I assume all made an error, and moniter accordingly.

A good practice! Stripped or cross threaded drain plug threads seem to be a common concern - hence the interest in the permanently installed "quick drain" devices. Aluminum oil pans with minimal surface in the tapped drain hole is a recipe for trouble unless reasonable care is taken.

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #40 – March 04, 2019, 01:13:00 pm

And, if the M aluminum pan threads are stripped, not major deal:

Engine Drain Plug Insert

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #41 – March 05, 2019, 11:12:53 am

You can learn to do it Keith and do a far better job than some kid "diesel tech".. I run 10 diesel trucks and cringe at the thought of some "tech" fooling with something as important as oil. I wouldn't allow one under one of my trucks or coach.

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #42 – March 05, 2019, 05:11:17 pm

I also use the "Fumo" drain valve so that I have some control over the flow. I use two 5 gallon containers (restaurants probably use them for their veg. oil) that fire retardant used to come in. Because of the weight of 36-38 gallons, I would suggest two containers. When I do the change, I put the containers side by side in a cement mixing tray (Home Depot) to catch spills and the valve allows me to shut off the flow when I go from one container to the next. You can check to see if your area has a hazardous waste collection site or take it to your nearest auto parts store, if they are set up for large volumes.

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #43 – December 20, 2022, 03:51:51 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – March 02, 2019, 10:22:49 am

OK, buy a quick drain for your engine, a bunch of one gallon freezer bags, thin HF gloves, rags, a sharp punch and away you go. Naturally, you need the oil and filter as well as some dirty clothes.

Once you have everything in place and have done the safety stuff, pull the top off the oil filler and tape your vacuum cleaner hose to the filler. Turn on the vacuum cleaner (no, it won't ruin the vacuum cleaner) and then pull the oil pan drain plug. No oil will come out, it just will suck a little air in. Thread the quick drain into the pan taking your time as not to cross thread the drain as Cummins have aluminum pans and the thread is also aluminum. Once tight, remove the vacuum cleaner. Take the sharp punch and with at least a gallon container below, puncture the bottom of the filter. With the container in place below, remove the punch. Now, you will have saved yourself a huge mess as nothing should be spilled. If you loosen the filter, oil will pour down the sides and WILL make a mess even if you have a plastic bag around the filter. The big difference between changing your car oil and the diesel is the nasty black color and how hard it is to get off things once you spill. And I've had plenty of spills.

I'm reviving this thread to give Pierce some props. This is one of the more underrated tips & tricks I've stumbled across on the forum. It made switching to a no-spill oil drain kit super easy. Thanks

Re: Oil change... can I do it

Reply #44 – December 20, 2022, 07:42:47 pm

Thanks Eliott!

Good to have a HD filter wrench, not the rubber strap wrench most the parts stores sell. The PO or a shop may have over tightened the filter and the strap may slip before the filter comes loose. The type that take a ratchet, breaker bar or adjustable wrench work the best for oil, fuel or a spin on air dryer element and take only a little effort. NAPA has one that gets good reviews for less than $8 or chose one from Amazon for $20+.https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7769017?cid=paidsearch_shopping_dcoe_google&campaign=GSC-Filtration&campaign_id=6478904302&adgroup_id=121544424384&adtype=pla_with_promotion&gclid=Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jZUWnk9P4Sa-ZSVlO18pQckKNF6W6CcMWMpuUBDOZh0C8vlJ2jomkaAuorEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&

Lube the rubber filter gasket and then tighten according to the instruction on the side of the spin-on filter. Don't go "that little extra" as it won't leak.

None of these are my original ideas but picked up from other sources and just put together. I have been covered with black diesel engine oil in the past and don't want others to suffer the same fate.

Pierce.

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