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Topic: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11 (Read 979 times) previous topic - next topic

Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Hello!

So yesterday I tried out my Blackstone Lab hand pump to get an oil sample.  After an hour or so gave up with only 3/4 inch of oil in the sample container.  Blackstone says they want a full container - about 5 times more than I got.  Yes the oil was hot.  And yes the tubing was in the oil.  So what did I do wrong?  (Getting 4 motor homes in 9 years is an answer already taken ;o)

Since I'm thinking I want to change the oil in the generator myself I'm wondering what you kind folks use to pump it out.  I guess I'd prefer a 120v powered pump since I have many extension cords for 120v. 

What do you suggest for an electric pump that I can use for sampling and to pump oil out of my generator? 

NAPA showed me 2 cute 12v "fuel pumps" that I assume would work. But I'm not sure they are my best option.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #1 –
Hi Paul, all of the generators I have changed oil in have a drain plug on the bottom on the oil pan. Remove the rubber cover on the bottom to get to the drain plug.

Ben Harris
1999 U320

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #2 –
Using the normal pump & bottle with the plastic hose, usually if in doubt of the condition of the dip stick tube, pump one bottle and then using a new bottle get a sample. reason for the first throw away bottle is due to crud that MIGHT have gotten into the pickup tube during inserting down the long dip stick tube.
IF you are pumping air/not getting a full bottle, my guess would be the plastic tube is not in the oil, just near it.
Taking a sample from the bottom drain is not realistic per oil testing info.


Cheers
Dave M

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #3 –
Try online boat stores west marine or overtones. Common to find manual and electric pumps purpose built to change oil via dipstick opening in boats where drain plug buried in bilge.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #4 –

I've been thinking about one of these but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Amazon.com: Mityvac 7201 Fluid Evacuator Plus: Automotive

see ya
ken

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🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #5 –
Paul,

Ben is right on the generator.  Remove three bolts from the bottom cover and swing it aside to reach the oil pan drain plug.

You are using the filler tube on the M11, not the dipstick tube, right?  Check for an air leak at the pump plunger and bottle.  You'll know when the end of the tube is in the oil when the plunger resistance increases.  Once the oil starts filling the bottle, you need to be ready to make an air leak or oil will be running all over.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #6 –
Quote
Ben is right on the generator. Remove three bolts from the bottom cover and swing it aside to reach the oil pan drain plug.

You are using the filler tube on the M11, not the dipstick tube, right?

I tried both. The oil I did get was from the dipstick tube.

Quote
Check for an air leak at the pump plunger and bottle.

No leaks I'm sure.

Quote
You'll know when the end of the tube is in the oil when the plunger resistance increases. Once the oil starts filling the bottle, you need to be ready to make an air leak or oil will be running all over.

What would cause that? Sounds like a syphon.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #7 –
Hi Paul,
    If I may suggest, cut end of the tube that goes into the vacuum pump at a 45 degree angle, thus making sure that you aren't bottoming out the tube.

Good Luck,
LynnD  '01 GV

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #8 –
On our C8.3, I used the dipstick tube. I made sure the tube was about one foot longer than the dipstick. There was no siphon effect. I carefully drew enough oil into the sample jar and then quit pumping. I removed the bottle from the pump, wiped the end of the tubing that was in the jar, and removed the tubing from the pump. I then carefully removed the tubing from the dipstick tube and discarded in a plastic bag. It was a relatively clean and simple operation.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #9 –
I'm glad to hear it's not just me.  Had the same problem, never could pull a sample from dipstick tube.  What kind of tubing are you using JD?  Is it the semi rigid stuff or flexible clear vinyl? 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
I'm glad to hear it's not just me.  Had the same problem, never could pull a sample from dipstick tube.  What kind of tubing are you using JD?  Is it the semi rigid stuff or flexible clear vinyl? 
I used 1/4" clear vinyl from the local hardware store. It is sold as supply line for water to refrigerators. I would classify it as "semi rigid" rather than "flexible."

Here is a picture of what I used. Vacuum Pump The line that came with the pump was a bit short. It did not reach the oil. I bought about 12' of new line from the hardware store. That is good for about two samples. I took a sample from the C8.3 engine via the dipstick tube, and a sample from the Allison tranny via the fill tube. I figure that the tube should go down the dipstick tube about as far as the dipstick goes.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #11 –
As for oil change pumps I use one of these for my boat.  Mine has a forward/reverse function so one can pump into the bucket then into a container for disposal.  Alternatively one can just pump into the container directly.  Then you can pump fresh oil into the engine.  Only downside is it's a bit unstable when empty so I keep it in a milk crate.

Porta-Quick Portable Oil Changer from Wholesale Marine

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Problem Sampling Crankcase Oil from M11

Reply #12 –
I use air line tubing which is very stiff.  Yes, cut the end at 45 degrees or it will hang up.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R