Who has used a Top Side Oil Changer and what are your thoughts?

 

I have used units like this for other things like removing hydraulic fluid from holding tanks, and brake fluid from master cylinders, and in some respect when removing oil samples from vehicles for analysis... but for oil service, No. I still prefer to remove the drain plug and inspect the drain plug magnet, and use that time to inspect the underside of the vehicle.

Motor on!

 

That's the method I used in the boats I've owned. I feel it comes up a little short in getting any debris that sets right on the bottom of the pan because there's no 'flushing' action.

 

Sux it DRY! Never had a problem and it is FAST!


ISAMIN

 

Used it once and wasn't very happy with the results.

It did give me that burbling sound suggesting that it was sucking air and oil has been completely drained out from the pan. Even moved the hose to different angles and same results.

Story short, when I checked the dipstick after I started the car... it was darker than gold therefore there was old oil left in the pan. I contaminated my own oil. Not cool?

Like most others would agree the conventional method of draining oil is the way to go. No guess work because one can actually see the oil drain completely.

Top Side looks pretty clever though...

Best of luck!

 

I have one and it's handy, but I do think it leaves about 1/4-1/2 a quart in the pan, so I usually choose to pull the drain plug, but sometimes I'll use the topsider to pull the majority of the oil out so it doesn't gush with so much pressure, and it's handy to have around the garage.