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TOPSIDE OIL CHANGE

 
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Henry



Joined: 03 Apr 2001
Posts: 2878
Location: NYC

PostPosted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:25 pm    Post subject: TOPSIDE OIL CHANGE Reply with quote

Briefly. Of course I change oil by driving my vehicle onto and up a series of 3 wooden blocks, extending the underside access by 6" to a total of approx. one foot; thus, sufficient and safe for me to comfortably remove the plug and drain the oil etc..

However, once a year I am in NYC for inspection and it is impossible to do this on the street of Manhattan, where I live, and it also is quite awkward to store the required lengths of 2"X6" lumber.

All of which brings to BMP and the LIQUIVAC TOPSIDE OIL CHANGER. I really do not want to bring my beloved to a local specialist garage with a lift.
Last year the dip stick was partially inserted following the job. I really, really, got my issues with this. Wish I didn't but I do not easily trust.

So...while realizing that perhaps the bottom gook might not all be removed, that gravity still doesn't go up...that this gadget, machine, what you call it or even SOLUTION might suffice for one oil change a year. And that the 45- or so dollars it cost is about as much as one trip to a garage that repairs BMW's, in Manhattan, and that I'd very much like to give this little or any business to...BUT can't put a dipstick fully back in.

In short...is there anyone out there with experience with this kind of thing.
And what's your opinion of it. Remember, this is a once a year event. An issue of lost trust. A matter of compromise.

When answering please (a slight exaggeration, but only slight) think of me on my back, with car raised, changing oil in the middle of Times Square.

And try not to laugh. It's very close to truth.
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idanity



Joined: 21 May 2005
Posts: 3097
Location: N.W.U.S.A.

PostPosted: Sat Jun 04, 2011 2:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

even if its not 'as good' as the gravity method, you could always do it twice.

but in reality, how much 'sludge' are you getting out with the gravity way ? i don't think mine has any, if you keep maintenance, you should be fine. and if you want to check i recomend to use a clean oil catcher for your next gravity oil change, and cycle the dropped oil through a coffee filter, just to measure sludge....

then, the next time you do a 'top side' oil change, do the same thing...through a coffee filter...if all things are normal, you would have at least a reference point of the 2....maybe even write an article, or have a valid statistical graph with weight, volume, or whatever else we find.

if you still have concerns, get a magnetized drain plug, and use cheap oil for the 1st topside oil change, drive it a week, and do it again with mobile 1 or castrol. that (imo) would be more than suitable.
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idanity



Joined: 21 May 2005
Posts: 3097
Location: N.W.U.S.A.

PostPosted: Sat Jun 04, 2011 2:30 am    Post subject: Re: TOPSIDE OIL CHANGE Reply with quote

Henry wrote:

When answering please (a slight exaggeration, but only slight) think of me on my back, with car raised, changing oil in the middle of Times Square.

And try not to laugh. It's very close to truth.



ok, i tried not to laugh, but Laughing

my suggestion would be to find an unused loading dock or natural ramp somewherem *(maybe even drive up on a curb (drivers side higher) ) to get the oil pan and 17mm under it.. put down some bums cardboard house to lay on, and drain it...then re-set the bolt...my arm and 17mm wrench can undo it in less than 1 minute (on a ramp).

on a loading dock, just have a friend spot you, or measure it out in chalk where your safety zone for tires would have to be....i did my rear shocks this way once (long ago) behind a grocery store

oil changes take about 5 minutes...and theres plenty of places no-one would care...
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