Oil Changes - Using A Vacuum Pump

[curriedb]

Thumbs up for waste-oil vacuum pumps!

I've finally switched to using a vacuum pump to change my engine oil. The decision came after talking to a friend who's been a mechanic (sorry Graham auto-technician!) for forty years.

Having expressed my concern about: "removing all the engine sludge," he laughed and said that a vacuum pump was now considered a standard piece of kit for servicing most vehicles.

So I took the plunge and bought a Pela 6000 (£29.95) from : http://www.seamarknunn.com/

I changed the oil, and filter, on the MR2 just a couple of months ago. So when I received the unit I tested it on our Honda Civic diesel. The engine holds 5 litres of oil (inc filter).

To ensure sludge is removed you need to run the engine for approx 10 mins prior to using the pump. Having stopped the engine you simply release the filler cap - to enable the vacuum to do its work - then remove the dipstick; stick the unit's plastic suction tube as far down as it will go...

After about a dozen pumps on the unit's handle it's time for a mug of tea - whilst the vacuum unit sucks out the old oil.

Five litres of new oil brought the oil level to just below the max dipstick mark (after running the engine to ensure the filter unit was full of oil). So I felt reassured that the unit had done a good job of removing all the old oil.

I was VERY sceptical prior to purchasing the vacuum unit. Now I'm a convert!!

Happy motoring,

Dave

[bgorman]

Thumbs up for waste-oil vacuum pumps!

I've finally switched to using a vacuum pump to change my engine oil. The decision came after talking to a friend who's been a mechanic (sorry Graham auto-technician!) for forty years.

Having expressed my concern about: "removing all the engine sludge," he laughed and said that a vacuum pump was now considered a standard piece of kit for servicing most vehicles.

So I took the plunge and bought a Pela 6000 (£29.95) from : http://www.seamarknunn.com/

I changed the oil, and filter, on the MR2 just a couple of months ago. So when I received the unit I tested it on our Honda Civic diesel. The engine holds 5 litres of oil (inc filter).

To ensure sludge is removed you need to run the engine for approx 10 mins prior to using the pump. Having stopped the engine you simply release the filler cap - to enable the vacuum to do its work - then remove the dipstick; stick the unit's plastic suction tube as far down as it will go...

After about a dozen pumps on the unit's handle it's time for a mug of tea - whilst the vacuum unit sucks out the old oil.

Five litres of new oil brought the oil level to just below the max dipstick mark (after running the engine to ensure the filter unit was full of oil). So I felt reassured that the unit had done a good job of removing all the old oil.

I was VERY sceptical prior to purchasing the vacuum unit. Now I'm a convert!!

Happy motoring,

Dave

Hi Dave, I to have successfully used a pump on my Astra diesel,but I found it impossible on our MR due to the very long and convelouted dipstick tube.

Given that you have to raise the rear to replace the oil filter I decided that it was less trouble to do the lot all at the same time. Bob.

[curriedb]

Ah, that's a shame Bob...but I'm pleased you've posted your experience of using a vacuum oil extractor.

I did poke the tube down into the MR2 - and it appeared to go beyond the length of the dipstick. However, I wouldn't want anyone to waste money buying a unit that doesn't work on the MR2 (hence the reason I explained I'd only used it on the Honda!)

Anyway, when I come to change the oil on the MR2 I will give it a go - and try to remember to post the results - just in case the pipe I'm using is a smaller diameter than the one you used.

Otherwise it will be back to crawling underneath...when I will be trying your trick... cutting a flap in the the under-shield to save time when changing the oil filter!

TTFN

Dave

[1bloke1dog1mr2]

Just a follow up to an old thread, has anyone used the vacuum pump on the roadster?

Mine is due it's service but am retisent about taking it to Mr T, they seem to co ck something up every time I go there, and is a F'T'SH worth much on a 8 1/2 year old car?

[GIDDLEPIN]

I'm only keeping up with the FSH because of the unoficial engine warranty, not sure what I'll do after that.

I have changed the oil myself and found it quite easy with the right gear ( a tray big enough to collect the waste oil ;) ), not sure about the pump method as I like to see what comes out

The specifications for oil capacity are 3.7 litres including oil filter, over filling an engine with oil can be just as damaging as running it without :shutit:

Les

[1bloke1dog1mr2]

When you say 'unofficial' engine warranty (and the dreaded P word!) how long is that?

With a FTSH at the mo, I'm thinking an X reg is out of that period.

I have been recommended synthetic 5 40w over at MR2ROC, but was a bit worried about what was in there from years of SS.

[GIDDLEPIN]

It's unoficially seven years although this would probably only be on vehicles dealer serviced from new.

I wouldn't worry about the synthetic oil as it was recomended from a good source and it is something I might consider ;)

[curriedb]

I haven't used the vacuum pump on the MR2. As Bob said (earlier in the thread):

"I too have successfully used a pump on my Astra diesel,but I found it impossible on our MR due to the very long and convoluted dipstick tube."

I do all the servicing on my '03 car. There's no guarantee that Toyota will honour an 'unofficial warranty'...so I've reasoned (rightly or wrongly!!) that I might just as well put their £100 labour charge - for each service - into my own 'just-in-case fund'.

Now my fingers are really crossed

Cheers

Dave

[TK41]

I'm only keeping up with the FSH because of the unoficial engine warranty, not sure what I'll do after that.

I have changed the oil myself and found it quite easy with the right gear ( a tray big enough to collect the waste oil ;) ), not sure about the pump method as I like to see what comes out

The specifications for oil capacity are 3.7 litres including oil filter, over filling an engine with oil can be just as damaging as running it without :!Removed!:

Les

Les

I placed a question in the forum back in October last year for some info on where and how to change the oil filter with no success. I know you have placed some cracking instructions on maintenance issues before, can you help in this case.

Thanks

[curriedb]

For filter change see here: http://www.northwestmr2.com/incoming/dutch...Replacement.pdf

Some members have cut a flap in the plastic undertray (leaving one side of flap attached to undertray) in order to improve access to the filter. It's your choice.

[1bloke1dog1mr2]

I'm just going to remove the nappy all together for the job, and replace when done.

I know a few who leave it off, but my thinking is it's there for a reason, and have recently fixed mine with a cable tie so shouldn't be too much of a sod.

Good diagram there Dave, I'm getting my Hubby to do mine this weekend!

[GIDDLEPIN]

Les

I placed a question in the forum back in October last year for some info on where and how to change the oil filter with no success. I know you have placed some cracking instructions on maintenance issues before, can you help in this case.

Thanks

Never even thought about doing a step by step

It's next service/oil change will be at Mr T's in February so I won't get chance for a while.

I'm just going to remove the nappy all together for the job, and replace when done.

I know a few who leave it off, but my thinking is it's there for a reason, and have recently fixed mine with a cable tie so shouldn't be too much of a sod.

Good diagram there Dave, I'm getting my Hubby to do mine this weekend!

Don't forget the diagram is shown using a ramp (unless you have one?)

Yes, it is best to take the nappy off, I always use copper grease when refitting the speed fasteners and have never had a problem with future removal.

[1bloke1dog1mr2]

Don't forget the diagram is shown using a ramp (unless you have one?)

We've got wheel ramps. I'm assuming the oils runs out easily enough with the rear ramped up? (obviously after warming the car up a bit)

[GIDDLEPIN]

Don't forget the diagram is shown using a ramp (unless you have one?)

We've got wheel ramps. I'm assuming the oils runs out easily enough with the rear ramped up? (obviously after warming the car up a bit)

The oil will run out ok unless the angle is too steep and you will be left with a pool of oil in the back of the sump.

Another thing I have done whenever possible is to fill the oil filter up prior to fitting, I find this gives a reduced time before oil circulates.

[1bloke1dog1mr2]

Well now the snow has come and gone and it's bit warmer my Hubby attempted the oil change this morning.

He has admitted defeat with removing the nappy(s) and has booked it in to our local (non Toyota) garage !!

Oh well, £30 (hours labour) for a happy Husband is worth it ;) He did change the spark plugs and air filter for me last week.

[GIDDLEPIN]

Never mind Amy...

Top marks to the hubby for trying though

Les