Fluid transfer pump for engine/hydraulic oil: your recommendations, please

[jwith68]

Looking into either 12V or 120V fluid transfer pumps for extraction of engine or hydraulic oil from a (let's say) 5 - 25 gallon reservoir. My vacuum extractor or suction gun could do the job, but would be painfully slow and tedious on even a few gallons. Moving high viscosity gear oil (80W-90, 75W-140, etc.) is not a requirement - likely nothing heavier than 15W-40. Might need up to ~3' of suction lift, though.

Will be occasional use only, not in a pro shop setting. Lots of choices out there from super cheap to high dollar. What do you guys have that works well? Even open to drill-powered, if it works.

 

[American Locomotive]

Are you open to something air-powered? At my old shop, we never seemed to have much luck with electric powered transfer pumps. We always used pneumatic diaphragm pumps. They worked very well.

 

[tncatadjuster]

I got this to pump out mini digger hydrauli, it worked ok .

Amazon.com

 

[VolvoRyan]

I got this to pump out mini digger hydrauli, it worked ok .

Amazon.com

I have a few of these. They'll move motor oil, ATF, and even synthetic gear lube just fine. I wouldn't want to do more than a gallon at a time, though.

-Ryan

 

[jwith68]

Are you open to something air-powered? At my old shop, we never seemed to have much luck with electric powered transfer pumps. We always used pneumatic diaphragm pumps. They worked very well.

Yes, air powered could work, too.

I got this to pump out mini digger hydrauli, it worked ok .

Amazon.com

I've seen a couple variations of these. Based on reviews, might do the job if I'm not in a hurry. How much suction lift will yours handle?

 

[Firebrick43]

Sure fire for speed and lift of 3' is the suggestion of American Locomotive of a diaphragm pump. They can handle nearly any liquid depending on what the check balls are made of. They can handle SOME trash as well.

The downside is they start at approx. 200 dollars for a small one. They however can be rebuilt multiple times as long as the main housings are not destroyed or damaged.

They were the go to for pumping incidental liquids such as oil and coolant into and out of systems at the plants I worked at.

 

[ALinCarolina]

I recently pulled the gas tank our of an antique auto and needed to empty it. Ordered an electric fuel pump on Amazon. Worked great for gasoline and probably would on motor oil. 5/16" tubing. Cost about $23

 

[WildBill]

I got this to pump out mini digger hydrauli, it worked ok .

Amazon.com

I also have one of those pumps and have used it for all types of oil/hydraulic fluid/diesel. Don't think you are supposed to use it for diesel, but hasn't killed mine yet. I stuck it in a little case with a 12v AGM battery, super handy. Now if my brother would just bring it back...