Got a question about the spill proof funnel kits.

[mashguy4077]

I was planning on buying one of the spill proof funnel kits from Amazon when I replace my radiator and saw the Lisle brand kit for about $26.00 which is a well known brand.

Then I saw some brands I’ve never heard of but the kits look exactly the same and they are around $7 to $10 cheaper than the Lisle.

What would you guys recommend?

 

[dnschmidt]

It's a funnel with a stopper in it. Not much proprietary there. I have both the Lisle and the OEM Tools version. Can't tell the difference.

 

[unslow1]

Get the one with the lid. I got a kit without the lid and the cardboard box doesn't hold up long. The little pieces can be stored in it when you have the lid. I bought the lid later. As for differences they are probably all made by the same company or factory.

 

[visionguru]

I was planning on buying one of the spill proof funnel kits from Amazon when I replace my radiator and saw the Lisle brand kit for about $26.00 which is a well known brand.

Then I saw some brands I’ve never heard of but the kits look exactly the same and they are around $7 to $10 cheaper than the Lisle.

What would you guys recommend?

That kind of funnel is NOT essential for doing coolant. To avoid "spill" when burping the system, install the radiator cap loosely, then start the engine and wait for the radiator fan coming on at least twice, then shut and refill. That was from Honda's factory manual.

I was interested in such a funnel when doing coolant drain/refill, but refrained from buying. Don't want to waste space to store a big funnel that I won't use in 5 years. It makes more sense for a shop.

It's just a funnel. There is not much to it. I'd go with the cheaper one.

 

[Neggy]

with the way new cars are today, many of them need a vacuum system to fill them, I have one around here somewhere got off the MAC truck, so it was rebranded and three times as much as one I could have bought online..... IMHO any good funnel will work

What I DO have in my personal tools at home (FL) is a funnel set that fits various cars, the bottoms swap out to fit the oil fill hole and the funnel holds over a quart... if you want to buy a funnel set get one of those

They are similar to these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0779KTBVB/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[AJHD]

I still have the Lisle 24680 spill-free funnel version. I used it a bunch in the shop, when I was still working in a shop.
I think it's a great tool to have around. It's cheap, easy and helps to avoid making a mess.
I do advise you keep the parts/adapters in a separate bag or container, or expect them to get lost/broken rather quickly having to taking everything out of the funnel every time you need to use it, if you store the parts/adapters in the funnel.

If you don't want to pay for Lisle, the OEM Tools version is less than $20 and has just about the same number of reviews.

 

[bwringer]

These things aren't 100% necessary, but they sure are nice and you have much less chance of spilling and splashing.

And on some vehicles with especially stubborn cooling system geography (like my van with the rear HVAC), it's the fastest way by far to make sure the cooling system is 100% filled.

I dunno about the no-names, but this isn't a rocket surgery sort of situation. I wonder if the adapters are a little better or more complete in the name brands.

Still, the Lisle is only about $25. That's what I'd go with rather than a knockoff.

 

[mashguy4077]

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[ehsan]

I have the Lisle version. Very useful in getting rid of a pesky air bubble in the cooling system of my race car that would cause the top radiator hose to collapse and the temps to skyrocket. Well worth the ~25 bucks.

 

[qqzj]

I have a set of Lisle funnel bought 10 years ago. Still wrapped in the clear plastic films it came with. Never bothered to open the package and use it. Whenever I need to bleed, I just put a tall funnel on the radiator neck and jack up the front of the car really high in the air. It gets the job done just fine. Also add a bit more coolant in the reservoir and the engine will **** it if coolant is not full.

Maybe my cars are designed to be easier to work with. Some other cars might benefit more from the kit.

 

[plinker]

For the price difference, I'd still go with Lisle, simply as it's a known quality item. US made doesnt hurt either.