oil drain pan that doesn't leak?

[exalted512]

Does anyone have experience with oil drain pans that don't leak?

 

[Cope]

I've had two of this style pan for over twenty years with no problems. I use one for antifreeze and the other for engine and transmission oil.

http://www.zoro.com/i/G3390344/?utm...hopping_Feed&gclid=CPmlvc_fqsICFepAMgod4U8A1g

 

[Advan]

I use the same one Cope posted, with zero problems. Not sure what you mean by "leak" though....? I can't imagine anyone selling a blow-moulded piece of plastic with unintentional holes in it.

 

[afmrick]

I use a "5 gallon steel pail w/ spout" to store used motor oil. It certainly doesn't leak FWIW.

 

[dlcwent]

Does anyone have experience with oil drain pans that don't leak?

I would have to ask "does anyone have a oil pan that leaks?"
I have never had one that leaks until something like a piece of slag hits it or it's been used for ten years.

 

[wild cowboy]

I think he is referring to the ones that are sealed up when you are done, designed to hold the oil until you go to the recycling center, all of that type leak

so get the open type as referenced above, then transfer to a wide mouth oil storage jug.

trying to get one container to function as the the drain pan and storage container, all in one, has never turned out well in my experience.

 

[Cope]

I think he is referring to the ones that are sealed up when you are done, designed to hold the oil until you go to the recycling center, all of that type leak

so get the open type as referenced above, then transfer to a wide mouth oil storage jug.

trying to get one container to function as the the drain pan and storage container, all in one, has never turned out well in my experience.

I agree. The 5 gallon can posted above would work great for storage. I have a 5 gallon Nalgene poly-can that I pit the oil in, and I take it to Auto Zone for disposal when full.

 

[rlitman]

I use this kind:

Because the spout faces downwards, you need to tip it back before you remove the cap or the oil in there will spill out.
But otherwise, I have not had leakage issues.
I prefer the closed top drain pans like this, because then you don't have to worry about fishing through hot old oil to pick up the plug or a wrench. Also, you can sit the old filter on the top to get most of the oil out. Just be sure to open the vent, or it may overflow the top as you drain the car.
Still, as said above, I would NOT transport this in my car.

I use two of these jugs to hold the waste oil:

Once full, I put some newspaper in a milk crate, then the two jugs (they hold around 12 quarts in each), and I'm safe transporting them in my car.

 

[RECox286]

If you use a plastic drain type of anything, and drag it on

the concrete floor, it won't hold up b/c the concrete 'files"

off the teats underneath the pan, then it starts to leak

big time. (If that is what you are referring to.) I simply

put the plastic container into a pan of sheet metal, and

then I can slide the combination where ever I want it, with

out fatal consequences. Buying oil by the gallon or 5 qt jug

makes it easy to fill the empty, and transport the used oil.

Uncle Bob

 

[afmrick]

Once full, I put some newspaper in a milk crate, then the two jugs (they hold around 12 quarts in each), and I'm safe transporting them in my car.

Ooh, I like that! Solves two problems: storing it and then getting it there.

As a drain pan, I cut another pail in half, dropped a riser screen in it and it lives on top of the pail draining into it. If I need something lower profile to drain oil into I use a cheap 6qt plastic drain pan that also serves as a nice cover for the pail.

Doesn't solve this problem though:

I prefer the closed top drain pans like this, because then you don't have to worry about fishing through hot old oil to pick up the plug or a wrench.

 

[rlitman]

Good point on the dragging plastic on the ground.

I however do not subscribe to the idea of putting used oil back into the jugs it came in. They come with nice small spouts for pouring, but are way to small to put the waste oil back into without any mess for me. Also, oil is sold in gallon containers that are pretty flimsy. Just barely strong enough to hold the oil. Not as bad as water bottles are getting, but you get the point. I've had bad luck with resealing the caps on these once they've been opened.

This is a place where I'd rather not use a funnel if I can avoid it. That's why I bought a pair of containers made for the purpose. Nice big caps, and thick solid walls that aren't flimsy at all. I just use the newspaper because when they pour them out at the store, there's invariably a slick of oil down the side that I don't want to rub off on my car.
The milk crate gives me nice handles (24 quarts of oil isn't that light), and adds an air barrier between the newspaper and my car.

 

[rlitman]

Ooh, I like that! Solves two problems: storing it and then getting it there.

As a drain pan, I cut another pail in half, dropped a riser screen in it and it lives on top of the pail draining into it. If I need something lower profile to drain oil into I use a cheap 6qt plastic drain pan that also serves as a nice cover for the pail.

Doesn't solve this problem though:

I don't have a lift, and I drain all my vehicles (except my wife's Lincoln) without jacking them up at all (the Lincoln doesn't clear the drain pan), so the pail doesn't work for me, but beyond the height issue, that mini steel drum looks like a really nice storage solution.

So you used one pail as a huge funnel? Not a bad idea.
I've read to use a floor waxing/cleaning pad in the funnel to stop splashing. Since the oil goes through the pad, it would leave anything dropped in it high and dry too.

 

[stratman977]

I use one of these smaller triagular drain pans. It doesn't work for my diesel but the cars its about perfect. I just toss it in the parts washer when im done and its easy to clean because it's smaller.

http://www.insanepowersports.com/midwest-can-6375-triangle-drain-pan-7-5qt/

I don't like the open or closed top blitz pans because of the angled down spout and all of the nooks and crannies make it a pain to clean. I hang mine up on the wall when done to save space so I have to wash them out first.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 to not leave the drained oil in the cheezy catch pans. Once oil cools off some, just pour in empty 5 qt jug that oil came in the first place. Or the larger steel can is even better yet.

Whatever you do . . . . do NOT store oil in empty milk jugs . . . they WILL soon be leaking !
Don't ask me how I know.

 

[rlitman]

I don't like the open or closed top blitz pans because of the angled down spout and all of the nooks and crannies make it a pain to clean. I hang mine up on the wall when done to save space so I have to wash them out first.

Agreed. I store mine horizontally. I can absolutely see the cap and spout leaking if hung up vertically.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

Mine doesn't leak it just marks it's spot, lol

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

I have the one cope posted and it's my go to drain pan. I also have the one rlitman posted and almost never touch it. I do alot of dirty nasty work, rust falling in, tons of ****.. It clogs up the little hole FAST if i'm not dilligent about cleaning the top. on lower to the ground cars it's easy to have the hole clog and the oil spill over the top.

Why do you guys mess around with such little containers for waste oil? I used to waste time filling up little one gallon containers. Now I just dump right into a 5 gallon bucket. Another thing you can do with 5 gallon buckets is take a used flywheel off a truck or something and put it on the top.. Most flywheels have good sized holes in them, perfect for holding all your funnels and/or tipping your drain pans over.

 

[kiatech]

Stop forgetting it under the car and driving away with it.[emoji6]

 

[mattyrattypoo]

I have used one of those oil storage containers that rlitman has posted. They are OK. I do not like the screw cap for them. They do not seal very nicely.

If you would like a super high quality used oil contained that is easy to fill and pour out, I recommend an Oil Safe Systems container. I have 2, 10 QT drums with stumpy spouts in black to indicate oil. Super easy to fill and pour out.

You can check it out here.
http://www.oilsafesystem.com/

 

[wild cowboy]

this closed type that has the plug where the oil drains down always seems to leak:

this open type does not leak:

but then you need one of these to go with it:

 

[kball]

I went looking at HD and Lowes for a 5 gal bucket that had a lid with a spout and for some reason no one sells them. They only had sealed lids. So I bought this for used oil and it's worked great.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MWC0/8600/N0014.oap?keyword=fuel+can&pt=N0014&ppt=C0131

 

[exalted512]

this closed type that has the plug where the oil drains down always seems to leak:

this is exactly what I'm talking about. Does no one make one similar to this that doesn't leak? Seems like a simple concept...
-Cody

 

[exalted512]

anyone have experience with these? http://www.oilfiltersonline.com/15-Quart-Oil-Drain-Pan-Recycling-Container?category_id=146

 

[erswill]

This one is available in RSA. http://www.5starplastics.co.za/cgi-bin/fivestarplastics/showproducts.pl?id:1385458959

 

[crucible]

Oil pans have frustrated me for years. That said, I just got this one recently after seeing it in a store: http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-42004MI-FloTool-Drain-Pan/dp/B00D2QL044

Made in USA, 24 quart, built in drain, can be stood on its bottom and doubles as a transport device. I had never seen one before and thought it seemed well built and thought out enough to chance it and buy-but I haven't used it yet (and I can't seem to find any reviews on it anywhere either).

I'd like the angled drain was a bit larger/wider, but that might not be a real issue in practice. The angled drain and disposal drain seem to be beefy enough not to cause immediate concern like with others I've had.

We'll see.

 

[exalted512]

Nice suggestions! Let us know when you have experience with how they work please!

 

[wild cowboy]

someone should make one with the same drain as my Sceptre MFC plastic jerry can has for it's screw on cap, that thing will NEVER leak!

 

[exalted512]

someone should make one with the same drain as my Sceptre MFC plastic jerry can has for it's screw on cap, that thing will NEVER leak!

It seems so simple, but no one does it! That I can find anyway...

 

[gilbo]

what i get FREE is 5 gallon veggie oil container from restaurants, restaurants go through so many of those its unreal, they simply throw them out anyways , when mine is full, i simply drop off the whole container at my local auto parts store, simply get another one. and never worry about leaks

 

[wild cowboy]

what i get FREE is 5 gallon veggie oil container from restaurants, restaurants go through so many of those its unreal, they simply throw them out, when mine is full, i simply drop off the whole container at my local auto parts store, simply get another one. and never worry about leaks

the 5 gallon container used for transport is not what is leaking, it is the oil drain pans that try to double as storage containers that leak

 

[gilbo]

the 5 gallon container used for transport is not what is leaking, it is the oil drain pans that try to double as storage containers that leak

OOPS, now is your drain pan leaking because of dragging from underneath the vehicle i assume.

if that is the case, i use this drip tray under my drain pan, to ensure, no spillage on my garage floor

DRIP TRAY

 

[warweapon762]

this is exactly what I'm talking about. Does no one make one similar to this that doesn't leak? Seems like a simple concept...
-Cody

it would also be nice if they made the caps for these out of something that doesnt break down when exposed to petroleum products... its really irritating having the caps of these break all the time...

 

[rhandwor]

I get used 5 gallon hydraulic oil cans at the local tractor dealer to take the used oil to Auto Zone for disposal.

 

[wild cowboy]

OOPS, now is your drain pan leaking because of dragging from underneath the vehicle i assume.

the pans are not leaking due to dragging, it is the plug where the oil drains into when you are changing the oil, when you screw the plug back in to seal the container and stand the container up, they leak from the plug

 

[Wes Tex]

I agree with you. I have several different types, but I never turn them on end because the caps/plugs all leak.

 

[exalted512]

the pans are not leaking due to dragging, it is the plug where the oil drains into when you are changing the oil, when you screw the plug back in to seal the container and stand the container up, they leak from the plug

This!

 

[jim2664258]

this closed type that has the plug where the oil drains down always seems to leak:

The solution seems so simple to me but no one makes one. The spout should curve UP instead of DOWN. Then it wouldn't leak, or barely any if you emptied it before storing. Making the spout curve down is simply brain-dead.

 

[goodysgotacuda]

I use this kind:

Because the spout faces downwards, you need to tip it back before you remove the cap or the oil in there will spill out.

I have two of these, both like to seep out of the cap.

I do the following to remedy it however:
1) Ball up some paper towels inside of either a ziploc or a latex glove [should have these around if you're changing oil!].

2) Jam it into the spout like a plug

The latex/ziploc, with enough towels in it and a tight fit will seal the spout off pretty effectively.

Just don't push it all the way through and into the oil reservoir...I've never done that before.....nope, not ever.

 

[garthg]

I use these for waste oil:

They have a wide mouth opening, with a screw cap. They don't leak at all, and are not affected by used oil or brake fluid. And they only cost the price of a gallon of milk, and they include the milk! And I just leave them full at my local Pep Boys (they don't mind). I get more every week, full of 2% reduced fat.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I had one like the one you have and tossed it because it leaked. Befor I had a lift I used one like Cope had for years with no problems. Now I use the 20 gallon one for a lift from HF.
When I'm ready to take my oil in to the recycling center I put it in a 5 gallon metal can and one of the 6gallon vegitables oil bottles shown above. Neither had ever leaked.

I also had a blitz wide mouthed waste oil bottle from walmart (shown below) that worked pretty good.

Chris