Oil Drain Pans

[ozyborn]

Oh. So spraying it all over your neighbors back yard is a bad idea? Hmmm. Ok.

 

[C_F]

Mine is the Hopkins style, I've had it for about 15 years. The original lid on the pour spout broke after about a year, but I found one from a gallon oil bottle that works well.

After I do my oil change, I pour the old oil oil back into the gallon (5 quart, actually) oil jug & stash it in a corner. When the jugs start overtaking my garage, I take 'em to work & empty them into the big oil barrel there.

I'd like to recycle the empty plastic jugs, but I doubt they would be too happy with the small amount of leftover oil inside.

 

[paulsomlo]

I'd like to recycle the empty plastic jugs, but I doubt they would be too happy with the small amount of leftover oil inside.

I've been recycling mine. I let them drain for a long time, so there's not much residue left. If needed, I'll let them sit upside down for a few days after being emptied, then drain the small remainder that's in the cap.

 

[C_F]

I've been recycling mine. I let them drain for a long time, so there's not much residue left. If needed, I'll let them sit upside down for a few days after being emptied, then drain the small remainder that's in the cap.

Hmmm, maybe I'll start doing that. I guess if the bottles are a little slick inside, that's better than having them dripping oil for the recyclers. I'll bring my empties back home & get them good-n-empty.

 

[dbabicky]

I use the ATD oil drain barrel/funnel combo. (ATD-5188) it holds about 18 gallons. When it gets full I give my neighbor a call and he picks it up and drops it back off. He has a used oil furnace at his shop.

 

[theoldwizard1]

They say it is for catching transmission oil, but I think I need one for engine oil/filter changes.

2 cars, plus my son's car get changed here. I just use the old 5 quart oil jugs and gallon WW jugs. The city recycles it at a nearby facility, but the state has a law that says any oil change place MUST accept 2 gallons/day from anyone.

 

[Strouty]

So I am guessing no lift? If you have a lift, the solution is easy, otherwise the most elegant thing you will get is something like your original post shows. Others have mentioned fluid evacuation systems, you can buy hand operated ones and they work really well. It sounds like the biggest issues are storing the oil, then transporting it. Around here companies like clean harbors will buy used oil from us, but you need to have enough to make them interested. I know you are in Texas, but maybe someone has a waste oil furnace and will pick the oil up? This way you could store it in a 55 gallon drum and not have to transport it to a store.

John Dow offers some nice oil handling units, they are expensive, but high quality. I would look at them and see if they offer anything that would work for you.


www.johndow.com

It may give you an idea or two. I think the fluid evacuator is the best way to go if you don't have a lift and need a place to store the oil in between oil changes. The one I own, can't remember the brand, has several gallon capacity and stays sealed well. You could easily do a couple oil changes on non diesel engines and then bring the unit with you to the store.

On another note, I highly recommend these things for funnels:

Funnel Buddy

and this for draining your oil containers, you would be amazed at how much oil comes out after letting them sit for 24 hours.


Oil Saver

As others have all ready said, these are awesome at keeping your hands out of the mess and the plug out of the drain pan. They also make a bigger version for heavy duty trucks.

Hand saver

 

[Strouty]

Also if you do end up with a bulk storage solution, then I just use these for my oil changes, they work very well.

Lisle drain pan


I just hang them up above one of these to let it drain into my 55 gallon drum.


55 Gallon drum funnel

I hope this helps you or someone else, because now I am late for dinner.

 

[Falcon67]

I use a large drain pan at the track, then put the oil in their large container. The race cars carry about 8 qts each, gallon jugs won't do. The rest of the cars go to a dealer. We have no recycling for about 20 miles, and I have no desire to stack up jugs of oil. It's illegal in Texas to throw oil filters in the trash.

 

[Super Sport]

A few months back I picked up this OTC 1577 "Transfer Tank" that is both a drain pan and completely seal-able to transfer waste oil as well.

I first was looking for something like Ryan posted in the OP to prevent any spills or splatter when draining. I wanted something bigger than your average drain pan and I wanted wheels. This is smaller than those metal versions and actually works out nicely. It's still quite large, but stores perfectly under my toolbox. Both of the caps have o-rings and haven't leaked on me yet. I haven't actually used it as a transfer tank as I have several smaller waste oil containers that are easier to load up and take to recycle.

I'll also add that I puchased one of these "Funnel Buddy" funnel storage solutions. I always hated funnels because they would get dirty between oil changes. This solves that and along with the drain pan makes my oil changes so much more, dare I say, enjoyable? This funnel could be smaller, but it works and solves my biggest complaint.

 

[Ryan]

So I am guessing no lift? If you have a lift, the solution is easy, otherwise the most elegant thing you will get is something like your original post shows. Others have mentioned fluid evacuation systems, you can buy hand operated ones and they work really well. It sounds like the biggest issues are storing the oil, then transporting it. Around here companies like clean harbors will buy used oil from us, but you need to have enough to make them interested. I know you are in Texas, but maybe someone has a waste oil furnace and will pick the oil up? This way you could store it in a 55 gallon drum and not have to transport it to a store.

John Dow offers some nice oil handling units, they are expensive, but high quality. I would look at them and see if they offer anything that would work for you.


www.johndow.com


It may give you an idea or two. I think the fluid evacuator is the best way to go if you don't have a lift and need a place to store the oil in between oil changes. The one I own, can't remember the brand, has several gallon capacity and stays sealed well. You could easily do a couple oil changes on non diesel engines and then bring the unit with you to the store.

On another note, I highly recommend these things for funnels:

Funnel Buddy

and this for draining your oil containers, you would be amazed at how much oil comes out after letting them sit for 24 hours.


Oil Saver

As others have all ready said, these are awesome at keeping your hands out of the mess and the plug out of the drain pan. They also make a bigger version for heavy duty trucks.

Hand saver

I do have a lift... but only a mid-rise job.

 

[stsmytherie]

Used to use a Mityvac for oil extraction until I left it full of oil and the mucky stuff settled into the pump. Someday it will get cleaned out and put back to work.

I like that galvanized catch pan posted by Bryan Burns. On my wish list.

My oil goes into a 5 gallon No Spill (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W9P83S/?tag=atomicindus08-20). This has been a reasonably clean and trouble free solution.

I'd give it to my friends that burn oil, but unfortunately mixed in some old brake fluid by accident and not sure whether that's dangerous for them to burn, so current batch is sitting around waiting for me to drag it over to the big city to find someone that recycles.

 

[trainer]

Already been done

This would definately be a factor in my next car purchase if it were available. I would love to see quick lube places go away like most of the muffler shops did.

 

[cruzer75]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005...8414303&sr=1-12&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

I use this one, works ok, pretty sturdy, made in USA. I typically transfer back into the 5qt container I just used and then bring them to the transfer station. They take filters too.

I like that oil drain nut wrench....gotta find or make one of those

 

[sonoronos]

i've tried several different things, from basic oil trays to the fancy schmancy ones with orifices and baffles. the only thing that ever worked in the long term for me are 5 gallon home depot buckets. the orange ones.

the lids keep the oil in and they are easy to transport to the waste disposal facility.

they hold plenty of oil so they're useful for storage between trips to the disposal.

there's way too many expensive gimmicks out there. the buckets are clutch and very cheap.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

 

[77Mini]

I usually use a standard plastic pan on top of 2 milk crates under my hoist. Would love a better option.

 

[Seppala]

My Dad used a no cost beat up, chipped white enamel wash basin from the 1950's until the mid 1980's. I've been using an old dish washing basin. BTW my oil fill funnel is made from a discarded 1 qt. plastic oil bottle.

 

[PMC71]

**** the oil out. then you dont even have to get on the ground if you dont want to.

harbor freight has a green pneumatic oil sucker. Holds almost 8 gallons.

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-1-4-quarter-gallon-oil-extractor-46149.html

 

[shannonw]

I've been using this recycle pan since 2013

http://www.oilfiltersonline.com/15-Quart-Oil-Drain-Pan-Recycling-Container

the thread I asked about it here

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3371869#post3371869

I've been very happy with this one, stores upright so takes up a small space, put it in the truck upright and don't have to worry about the cap, easy to pour into the recycle container, plastic threads don't **** and it tightens down without stripping, 0 complaints. The auto store ones are total ****.

 

[Banjorear]

Still crappy plastic... but the design looks better than what I use. I typically use these damned things:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AMGYNA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Man, I thought it was just me. I can't figure out for the life of me why that thread gets frigged up, but I'm with you.

I think I go through a can of brake cleaning fluid just cleaning up the top of the plastic container and the drips from the damn spout.

I'm watching this with interested for I'm all for a better system.

 

[Virgil Tech]

This has been working for over 20 years.
Small vane type vacuum pump ***** the oil into the tank.
To discharge into the holding tank where the used oil is burned 3 or psi of compressed air to the same port the vacuum pump uses unloads the collecting tank.

Adapters to the suction line allow for direct removal from machines equipped with drain hoses.

Easy enough to up or downsize to meet your need as long as you don't exceed 113 gallons if you'll be hauling it on public highways.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

I'm confused on the funnel buddy. What is the point? To get the little bit of oil out of the funnel and into the container?

Seems like the funnel will always have a residue of oil unless it's wiped out? I always wipe my funnels out and then they get stored in the cabinet. Pull them out and they are clean with zero anything on them. Seems like that thing takes up wall space as well.

-Nigel

 

[Jarhead0408]

The problem is that we are still changing oil the same way they did 100 years ago.
I'd love to see the OEMs design a system where the oil and filter is contained in a replaceable tank that could be changed like an ink jet cartridge. The old tank could be returned for a deposit/ core refund and be recycled and refilled. The tanks could be designed so it is impossible to use the wrong oil.

They're working on it. Read page 30 of the April 2017 issue of "Motor Trend", under the Technologue column by Frank Marcus. He explains how a company called Nexcel is doing exactly that. They include the appropriate amount of oil and a filter all in one package that works with either dry or wet sump systems. To me at least it looks like the wave of the future and a hell of a neat system. Unfortunately, they're planning on 2020 to hit the streets and 2025 for it to (hopefully) be industry wide.


Back to Ryan's question though. I use the Lisle 11102: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SR7TM/?tag=atomicindus08-20 It holds 8 gallons. Myself and a few others here scored it from Pepboys through Amazon at $54.34 which I thought was a heck of a deal.

I didn't want one of the types that drain pneumatically because it just seemed redundant in my situation. If I wanted to drain it into a smaller container; I would have just done so from the get-go rather than use the big one first and then transfer to the smaller one. Even when full, this 8 gallon Lisle is very manageable. I just emptied mine this week and didn't spill a drop.

 

[mike93lx]

If I was a suburb 1 or 2 car kind of guy would really have a tuff time trying to change my own oil. Given the ability to go extended change could easily find a place to drain and change it for a decent price. I know a couple places, 1 a dealer got a great change special and they do a good job.

This is me. I used to do my own, but now with kids and a million other thinga going on, $40 for an oil change and tire rotation at the dealership is well worth it.

 

[sberry]

I might be inclined to do other work but oil is such a mess and so little to be saved. We have a full shop and my Dad has his dealer done most of the time. I did it last time as there was other work and I was there and racked for it, had to score a filter, didn't stock it for that car so far.
What is a thing of beauty anymore is extended service. We never stop to do oil on most stuff, we change when it's convenient or when a unit is in for other work.

 

[sberry]

I had a 275 before, got it to 55 gallon and that lasts a long time.

 

[TheGunCollector]

This is me. I used to do my own, but now with kids and a million other thinga going on, $40 for an oil change and tire rotation at the dealership is well worth it.

I'm in the same boat then some. The only thing is once you factor driving to and from the service place, plus the wait, I can do it faster in the comforts of my own home without driving anywhere without the concerns of some tech messing the job up.

 

[CitadelBlue]

Alright fellas... I've had it. I'm done with those crappy plastic oil catch pans that you buy at the typical national autoparts chain. I'm just done with them...



To read the rest of this blog entry from The Garage Journal, click here.


*
*

So how do you transport the used oil to dispose of it?

 

[mmack66]

So how do you transport the used oil to dispose of it?

Looks like you pump it out through that tube into a container.

 

[Strouty]

I'm confused on the funnel buddy. What is the point? To get the little bit of oil out of the funnel and into the container?

Seems like the funnel will always have a residue of oil unless it's wiped out? I always wipe my funnels out and then they get stored in the cabinet. Pull them out and they are clean with zero anything on them. Seems like that thing takes up wall space as well.

-Nigel

The funnel drains into the quart container and the funnel is covered, so you don't get dirt and stuff in it between uses. It is actually a nice setup. I am going to modify a couple to fit other style funnels that I like. I prefer this over a cabinet, I have done what you do in the past, but some people don't have cabinet space.

 

[sberry]

I almost never have to use a funnel. I have other schemes, use a nozzle on qts for golf carts and can pour out of a jug, its super rare I really need one. I have a container with spout for hydraulic oil and another for anti freeze or it is poured direct from the jug. On the occasion I need one for oil its cut the qt trick.

 

[creativecars]

I would have never thought about using the red cart that Ryan posted for my regular daily drivers until now. Most of my vehicles I would drain into a cheap plastic pan and pour back into their bottles for future disposal. But I have just recently got a F350 with a 7.3 that takes 10 quarts of oil and one BIG oil filter. My first oil change had me cutting a 55 gallon barrel down to about 8" deep, that way I don't splash 2 1/2 gallons of oil all over myself and the shop. I always thought is was crazy when I saw the big truck guys doing that... but now I know.

 

[Locker537]

I have my wife save all the 1 gallon jugs for laundry detergent, bleach, etc and fill those up with used fluids. They seal nice and you drop them off at walmart, autozone, etc...

 

[sberry]

Those are really good, good use for them too.

 

[Strouty]

My step brother uses his used motor oil for chainsaw bar oil, he goes through a lot of it.

 

[tvtaurus]

I currently still use regular plastic pans for catching oil. When I used to work in the food industry I collected fryer oil jugs for storing the used oil in; Still use them to this day. That metal unit looks nice Ryan. I'm sure the price will hurt the wallet though.

 

[ilovevocs]

I would have never thought about using the red cart that Ryan posted for my regular daily drivers until now. Most of my vehicles I would drain into a cheap plastic pan and pour back into their bottles for future disposal. But I have just recently got a F350 with a 7.3 that takes 10 quarts of oil and one BIG oil filter. My first oil change had me cutting a 55 gallon barrel down to about 8" deep, that way I don't splash 2 1/2 gallons of oil all over myself and the shop. I always thought is was crazy when I saw the big truck guys doing that... but now I know.

My first oil change on a 7.3 was the messiest oil change in my life. Tried to use two drain pans knowing the capacity and it was a total fail.

 

[tvtaurus]

The problem is that we are still changing oil the same way they did 100 years ago.
I'd love to see the OEMs design a system where the oil and filter is contained in a replaceable tank that could be changed like an ink jet cartridge. The old tank could be returned for a deposit/ core refund and be recycled and refilled. The tanks could be designed so it is impossible to use the wrong oil.

That actually is a thing. Castrol has a system called Nexcel that does this exact thing. Currently being used on exotic super cars and hyper cars. Will be a while before we see this on consumer level units. Here is a link with a video and info on it.

http://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/about-us/news-events/castrol-reinvents-oil-change-nexcel.html

 

[ilovevocs]

Already been done

Not to derail the thread but the only way I see that working is with a dry sump.

 

[Throbbin Rods]

I picked up a bunch of 5 gallon buckets at a yard sale a few years back, with lids and spouts. I fill those up until I can't find a place fo any more oil, then bring it to anywhere I can dump it out for recycling