Oil Drain Pans

[Super Sport]

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.

I bought a CPO car a couple years ago and it came with free oil changes for 2 years, so I thought I would take advantage of it. But the drive over there, the wait, and the fact that one of their employees hit one of those concrete bases on a handicap parking sign in the parking lot and did $1200 worth of damage to my car caused me to reconsider.

 

[ChaseDE]

My dad leased a new prius (don't ask), first free oil change the lot boy crashed into another car and did like $1800 worth of damage to it.

 

[Ryan]

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.

Any idea how low this thing gets? I'm wondering if it would work with a mid-rise lift...

 

[Keel]

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

I made one, but I do it for this..
I take the 1qt bottle and put in funnel to get all the oil out,, when done. I have a coffee can plastic lid connected to my funnel with a zip tie, using the hole ment to hang the funnel. This way no dust and **** gets in the funnel..
This oil/aft mix gets used as cutting oil and or in a oil can.. mine I have a 5qt bottle at the bottom , then funnel.. funnel is held by an old spray gun holder..
The oil bottles leave for recycle good to the last drop and I get a use out of the oil..

 

[mike93lx]

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.

When i factor in the time to buy the oil and drop off the old, it is about a wash, plus it is only 2x a year.

I have yet to have a bad experience with either of the ford dealers that have done oil changes for me, same for the Toyota dealer that services my wife's prius.

 

[Keel]

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

The idea of a plug and play oil change tank.. sound good..
until you go

and remembering a model specific tank, would have you at the mercy of the oem.. dealer for oil changes.. As they would make it a r.p.i.t.a. to change..
just like lights are now..

They like nothing more than a system that requires you to go to the dealership or take half the vehicle apart to get to it..
Never mind the environment issues if in a wreck it leaked all over the place..

 

[fastlane]

cheap and effective

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...5451585&lsft=gclid:COHhk4qruNICFdGCswodwO0Bog

 

[StormcrowAz]

I thought about going the Harbor Freight route or similar, but figured for about the same amount of coin I could make a heavy-duty one and have fun doing it.



Using an old acetone can for oil storage. Drag it down to the local auto store for emptying.

 

[TonyG]

Tough to beat this...$97.00. Just bought it!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SR7TM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[vettex2]

cheap and effective

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...5451585&lsft=gclid:COHhk4qruNICFdGCswodwO0Bog

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasgad-Black-Large-Concrete-Mixing-Tub-887102C/205451585

Product Depth (in.)
36.02
Product Width (in.)
24.02
Product Height (in.)
7.87

I'm buying one.
Plus all my other pans will fit inside it.
Thanks!

 

[Falcon67]

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

He should buy a Craftsman saw, won't use much at all (since it never runs)

Oh wait, it does create it's own Super Fund site if you set it down for a while.

 

[Corndoggeh]

I use a catch pan with 2 small holes in the center and a spout on the side, when it fills I put the contents into some 5 gallon buckets from HD with a larger hole and a small vent hole. Other 5 gal buckets are for oil filters. When they're full I go to oreilly and pour the oil into their storage tanks and oil filter tanks.

 

[vettex2]

I really thought this thread was a bout drain pans, not storage and disposal.

 

[guyerst]

Been using Fumoto drain valves on my vehicles for years now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BX9OOU8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Run a hose from the drain ****** into whatever container I have available that day. Usually empty washer fluid jugs. The lever makes it easy enough to stop and switch out a full to empty jug.

I keep several broken down boxes to lay on when under the truck/car. I'll fold one of these back up to hold the jugs in when transporting. The cardboard has kept the carpet clean so far...

 

[notdavidspade]

I have many 'crappy plastic pans' but this one is easily my favorite. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I7275GY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I picked mine up at a Ace hardware more than a decade ago and have never had a problem with it. I've have the one with a giant lid that opens and acts as the entry point for draining into, and its terrible.. the opening isn't quite big enough and the big hole just invites oil to slosh out if your not careful moving it, and the lid does not seal well at all. I've have the hopkins style one, which is better, but the plug for the 'funnel' stripped and it doesn't screw in any more, it only would catch on one thread when new. The one I provided a link (wedco) to is perfect. The big funnel removes and screws into the opening on the corner. Its flat enough to get under most cars, and when you store the container upright, both openings are at the top so you don't worry about it leaking oil. This one I think was designed by someone that actually changes their oil.

 

[kerryt1]

When I previously had a Kwiklift, I modified a Harbor Freight 5 gallon dolly by chopping the vertical pipe so the funnel / pan was resting on the top of the main tank. The bottom of the tires were at 20", and I was able to get it under a lowered C5 Corvette with just enough room. After a few changes, I'd take the whole tank to the parts store and dump it in the recycle tank.

Sold the Kwiklift, and now I'm using the crappy plastic pans like everyon else.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-gallon-oil-drain-dolly-90582.html

 

[Rewind97]

Been using Fumoto drain valves on my vehicles for years now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BX9OOU8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Run a hose from the drain ****** into whatever container I have available that day. Usually empty washer fluid jugs. The lever makes it easy enough to stop and switch out a full to empty jug.

I keep several broken down boxes to lay on when under the truck/car. I'll fold one of these back up to hold the jugs in when transporting. The cardboard has kept the carpet clean so far...

I've been seriously considering putting one of these on my truck. Sure seems to simplify the process!!!

 

[pendragon1998]

My neighborhood provides thoughtful used oil deposit stations near most houses. Just park over one of these and go about your oil change. No pail needed!

I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I use one of those Behrens 2168 3-Gallon steel pans to catch the oil, then transfer it to a Lowes 5 gal pail. I brought a thread-on lid for my pail, with a gasket, but I think the oil is eating the gasket, so it's a waste. I have to dump my used oil at Autozone. Ugh.

 

[ayersbrents]

Been using Fumoto drain valves on my vehicles for years now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BX9OOU8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Run a hose from the drain ****** into whatever container I have available that day. Usually empty washer fluid jugs. The lever makes it easy enough to stop and switch out a full to empty jug.

I keep several broken down boxes to lay on when under the truck/car. I'll fold one of these back up to hold the jugs in when transporting. The cardboard has kept the carpet clean so far...

How do you like that Fumoto valve? Any issues with it? I need to buy a new drain plug for my Jeep Wrangler and came across those and I like the idea. Thinking of buying one for my riding mower also.

As far as oil change, I use one of the cheap plastic pans. I have a 5 gallon bucket with a screw on lid that I transfer the oil to. I leave a funnel in the spout and I have a nail on the wall that I hang the oil pan from so it drips the rest of the oil out into funnel and in the bucket. The only problem I have is the cap for the oil pan leaks a drop or two if I don't wipe it down and also my 5 gallon bucket is the same color as the oil (dark/black) so it's easy to over fill the bucket. But my floors aren't that clean to begin with.

 

[ayersbrents]

Hey Pendragon1988, my boys told me they had a friend who would change his oil at the car wash and dump the oil in the drain. I had a hard time believing that he would do that until I seen him late one night at the car wash. I drove back by really slow and seen it. Then I drove to the police station and informed them. They caught him but the deed was already done. I'd like to think that they told him the importance of not being so thoughtless.

 

[guyerst]

How do you like that Fumoto valve? Any issues with it? I need to buy a new drain plug for my Jeep Wrangler and came across those and I like the idea. Thinking of buying one for my riding mower also.

I really like them. Had one on my last pickup for 12 years and over 200k miles and never had an issue. Occasional forest road, some mudding here and there, Michigan winters full of road salt, and never had an issue with the valve getting hit or the lever sticking. Been putting them on every vehicle since.

I wouldn't put one on something your rock crawling with, but I'll always have one on my vehicles.

 

[Strouty]

Hey Pendragon1988, my boys told me they had a friend who would change his oil at the car wash and dump the oil in the drain. I had a hard time believing that he would do that until I seen him late one night at the car wash. I drove back by really slow and seen it. Then I drove to the police station and informed them. They caught him but the deed was already done. I'd like to think that they told him the importance of not being so thoughtless.

That is terrible, next time something like that happens call the EPA, they have a spill unit and they will take it very seriously.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

I have a galvanized metal pan, it is a hog pan that you used to be able to buy at farm stores. I use a funnel to dump the used oil into a 5 gallon metal hydraulic fluid pail with a metal spout and a separate fill hole & screw on cap. I take it to the local auto parts store that takes used oil.

 

[cpttuna]

I use a thick walled plastic 5 gallon container that has a screw cap. I cut the top of one side off, so it sits tall. after the oil has drained, I empty into a 2.5 gall Plastic jug which I get at the recycle drop off place where it was thrown away. all free

 

[uscarry45]

I had one of those roll under pans like you have pictured bought it through northern tool and hated it. Rolling part under the car/truck/whatever was ok, but what a pain in the *** to empty. They pump that comes with alot of those units ***** to put it mildly. They are very slow to empty. just my two cents

 

[vettex2]

cheap and effective

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...5451585&lsft=gclid:COHhk4qruNICFdGCswodwO0Bog

Picked mine up today

 

[CJM8515]

Dont know where I got it, but its an old sink plastic wash basin holds about 3 gallons. It works and was free.

 

[charger0926]

so i get my oil from my work (car dealership) so i transport new oil and used oil back and forth to work.

i use these containers to do this.

they arent cheap, but the are very heavy duty and dont leak.

another nice thing are all of the options ad accessories they have.

i still use a cheap plastic pan,but after this thread,i need to upgrade.

http://www.oilsafesystem.com/oss-oil-safe/oss-Oil-Safe-Drums-and-Lids

 

[Qualitytools]

I use a Lisle oil drain pan (https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-17942-Black-Plastic-4-5-Gallon/dp/B000JFHMVQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488386088&sr=8-1&keywords=lisle+drain+pan). I'm pretty happy with it as it's quite sturdy. My only complaints are minor, when I bought it there was a sharp burr where the mold halves came together but was easily removed with a razor blade. Also, the small turn down of the spout will drip a bit of oil after you've poured but I just take a shop towel and give the inside a quick wipe and it's all good.

As for storing and transporting oil, I wait to empty the drain pan until after I've put the new oil in and just reuse the container (I usually buy the 5qt jugs). I have thought about getting a 3 or 5 gallon bucket with a pouring lid but just haven't gotten around to getting one yet.

Very Interesting, glad you like it. I for one vacuum mine out and fill cat litter jugs to transport to the parts store for disposal.

That Lisle Pan you have and link too is almost identical to the one made By Hazet (Germany) http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Hazet-Multi-...347805?hash=item338b89109d:g:bO4AAOxyJX1TESTy

 

[Qualitytools]

cheap and effective

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...5451585&lsft=gclid:COHhk4qruNICFdGCswodwO0Bog

I use one of these whenever I am changing coolant as that stuff gets alll over the place once you start removing hoses.

 

[Dragfluid]

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.

Oh, good Lord.

 

[wasabiboys]

In the past when I was using a lift I always used a standing oil drain. like below. A great solution but most people do not have lifts.

 

[B T C]

I use one of the 15 quart auto parts store specials. I believe the brand is Hopkins. It's a drain pan/container. It works well enough for my needs. The only issue I've ever had is with the cap on the drain tube cracking, but it was easily enough replaced with the cap off a gallon jug of windshield cleaner. I've recently started transferring the used oil from the drain pan into 5 quart Mobil 1 jugs.

 

[mikegt4]

I have been using one of these for at least 30 years, it is a Rubbermaid product. Sadly they quit making them a long time ago.

For some reason it seems to be immune to having the oil stream splash out of the pan and on to the ground like most common drain pans do. Screw the big lid on when your done and take it to the recycling place. It also has a big spout for emptying the oil.

 

[vette-kid]

I have one of the lift pans that I dump my oil into (I drain it into one of those crappy plastic deals Ryan uses). No lift though. You guys have given me a great idea though, I'm dumping that and going the 5gal bucket route. Not sure why I didn't think of that before. Easier to store than the lift drain and seals better.

 

[mattygee]

I use the standard cheap plastic drain pans and dump them into a closed top metal 5 gallon bucket. All my fluid change stuff is kept on a 3X4ish drain pan to keep stray fluids contained. The 3X4 pan is also indispensable for ****** pan drops and opening up coolant systems where you know you're going to have coolant dripping everywhere on the floor otherwise.

 

[Sureshot]

I built a oil container that had an oil pump from an automotive engine in the bottom. It had a bracket to attach it to the lid and a hex drive shaft that protruded through the lid. On the original discharge opening was a hose that came out of the barrel. By spinning the pump forward or backward you cut **** or pump the waste oil. I used the cheap storage containers from Wally World or ???? as they came with a lid and available in many sizes and are cheap. I bought oil in 5 gallon pails. After the oil change you **** the oil into the small barrel for storage and when the 5 gallon pail is empty you pump it back full of used oil. The hose that comes through the lid for suction and discharge is stored with the end in a hole in the lid to capture any dripping. Super clean.

Link to one of the ones I built that was setup to be in the bottom of the container.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=224820

Someone elses
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91264

 

[graffix000]

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 have this as well for the past few years and have been happy with it. I would recommend this if you have space for it.

 

[swharris]

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.

Ug, oh sweet Jesus. That would add thousands to a car. Electric is coming and this will all be a quaint footnote to automotive history, like crank starting.

 

[Blue XJ]

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.

I put my funnels in my oil drain pan when I am done with them. Everything is wiped clean before I put them away, but they are all on the top of a cabinet, out of the way. If I need to use it and its a little dusty, I just use a paper towel to wipe the dust out.