What is your oil changing system and setup?

[thool]

I change oil in 4 vehicles, a lawn tractor, a snow blower, and a pressure washer. Right now, I have a oil collection pan and some funnels in one place, the oils in different places, oil filters in another place, and tools/towels somewhere else. A lot of my time is spent gathering and then putting back.

I'm looking for ideas on simplifying the process, or at least consolidating. One idea is to have a metal tray or shallow box for all oily parts, and then a single cabinet with all the oils and filters arranged by engine.

Seeking input, thanks.

 

[kaymccampbell]

You've figured out what you need. Now all that's left is implementation.
Pick a couple shelves in a cabinet. Get a cabinet if you do not already have one.
Set enough oil for a change of each vehicle, with a filter in front of it, in rows across the one shelf. Label them for application if you like.
On the shelf below lay a couple rags and set your pan with slighty oily stuff on that. Then a bundle of clean rags next to it. Maybe even a dedicated set of filter and plug wrenches as well.
Voila! Oil and filter change station!

 

[mrvm]

I would suggest building a purpose built oil change mobile cart like the black $99 HF 4-drawer cart. This has enough room to store the oil, filters, rags/towels, waste pan and drawers to organize your sockets+ratchets, wrenches, oil filter wrenches and miscellaneous tools. Small investment for mobile organization or a oil changing "crashcart" for multiple vehicles.

 

[brycez28]

I keep my 12 quart oil drain pan in a shallow, clear plastic tote with a lid. Fits perfect! I keep my oil filter wrench and a rachet and sockets sizes I need in there as well. Any decently clean paper towel I use during the oil change (check oil level, clean off drain plug, wipe hands, etc), I throw in the drain pan and plastic bin to soak up any residual oil. I keep ALL my funnels in a cheap plastic tool box. Any filters that are for a designated purpose (transmission fluid, oil change, etc) and need to be kept clean, I put in gallon size ziplock bags. If I use the funnel for transmission fluid, I put the paper towel I used to check the dipstick into the funnel to soak up the oil while in storage.

 

[ovilla]

I work on and change the oil for 9 cars and 2 bikes (all family) on a regular bases so I'm actually in the process of setting up my own little Jiffy Lube in my garage. A dealer was closing so I picked up three 50' oil hose reels with guns and just recently bought one pneumatic pump to use with a 16 gal drum. I found oil to be much cheaper when purchased this way and I should be able to go through quickly too. Anyway I'm in the process of getting things set up for 5W-30 use right now and if all goes well I'll be setting up the other reels over the winter. The plan is to install everything in the garage attic so I take up less shop space. I've also been going through a lot of windshield washer fluid lately and have been thinking of setting up a hose reel specifically for that use too.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[matt_i]

I would advise against windshield washer fluid distribution. The methanol alcohol in there is extremely corrosive, even to brass. I once worked in a plant which handled this fluid and there was constant changing of parts from brass to 316 stainless steel.

However with the right plastics, its harmless and benign. I just pour out of the jugs that it comes in.