Topside Oil Changer

[Fjamming]

Ok. I'm ready.

I'm thinking about getting a topsider to make my oil change easier. I hear you say "Why, the FJ is the easiest to do oil change.." My skids are in the way and it's a big hassle to have to change it out and put it back on. That's one reason.

Before I came here, I've done quite a bit of research and found a tremendous support for topsiders. One common concern is whether a topsider can get all the oil out. It looks like there have been plenty of tests done to show that there are no discrepancies between using a topsider and the traditional unplug the drain method. Sludge shouldn't be a concern with oil viscosity. Actually since topsiders are easiest to use when engine is warm, it might actually get more oil out then doing a traditional oil change with a cold engine.

As I'm on the verge of doing this, is there a reason I shouldn't? Any objective reasons as to why I shouldn't do it? I would really appreciate hard evidence or support for your argument.

Thanks.



I'm considering the MityVac 7201



High rez pic here.

Features:

Includes:

* Evacuates or dispenses at the push of a button
* Convenient manual pump operation
* Integrated 2.3 gallon (8.8 liter) capacity reservoir
* Large base with foot stabilizer
* Durable, chemical resistant polyethylene construction
* Automatic overflow prevention
* Quick-drain pour spout



* Fluid evacuator/dispenser
* 0.23" OD x 5' long (5.7 mm OD x 1.5 m long) dipstick tube
* 0.26" OD x 5' long (6.6 mm OD x 1.5 m long) dipstick tube
* 0.41" OD x 5' long (10 mm OD x 1.5 m long) main evacuation tube
* Tube adapters
* User manual (English/French/Spanish)


Specifications:


Reservoir capacity:
Max. operating temperature:
Packaged weight:
Size:
2.3 gallons (8.8 liters)
175°F (80°C)
10.0 lbs (4.5 kg)
24" tall x 12.4" wide x 9.3" deep (610 mm tall x
315 mm wide x 235 mm deep)

[timbo2]

How much does it cost? My dealer changes the oil, with a freebie every five changes. With the free change, labour is just about nill.

[Fjamming]

timbo2 previously said:

How much does it cost? My dealer changes the oil, with a freebie every five changes. With the free change, labour is just about nill.

It's around $60-65. There's a brake bleeder accessory for around $22. Looks like a good addition.

[timbo2]

Fjamming previously said:

It's around $60-65. There's a brake bleeder accessory for around $22. Looks like a good addition.

That's alot better than I had thought. Sounds pretty sweet!

[stnmikita]

I'm sort of into this! Anyone used one before?

(Removal of skids is a PITA!)

[Gottagetone]

Do you have different skids than stock? If so dont they have an access hole to get to the drain plug? Why not just get the Fumoto valve and drain your engine with the flick of a lever? I dont have one of these valves but I changed my oil the other day and it could not have been easier.

That machine looks like it could end up making a mess with all the oil filled tubes and such.

[RomaBoy]

That's not a bad price for that piece of equipment but did you ever consider a set of ramps? They come in very handy when working off of cardboard.

[LSR-bbs]

I've used a similar one (that I can't remember the maker right now) without any problems on several vehicles. Used on a Contour w/o problems (one of the worst drain locations ever; dumps oil all over the header pipe); used on 2 BMW race cars that were so low that getting them on ramps wasn't worth the effort. It is not a quick method though as your moving a lot of a viscous fluid through a small tube.

Neil

[TCao]

Tony:

I would not recommend getting one of these since you'd need to drop the skip plate anyway to inspect and lube the front propeller shaft and front differential (if you have 4WD) when doing an engine oil change.

Thong

[jayman]

I have one of those mityvac things at my hobby farm to suck the gear oil out of the front axle of my 1984 Ford F-150 plow truck. They work ok but the tubes filled with oil make a mess. I keep the hoses/tubes in an empty 20 litre oil pail, just snap the lid back on and no dust plus no oil on the floor

Unless you have an aftermarket skid plate, you don't have to remove the skid plate. There is a plastic panel that is easy to remove, the drain plug is right there

BMW and MB are currently using the Mityvac method