Redneck Oil Capture Method

When changing my oil I don't like to thread a tube from the oil filter through the engine compartment into the oil drain pan. That's a pain in the butt. I always seem to drip oil down in the engine when using that method.

Presenting the Redneck Oil Capture Method!

This is categorized as "redneck" for the following reasons:
1) It is free or cost next to nothing.
2) You might have the opportunity to dumpster dive.
3) You have a high probability of using anything "Harbor Freight".
4) You have a high probability of using something you already own.

With this said, let's get started.

First I looked at the distance between the bottom of the oil filter housing and the lower radiator hose. I noticed today that my wife drank a small 12 oz. bottle of diet coke. It might be the right size. I dug through the recycle bin and found the discarded bottle. I can't recommend diet pepsi because, well ... you know ..., the taste thing.

Next I pulled out my use-once-and-it-breaks set of $5, 10,000 piece Harbor Freight drill bits. I figured even these babies will go through plastic without snapping.

I started with the 5/16 inch and got all the way up to the 23/64" bit before the diet coke lid snapped over the drain stem. I think a little bigger would work just fine.

I then rested the bottle onto of the lower radiator hose and it fit nice and snug.

Off came the filter and all the oil drained cleanly into the diet coke bottle. I left the bottle attach during the entire oil change process so any sneaky oil drips would have chance to be captured in the bottle.

The last thing I did was remove the bottle and put the rubber cap back on the stem.

See, not one drop of oil on the radiator hose or anywhere else.

Let's double-check this method:
1) It was free or just the cost of a small 12 oz. diet coke. Check
2) I got to rummage through the recycle bin. Check.
3) I used something "Harbor Freight". Check
4) I used something I already owned. Check.

This qualified as pure "Redneck"! (I wish I could have used duct tape but I didn't need it.)

 

I use that same method. Works like a charm! I didn't cut a hole in the cap though. Just took it off so I can put the cap back on later.

 

We use a cup at work..

 

sooooo much win

 

same thing i do fits perfectly on the drain but i take the cap off.

 

I have a coke bottle just for that purpose too, but it just sits under the opening and drains.

 

I use a plastic cup I keep specifically for that. Drain the oil into the cup, then dump it into my oil container.

 

I jest park it over the outhouse and let er fly!

 

Nice. It looks like your coke bottle is good for 4 more oil filter changes.

 

You could also use:

Plastic Cup, Styrofoam Cup, Red Party Cup, Sprite bottle, Dr. Pepper bottle, water bottle, Condom, Soda Can (diet or regular), Pog Container, and more!

 

rep'd for pogs reference!

 

yea that'll work.

 

I just use a large ziplock bag underneath there, then after it's done dripping, I put the filter into that same bag and throw it away.

 

works well as long as you remember to take it out....


I found this when I got home after having the dealership change my oil. This is when I started doing it myself.

 

i use a metal coffee can

 

Hahahahhaha nice! And my wife wonders why I want to do it myself instead of taking it some place.

My brother worked at an Exxon shop - he had a friend get hired there and been working there for a month or two when his friend did an oil change on a car and never put oil back in it. Needless to say my brothers friend got fired and the shop had to pay to rebuild and engine.

 

I had an old piece of tube laying around so I attached it to the draincock with a hose clamp and routed the hose down into the skidplate, when I change the oil I just pull it out through the wheel well and it keeps everything clean.

 

This, I like his tutorial though.

 

Just don’t confuse that bottle with your spitter. Yuck.

 

Why drill a hole in the cap just remove and replace when drained & toss.