Complete Oil Pan Drainage: Getting Every Drop Out

Getting all the oil out of an oil pan is a complex and time-consuming task. While it is impossible to remove all the oil from a vehicle's engine, as a small amount of residual oil is necessary to keep a film of oil over all moving parts, there are several methods that can be employed to remove as much oil as possible. One approach is to perform multiple oil changes in succession, driving for a certain distance between each change. This process may need to be repeated up to four times to achieve the desired level of cleanliness. Additionally, using a specific type of oil, such as Castrol GTX, can aid in breaking down sludge and reducing oil residue. Another method involves adding a substance such as kerosene or Seafoam to the oil and running the engine for a short period before draining the mixture. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove and clean the oil pan, as well as replace the gasket or seal, to address leaks and reduce oil residue.

Warm the engine before draining oil

Warming the engine before draining the oil can help to ensure that you get all the old oil out of the oil pan. Oil flows better when it is warm as it becomes thinner, so it will drain more quickly and completely out of the engine. Running the engine for five to 20 minutes before draining the oil will ensure it is warm enough to flow more easily. However, be cautious as oil straight from a running engine will be extremely hot and could cause burns. If you have been driving the car already and the engine is hot, let it sit for at least half an hour before attempting to drain the oil.

Warming the oil will also ensure that contaminants remain suspended in the oil, increasing the chances that they will be expelled from the engine when you drain the oil. Warm oil is also more likely to escape from upper-end crevices in modern high-tech OHC engines.

Use a sacrificial oil change

A sacrificial oil change is a great way to get all the oil out of your oil pan and give your engine a new lease of life. It involves using cheap or re-refined oil as a flush before draining it into a separate container for settling and possible reuse. This method is particularly useful if your engine has water contamination from coolant, a failed river crossing, or a flood.

• Park your vehicle on a level surface: Engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. If necessary, raise the front of the vehicle by driving it onto a ramp or jacking it up and supporting it with jack stands. Remember to always prioritise safety and use wheel chocks to prevent the wheels from rolling.
• Locate the engine oil dipstick and remove it: Removing the dipstick helps the oil flow more easily when draining.
• Locate the engine's oil pan and oil drain plug: Put on safety glasses and crawl under the vehicle to find the oil pan. The oil drain plug is a long bolt head at the bottom of the pan. Some vehicles may have two drain plugs.
• Position an approved oil catch pan under the drain plug: Choose a container that is large enough to hold the volume of oil expected to drain from the engine. You can find this information in your vehicle's owner's manual.
• Loosen and remove the drain plug: Use a box-end wrench or a 6-pt. socket to loosen the drain plug. Carefully remove it by hand, ensuring that the catch pan is in place to collect the draining oil. Allow several minutes for all the old oil to drain completely.
• Clean and inspect the oil pan and drain plug: Wipe the oil pan threads and drain plug with a rag. Check the condition of the oil pan, drain plug threads, and gasket. Replace the drain plug or the gasket if there are any concerns.
• Locate and remove the oil filter: Position an oil catch pan under the oil filter to catch any residual oil. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench and allow the oil to drain. Then, remove the oil filter and ensure that the filter gasket comes off with it. If it's still attached to the engine mounting plate, remove it along with any remaining residue.
• Prepare the new oil filter: Place a light coating of new oil on the gasket of the new oil filter to ensure a smooth installation. Do not use grease.
• Install the new oil filter: Install the new oil filter onto the engine by turning it in a clockwise direction, first by hand and then tightening it according to the directions provided. This is usually done by turning it three-quarters to one full turn after the filter gasket contacts the engine.
• Refill the engine with new oil: Reinstall the undertray and lower the vehicle back to the ground. Open the hood and locate the oil fill cap, which should have an oil-can symbol. Use a funnel to pour in the correct amount and type of oil for your vehicle.
• Start the engine and check for leaks: Run the engine for at least 30 seconds, then carefully inspect under the vehicle for any oil leaks, especially around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, shut off the engine immediately and have them repaired.
• Re-check the oil level: After shutting off the engine, allow 30 seconds for the oil to settle. Inspect the area beneath the vehicle for any leaks. Safely lower the vehicle to level ground and check the oil level with the dipstick, adding more oil if necessary.

By following these steps, you can effectively perform a sacrificial oil change, ensuring that all the old oil is removed from the oil pan and replaced with fresh, clean oil. Remember to always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

Drain oil into a different bottle

When changing your engine oil, it is important to note that you will never be able to get rid of all the old oil. A small amount of residual oil will remain, which is beneficial as it will mix with the new oil and continue to lubricate the engine's moving parts.

If you are looking to drain the oil into a different bottle, it is recommended to do so with the engine warm as the oil flows better when it is thinner. This will help remove as much sludge and residue as possible. Be careful of the hot components when doing this.

One method to drain the oil is to use a sacrificial oil change. This involves using cheap or re-refined oil and draining it into a separate bottle for settling and possible reuse. This process can be repeated multiple times to ensure that most of the old oil is removed.

Additionally, you can use engine degreaser to clean the oil pan and surrounding areas. This will help identify any leaks and ensure that the oil is drained properly.

It is worth noting that there is no need to worry about small amounts of residual oil, as it will be washed away by the new clean oil.

Change oil more often

Changing your oil more often can help extend the life of your car. Regular oil changes help to prevent harmful particulates from damaging your engine, reducing the need for costly repairs down the line.

However, changing your oil more often than necessary can be wasteful and costly. It can also put a strain on the environment, as you are throwing away oil that is still usable.

The standard recommendation for oil changes is every three months or every 3,000 miles (4,828 km). However, this advice is outdated, and most cars can go much longer without needing an oil change. The recommended interval for oil changes varies depending on factors such as your driving habits, climate, and the type of oil your car uses.

If you drive infrequently or mostly take short trips (less than 10 miles or 16 km), you should consider changing your oil more often. This is because your engine may not be getting hot enough to boil off condensation, which can cause oil to break down faster. Additionally, most engine wear and tear occurs when starting the car, so if you are not driving very far, you are putting more strain on your engine. In this case, it is recommended to change your oil every 1,000 miles (1,609 km) or every six months.

On the other hand, if your car is new and you typically drive for 20 minutes or more at fairly steady speeds, you can likely increase the time between oil changes. If your car manufacturer recommends synthetic oil, you may be able to go as many as 10,000 miles or more between oil changes. Synthetic oil is more expensive, but it offers better performance and is more environmentally friendly.

Ultimately, the best source of advice for how often to change your oil is your vehicle's owner's manual. The manufacturer will provide recommendations based on the specific needs of your car.

Use a strong magnet to attract fine shavings

Using a strong magnet to attract fine shavings in your oil pan can be an effective way to prevent metal particles from circulating in your engine's oil and causing damage. Metal particles in engine oil can lead to increased wear and tear, friction, and abrasion, ultimately reducing the lifespan of your engine. By placing a magnet on the outside of your oil pan, you can catch and trap these metal particles before they have a chance to circulate.

It is important to note that not all metal particles are ferrous, and magnets will only attract ferrous metals. Additionally, the effectiveness of the magnet will depend on its proximity to the oil and the strength of its magnetic field. A stronger magnet with a more powerful field will have a better chance of attracting and trapping metal particles.

When placing a magnet on your oil pan, consider using a curved magnet that wraps around the oil filter. This will ensure that the magnetic field penetrates the oil and has a better chance of attracting particles. It is also important to regularly clean or replace the magnet to prevent it from becoming saturated and losing its effectiveness.

Some people choose to use magnetic drain plugs or oil filters with built-in magnets as an alternative to placing magnets directly on the oil pan. These options can be effective in trapping metal particles and may be easier to maintain. However, placing a magnet on the outside of the oil pan can still be a useful additional measure to catch any particles that may have evaded other filtration methods.

Overall, using a strong magnet to attract fine shavings in your oil pan can be a worthwhile preventive measure to protect your engine. It is important to combine this with regular oil changes, filter replacements, and other maintenance practices to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions