Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

It is almost February 1 and my thoughts are already turning to getting my JD x540 ready to start picking up "junk" left on the lawn from the storms. By the time we hit March 15th, the threat of snow is pretty well over. I've got to replace the blades, new gas filter, clean out the pre-air cleaner and power wash the underside of the deck.

In particular, I'll be changing the oil & filter which is not tricky as such, its just that the oil drain plug is in such a place that you can' change oil without it dripping on the engine, the frame, some mounting brackets, and of course the mower deck. There's got to be a better way. I thought I had it figured last year with a large funnel, but no go. You cannot fit a funnel back into the area where the oil drain plug is.

The engine is a Kawasaki V-Twin 25HP (which is not an easy starting engine, but it is commercial grade, and will apparently run forever), and there's nothing particularly interesting about it. I just hate cleaning up 4-6 ounces of oil left all over the engine.

I think the JD engineers were out to lunch on this one.

Ideas?

samdog wrote:
Im skepticalabout using a vacuum extractor - probably wouldn't get the solid cruds lurking at the bottom of the case.  I  liike to see a full rapid flow of oil coming out that creates a flushing action.  On my equipment I just take a piece of corrugated cardboard folded into a vee shape and long enough to reach from the drain hole to a catch container and let er fly.

WOOF,

  The vacuum force will be much greater than gravity.  The particles in the oil will be minute, suspended after running and heating so lifted out. 

Dr_Woof wrote:

I run the oil to operating temp to suspend any solids before I vacuum it, then I pull the drain and let the remainder drip a while. I use Mobil 1 synthetic in all my OPE and change each season, so I'm confident sludge is not an issue. 

tkrotchko: "Any advice as to the "best" one?"

I have the CTA 7450. It appears the Pela, CTA and others in the 6.5 liter round unit are all from the same factory anyway. Should be able to pick one up for $60 or so. I get great use out of it.

The Drainzit hoses look like a pretty good solution as well.

But...the vacuum tube will always leave a little behind when it starts sucking air.  Oil and particulates laying on the bottom of the crankcase.  Gravity flow gets it all, especially if you tilt the blower towards the drain.

mml4 wrote:

I like this solution, but I need to figure out which size for a Kawasaki engine. Maybe I can send them an email.

Dr_Woof wrote:

And less pull as the larger particles drop and the pull flow gets less.  Nothing wrong with draining.  You can also tilt to siphon tube.  I don't think the amount missed is a concern if done very quickly after running the motor.   I often give out free siphons with Honda clone upgrades to encourage changing oil which many don't do.