Messy oil changes

/ Messy oil changes #21  
It's the only part on my 2015 truck that's not either dirty or rusty, from the regular yearly oil baths. :ROFLMAO: Hoping the 6.4L configuration on the 2500 will be a bit better, in that regard.

I've added a pipe nipple to more than one OPE engine, where the OEM had designed the thing with the oil plug just draining onto the chassis. My Huskee log splitter and Devilbiss power washer both come to mind, as both use a convenient 1/4-NPT pipe plug.

I haven't found any solution as elegant for the Subie engine on my Little Wonder leaf blower, since they use a crush washer instead of NPT plug, for oil drain. I usually just use a scrap of paper or cardboard folded into a V, to direct the oil toward the pan, on that one. It works, until one small slip or fumble makes a big mess.

Deere seems to be the only manufacturer of all the equipment I own, who actually takes a few seconds to think about and plan for oil changes. My mower has a valve screwed into the crank case, with a 90-degree spout on the drain, right over a hole in the motor mounting plate. Drains so clean and perfectly, I don't even need an oil pan, I can literally drain it straight into an old jug. Of course, they're competing on features over price, so it makes sense they're not cheaping out on the small details.

This is the type used by Deere. Much safer with a hex wrench needle valve closure, than the 1/4-turn lever types I see for aftermarket additions.

View attachment 5563694
Do you have a part number for that valve?
 
/ Messy oil changes #22  
Yeah my JD ZTrak 960 with the Kawasaki 31 HP engine has a similar setup, I do add a hose to it though, as the outlet of the valve is just above the frame opening . . . Of course like you hint at ... At $17K+ they can afford to add a few nice "convenience" type additions ...
Oof! $17k+?!? Wow...

My JD ZTrak 757 commercial 60" ZTR was $7600 new in 2007. I still have the receipt!

Do you have a part number for that valve?
The one I showed was a Dapco 13067, just as a visual example. But if you want one guaranteed to fit a Kawi V-twin thread, just check the Deere online parts catalog for the oil drain valve on a Deere 757 ZTrak mower.

No matter what engine you have, you'll probably find someone on Google with a drain valve to fit the thread in the crankcase drain.
 
/ Messy oil changes #24  
I recently bought a 3-pack of these. I haven't used them yet, but it looks like they will help with oil changes. They are available at Amazon, Harbor Freight, and others.
View attachment 5547728

I’ve had one of those for years. They work great for catching oil filter mess when removing. Here’s it in action when I was changing the oil on my ZT.

1776993603184.jpeg


Love it! Works good on my house generator too.
 
/ Messy oil changes #26  
I haven't found any solution as elegant for the Subie engine on my Little Wonder leaf blower, since they use a crush washer instead of NPT plug, for oil drain. I usually just use a scrap of paper or cardboard folded into a V, to direct the oil toward the pan, on that one. It works, until one small slip or fumble makes a big mess.

Deere seems to be the only manufacturer of all the equipment I own, who actually takes a few seconds to think about and plan for oil changes. My mower has a valve screwed into the crank case, with a 90-degree spout on the drain, right over a hole in the motor mounting plate. Drains so clean and perfectly, I don't even need an oil pan, I can literally drain it straight into an old jug. Of course, they're competing on features over price, so it makes sense they're not cheaping out on the small details.

This is the type used by Deere. Much safer with a hex wrench needle valve closure, than the 1/4-turn lever types I see for aftermarket additions.
Agreed. My X738 Deere mower has a small plastic spout that directs the oil out over interfering frame bits so it doesn't go everywhere and you have space to put a pan. Shockingly well thought out.

The solution for your subie is to put a crush washer on, then an extension, then tap that for the regular plug and crush washer. It works great if you do it from something you can easily grab onto like hex or square stock (and drill through the center) so you can hold it from turning while you take the plug out.
 
/ Messy oil changes #27  
I’ve had one of those for years. They work great for catching oil filter mess when removing. Here’s it in action when I was changing the oil on my ZT.

View attachment 5588896

Love it! Works good on my house generator too.
What keeps that in place? How is it better than a scrap of cardboard folded into a "V"?
 
/ Messy oil changes
  • Thread Starter
#28  
vic4news-our B3030 new in 2007 has the same cross member,but it has 2 notches in it under the drain plugs.
Still messy!
Good Luck!
Interesting. Mine is a 2007 as well. No notches though.

I used to make a tinfoil trough when draining the oil, but it was easy to knock the tinfoil out of place. The small pan I use now fits tight between the sides of the cross member and doesn’t move.

The slight messiness of the oil changes wasn’t a big deal, but it’s one of those things where I think “Why didn’t I do this years ago?”
 
/ Messy oil changes #29  
I’ve had one of those for years. They work great for catching oil filter mess when removing. Here’s it in action when I was changing the oil on my ZT.

View attachment 5588896

Love it! Works good on my house generator too.
You can make one of those using an empty milk jug from your trash can, and a utility knife or scissors.
 
/ Messy oil changes #30  
What keeps that in place? How is it better than a scrap of cardboard folded into a "V"?
It just kind of sits there by its own weight. It does have some weight to it, as there must be a thin piece of metal inside. That gives it the ability to be bent and hold the shape.

Not sure it’s any better than any other means. I find it very useful.
 
/ Messy oil changes #31  
/ Messy oil changes #32  
I’ve had one of those for years. They work great for catching oil filter mess when removing. Here’s it in action when I was changing the oil on my ZT.

View attachment 5588896

Love it! Works good on my house generator too.
these look great. brilliant for sure.
as an old farmer we just use "custom made" single use ones. (haha)

in other words we cut any scrap box of card board we have lying around to do same thing. so we recycle a bit of old card board and the grand kids get excited cause we be embracing the reduce/reuse/recycle culture they preach at us daily.
1777040050506.png
 
/ Messy oil changes #34  
Handy thing is a large black plastic mixing tub from Home Depot. Covers a big area and has enough capacity to catch all the old hydraulic oil as well.

I have an extractor pump that has been useful for transferring oils and fuel. Haven't gotten to where I'd trust it to get all the old fluids removed. Any draining that involves removing more than one drain plug would be a "fail".
 
/ Messy oil changes #36  
It just kind of sits there by its own weight. It does have some weight to it, as there must be a thin piece of metal inside. That gives it the ability to be bent and hold the shape.

Not sure it’s any better than any other means. I find it very useful.
Oh, that's cool! I had no idea it could be re-shaped. That does sound pretty useful.

I wonder if they have a version with some magnets molded into it? Will need to check those out.
 

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