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Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Clear vacuum hose and black suction probe reach down through the dipstick tube to the bottom of the engine pan. Powerful vacuum pump action creates a strong suction that pulls the dirty oil and sludge into the Oil Changers tank. You can also use it for bailing the boat, removing transmission-oil overfill, cleaning up spills and more! Tank Size (gal.): 2
Average Customer Rating:
out of
5
31 of 35(89%)would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
First Rate,
October 19, 2009
By toolanddieguy
from Normal, IL
"Well made, good design and easy to use. This was my first topside oil changer (thanks to our new Volvo) and I am impressed. No spill, easy clean up - all oil ends up in a metal can, that does not leak. Take the pump off, cap it up and take it to recycler. Makes a fairly simple but messy job, simple and clean. Good product, made in USA (Michigan)."
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Review 2 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Great time saving item.,
August 6, 2009
By SABCustoms
from Upstate New York
"Used this to change the oil in the inboard motor on my sailboat. The product worked exactly as described and made this the easiest and cleanest oil change I have ever done, didn't spill a drop. No problem getting vacuum and just had to sit and watch until all the oil was in the can. Considered going with a more expensive electric model but this is even easier since you don't have to hook up to batteries. Can't wait to do all the cars and the bike, too."
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Review 3 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Easy to use,
July 30, 2009
By Cymro
from SW Florida
"I have had one of these before so was comfortable getting another one. I put a length of the "Taco" edge protection on the bottom of the tank so it is less likely to slide on the deck. The instructions are easy to understand and if followed the vacuum is easy to acquire and use... highly recommend even to the rank amatuer!"
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
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Review 4 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Do it yourself oil change.,
July 13, 2009
By Robert8377
from Detroit, MI
"I use my topside oil changer for just that and more. Since I bought this I have done four or five oil changes with out pulling out my creeper or getting the accidental oil spill on my parking lot. I have also done a transmission filter change using my topside oil changer to remove the majority of the trans fluid before I dropped the pan. The only downside to this product is occasionally the seal will break because the pump has fallen off. Other then that great product."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
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Review 5 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
My husband really likes his new tool!,
March 26, 2009
By justmeetc
from Columbia, MD
"My husband likes to change the oil in his car but does not like to have to crawl under it or to fight with the oil pan nut. I mentioned this tool to him about two years ago, but he likes to do things "his way". I finally confinced him to give it a try and bought it for him - he really liked not having to strip the oil pan nut (or his knuckles). He actually admitted that he should have let me talk him into it a lot sooner. I would strongly recommend this to anyone who still likes to change their own oil."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
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Review 6 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Excellent for VW Diesels,
March 23, 2009
By Rickyble
from Winston salem, nc
"I have used this many times and it works very well. I have 2 VW diesels bugs and I use it for them. I would highly recommend this product. I previously tried the plastic ones and they didnt work well at all."
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Review 7 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
liqui ac topside oil changer,
November 17, 2008
By salliz
from douglaston new york
"i used the topside on my 2005 chrysler crossfire. followed all the instructions that were included in the box and it worked as per instructions. was concerned with the results , but it performed great saved me a lot of money doing it my self and made sure i got good results. beats getting underneath the car, oil filter is on top of the engine , so that made it more easier. figure i saved myself at least $65. thanks for a great product.."
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Review 8 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Liquivac Topside Oil Changer,
November 17, 2008
By KenM
from Binghamton, NY
"I used this Liquid Vacuum unit to suck out oil from our screw type air compressor sump and it cut the time by 2 hours. The air compressor was originally installed too close to the floor and to drain the oil it took forever. By inserting the hose provided on the vacuum can down the fill pipe we were able to vacuum out 9/10th. of the oil quickly and then remove the sump oil and gunk out the drain port. For its cost it paid back in multiples. It worked extra good for this operation."
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Review 9 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
oil sucker,
November 17, 2008
By hotrodln
from albany ny
"this thing works great. i've used it twice so far. once to remove the oil from a 4 stroke snowmobile and once to remove power steering fluid from a pump. this thing is worth the money"
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Review 10 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Good product,
August 17, 2008
By Anonymous
from Brandon, MS
"I purchased this to help keep my garage clean when servicing my autos and lawn mower. It works great and is small enough to keep from cluttering up the place. Plus it comes with caps to allow you to tranport the used oil without the hose and pump being in the way. The only complaint I have is the supplied hose clamp sometimes does not let the hose open up all the way and makes the oil or other liquid flow slowly. I corrected this by using my own hose clamp pliers. Overall a great product at a good price."
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Review 11 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Oil Changer,
August 16, 2008
By JGalla
from Connecticut
"I tried to use out of the box and the part kit was not complete.
The 2" rubber gasket was not included a 1 1/2" was so I had to get one.
I found that the gasket for the pump base between the can rim keep slipping into the can and would cause a vacumn leak and not suction.
I could not use the fist time out of the box.
The 2" rubber gasket was not included a 1 1/2" was so I had to get one.
I found that the gasket for the pump base between the can rim keep slipping into the can and would cause a vacumn leak and not suction.
I could not use the fist time out of the box.
I am contacting airpower america to straighten out the glitches,I hope?"
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0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Wow! This one really works.,
August 12, 2008
By jcalla27
from Austin, Texas
"I use the Liquivac to change the oil on my lawnmowers. I take the container with me when I have the oil changed on my car and have it emptied. Nothing could be easier. PS, they make a great present for the friend who has everything."
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Topsider Oil Changer,
August 11, 2008
By BMWfan
from Wisconsin
"I've used it three times since purchase, once for its intended purpose, oil change and twice to remove water from a space that is impossible to get to. It worked perfectly. I saved the cost of the unit on the oil change, so the next one is practically free.
My Z3 has the battery in the trunk, and I have a leak in the top or trunk that allows water to pool in the battery well. Short of removing the battery, requiring a disconnect, there is no other method. Worked well there too.
One thing, though, is that the gaskets are not attached to the caps, so when removing the pump, care must be taken not to lose the gasket."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
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Review 14 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Topside Oil Changer,
April 21, 2008
By Carlitos
from San Antonio, TX
"I purchased the product from Northern locally. It worked much better than I expected. I completed two complete oil changes in my Jet Skis in under an hour. The can is convenient to use. I heated up the engine so that the oil would be easier to extract and found that the oil was a little to warm for the clear plastic tubing, causing it to constrict.
With a little patience, and oil that is not too hot, it gets the job done with minimal mess."
With a little patience, and oil that is not too hot, it gets the job done with minimal mess."
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Review 15 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
This product is awesome !!!,
April 21, 2008
By Rockynbullwinkle
from Georgia
"I used this oil changer and wwas very impressed... They say to heat up the oil before you try to pump it out... In my case, this was impossible... I have a boat that has been sitting for over 10 years and needed the oil changed... I stuck in the hose and started pumping... This thing sucked out all of the (cold) oil out of the pan in a matter of a few minutes... I was very impressed... I will be using this for some time..."
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Review 16 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Trying to Make Topsider Work,
April 3, 2008
By joe2cool
from pennsylvania mountains
"I was tipped off about this product in the comment section of an auto parts site. The guy really talked it up. I located the product at Northern Tool and read all the comments, then decided to buy.
I've used, or tried to use, the Topsider on 2 different vehicles: the first was a 2000 chevy cavalier. I read the instructions, followed them, but could not establish a consistent, steady flow of oil. I had to keep pumping to keep the oil moving. Finally, after what I swear was 500+ pumps, I gave up exhausted. Surprisingly, when I checked the oil level left in the chevy it was pretty close to empty and required a full 4 qts of oil to reach the full mark.
Then, this past week, I tried the Topsider on my 86 mustang 5.0. I couldn't get the oil to even begin to flow, so I gave up early and changed the oil by removing the drain plug. From what I gather from the instructions the Topsider establishes an air vaccum with initial pumping. This air vaccum sucks the oil from the crankcase, over the fender and into the pump (receiver) can. Once this flow is established then siphoning action takes over and all the oil is removed from the crankcase. I think this is how it is intended to work, but getting it to do this is another matter. I'm thinking my kit may have been short one washer (where the pump handle screws to the can) because at this seal without an additional washer I have a metal-to-metal connection that may leak. From reading the reviews I know parts (washers) missing may be an issue with this product and I think I may fall into this category. Anyway, I want this thing to work, but can't recommend it, based on my experience to date. On the positive side, the device is well make and finished. The tubing is just long enough to reach properly. And the packaging was adequate and delivery on time."
I've used, or tried to use, the Topsider on 2 different vehicles: the first was a 2000 chevy cavalier. I read the instructions, followed them, but could not establish a consistent, steady flow of oil. I had to keep pumping to keep the oil moving. Finally, after what I swear was 500+ pumps, I gave up exhausted. Surprisingly, when I checked the oil level left in the chevy it was pretty close to empty and required a full 4 qts of oil to reach the full mark.
Then, this past week, I tried the Topsider on my 86 mustang 5.0. I couldn't get the oil to even begin to flow, so I gave up early and changed the oil by removing the drain plug. From what I gather from the instructions the Topsider establishes an air vaccum with initial pumping. This air vaccum sucks the oil from the crankcase, over the fender and into the pump (receiver) can. Once this flow is established then siphoning action takes over and all the oil is removed from the crankcase. I think this is how it is intended to work, but getting it to do this is another matter. I'm thinking my kit may have been short one washer (where the pump handle screws to the can) because at this seal without an additional washer I have a metal-to-metal connection that may leak. From reading the reviews I know parts (washers) missing may be an issue with this product and I think I may fall into this category. Anyway, I want this thing to work, but can't recommend it, based on my experience to date. On the positive side, the device is well make and finished. The tubing is just long enough to reach properly. And the packaging was adequate and delivery on time."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
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Review 17 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Time Saver,
January 21, 2008
By Youdig
from Southern Utah
"This product is a wonderful invention. If you have a boat, or a car or truck with a hard to get to oil drain plug, this Liquivac Topside Oil Changer is for you. This item paid for itself in 2 uses. I highly recommend this product for the do-it yourselfer, or anyone else that would like to save time and money on vehicle maintenance."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
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Review 18 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
Liquivac Topside Oil Changer,
January 21, 2008
By ameriscape
from Stony Point NY
"makes changing the oil on my landscaping equipment a breeze. never could get an oil pan to sit just right under the oil plug and used to spill the oil on the ground of my workshop.This helps out alot. I still remove the plug to get all the oil and some sludge from the bottom out but now it's just a little that I have to catch with the oil pan. Also make it a breeze to bring the oil to local gas station to recycle."
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Review 19 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
My "shining" oil change experience,
January 14, 2008
By Redirider
from Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
"Living in the winter wonderland of the high rocky mountains, and riding a snowmobile to work is a really great job for a snow junkie, until time to change the oil on the trusty sled. My detailed owners manual for the twin cylinder, four stroke, fuel injection powered machine, explains very thoroughly the process of changing the oil with no drain plug. Simple they say, just purchase a vacuum oil extractor and "suck" it right out!
Well, town is a long ways away so I tried to call around, and mostly no-one had heard of such. Looking in my reliable Northern catalog revealed several brands, both manual and hand pump styles. I chose the Liquvac Topside Oil Changer because of it's obviously sturdy construction and the convenient features. It seemed to be the best overall value for an infrequent need. The features that I liked in the product description turn out to be the same things I appreciate about the product as I use it.
It is easy to assemble the pump, with the very good written instructions enclosed in the package. The parts are high quality with stamped steel components. No cheap plastic parts. Every fitting is sealed with a rubber gasket. The pump itself seems to be made with close tolerances and builds up considerable vacuum pressure.
I started the project by plugging in the block heater on the snowmobile to warm up the oil. When the tank was pressured up with the proper number of pumps, and the draw tube inserted properly into the crankcase, through the dipstick hole, all that was left to do was release the negative pressure by un-clamping the draw hose. The oil quickly began to flow steadily out of the oil sump, up the hose, and into the pump reservoir. In about 3 minutes, all the oil was vacated and contained in the steel tank.
This is my first experience with a vacuum style oil change process, and due to the quality and convenience of the Liquivac product, it is quick and easy. I only need to add the golden brown replacement oil, and the engine is once again happy. I am also happy because there is no mess anywhere to be seen."
Well, town is a long ways away so I tried to call around, and mostly no-one had heard of such. Looking in my reliable Northern catalog revealed several brands, both manual and hand pump styles. I chose the Liquvac Topside Oil Changer because of it's obviously sturdy construction and the convenient features. It seemed to be the best overall value for an infrequent need. The features that I liked in the product description turn out to be the same things I appreciate about the product as I use it.
It is easy to assemble the pump, with the very good written instructions enclosed in the package. The parts are high quality with stamped steel components. No cheap plastic parts. Every fitting is sealed with a rubber gasket. The pump itself seems to be made with close tolerances and builds up considerable vacuum pressure.
I started the project by plugging in the block heater on the snowmobile to warm up the oil. When the tank was pressured up with the proper number of pumps, and the draw tube inserted properly into the crankcase, through the dipstick hole, all that was left to do was release the negative pressure by un-clamping the draw hose. The oil quickly began to flow steadily out of the oil sump, up the hose, and into the pump reservoir. In about 3 minutes, all the oil was vacated and contained in the steel tank.
This is my first experience with a vacuum style oil change process, and due to the quality and convenience of the Liquivac product, it is quick and easy. I only need to add the golden brown replacement oil, and the engine is once again happy. I am also happy because there is no mess anywhere to be seen."
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Review 20 for Liquivac Topside Oil Changer
Overall Rating:
/
5
So Good It Fixes Your Mistakes For You!,
January 14, 2008
By GreenMan
from Northeast PA
"Wasn't long after I put this together - and while I was putting off the oil change on a piece of equipment that was just a wee bit overdue - that this came to the rescue. You see, another piece of equipment that just arrived allegedly shipped *without* oil. It had a neat gauge that showed if it had oil in it. It looked clear, no obvious line of fluid. So I added a bunch of oil. Turns out, despite what the manufacturer had said, it *did* have oil, and now it had Way Too Much. With this, I was quickly able to drain the oil and, in this case, even leave it at a certain level so it was properly filled. I've used it for a few other oil changes that were regularly scheduled, and it performed well in those cases as well."
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