The most effective oil changes follow a series of steps that starts with taking a used oil sample before shutting down the equipment. It’s important to obtain a sample when the unit is at operating temperature and pressure. Take the sample from an area after the circulating pump but before the oil filter to get the most accurate and representative information from a used oil analysis program. Keeping records is important; fill out the sample card thoroughly, including oil service hours and identifying when the oil was changed.
When you’re ready to drain the oil, complete an appropriate lockout-tagout to ensure the equipment is safe to work on. The oil should be hot – at normal operating temperatures – for an effective drain.
Veenstra says engine temperature is critical. “You don’t want to drain from a cold engine. The oil won’t flow and you won’t get it all out.”
Open all drain points, which helps to drain the oil pumping connections as well. Give time for the oil to drain from the top of the engine down to the crankcase. A good practice is to remove the crankcase access door, if there is one available, to visually inspect for any remaining oil. A pump or vacuum may be necessary to remove any old oil. It’s important to remember that leftover oil means leftover contaminants, acids and oxidation by-products that will start to prematurely degrade fresh oil, shortening future drain intervals.