H3 Oil Change Mess

[SGT-Wright]

A few days ago I finally changed the oil myself on my H3. The prices going up to $75 per change motivated my lazy azz to get out the old ramps and crawler board. As soon as I pulled the oil plug I said to myself in a cussing way "What engineer put a crossmember under the oil drain?". I have one of those big 20" round oil catch pans that caught most of the oil that splattered and ran off of the crossmember but then I saw a puddle forming 4 feet away where oil was running out the other end of my UCP square tube. Ughhh lets throw a piece of cardboard and rag under that one. The Engineers did a nice job of putting a little plastic drip pan with spout under the oil filter to catch the 6oz that run out when changing the filter. If the oil drain plug was 2" further forward or the crossmember 2" back then there would ba a lot less mess.
Has anyone fabricated a special clip-on funnel to divert the oil directly into your drainpan for a nice and tidy oil change?
I am sure there are a lot of H3 owners that wish there was one.

 

[alrock]

JR3T had a fix - not exactly one that I think he's marketing to the masses but it worked.

 

[Scarsman]

You know what works great for spots like that, is one of those flexible funnel sheets. Its like a thin sheet of lead or something coated in a plastic/ rubber. You can roll it up into a funnel, bend it into a spout or trough, or anything. I'll try and find a link.

Found it. Is called a Form-A- Funnel. Here is a link. If it doesn't work just Google it.

http://www.formafunnel.com/

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk

 

[benlaud87]

looks like a sam splint

 

[prc]

I just take some kitchen foil and form a trough to guide the oil where i want it.

 

[M22KLARS]

That's pretty smart PRC!

 

[Dennis]

I just take some kitchen foil and form a trough to guide the oil where i want it.

Awesome, that's what I do too..in fact had to do it today when I changed oil..Dropped the damn oil filter though and made a mess..:gaah:

 

[CNY750Rider]

I just use a piece of carboard to divert it into my oil catch. Works great.

 

[DJinCO]

I have the form a funnel and it works great.

 

[Scarsman]

Not sure how the filter is situated on the H3, but on the 2 it is vertical. To avoid spilling the oil out of the filter, since I have to tip it slightly to get it out, I take a rubber glove and slip it on the filter. Then I make a small hole in the tip of the middle finger and slide a long screwdriver in it. I smack the screwdriver into the filter so it will drain. The finger with the hole acts as a funnel after you pull the screwdriver out.

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

We use card board at work, we cut up old air filter boxes and use them. They are thin and easy to fold and divert oil to the drain.

 

[Doc Olds]

Why use ramps to change the oil on a 3? They tilt the truck to the back and cause the mess.

Just park with the nose lower than the rear. If necessary, like with a couple 2X6 pieces of lumber under the back tires, never hits the cross member when draining.

One old shop towel under the filter when she comes off pretty much takes care of the rest.

 

[Steve #1]

Fumoto Valve. Get the one with the nipple and slide a hose on to it. No mess and no need to remove the skid plate.

http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=61

 

[Hunner]

Of all the things I do myself and changing the oil for many years on everything, I just use the 9-9-9 plan at the GMC dealership. Oil and filter $9.99. They check all the fluids and then they have a tech with Hummer knowledge look things over and give me a report. They know my H3 and if they question something I get to go look. Sort of like having someone check up on me.
It keeps me in contact with them and keeps me up to date on any changes they are aware of from other H3's that come in with issues.
I saw the service manger at supper last night and spoke for a few minutes leaving the restaurant.
The rushed waterpump repair where the new tech did not put on a new belt has been the only problem and he addressed that very well.

In years past I installed remote oil filters and used a type of drain valve on other vehicles. Just have never bothered on the H3.
Steve which model did you use and did you need the adapter?

 

[JR3T]

JR3T had a fix - not exactly one that I think he's marketing to the masses but it worked.

Yes, this works well for me.
Found this little serving tray come in handy when replacing the oil on my truck. Not sure if it will work on the I5, but definitely saves me time and hassle on the Alpha.
No need to remove the UCP or front skid to change the engine oil to avoid the mess.
Get an aluminum 9"x11"? serving tray.
Cut one corner out of it to make it fit easier.
Poke a hole where it sits between the bars of the UCP. Do this after you have the tray in place for the first time.

Break free drain plug so it can be unscrewed by hand.

Slide the tray into place under the filter and drain plug, making sure the exit hole in tray is sitting in opening of the UCP.

Unscrew the drain plug by hand and let the tray do its work to route oil out without getting all over the place.

Get your oil filter wrench and loosen the filter enough to drain the trapped volume of oil. Then, just let the filter drop into the pan below.

Tighten the drain plug and install your new filter.
Done, and no mess to clean up.

 

[Dennis]

Was that a Hummer?..Just how the hell did you get a camera up there?..Nice photos..