Author Topic: DIY Oil Fill Funnel (Read 6671 times)

TomatoSoup · « **on:** March 11, 2012, 02:54:59 PM »

Another simple DIY mod from the (increasingly disturbed) mind of TomatoSoup...

Was changing my oil today and again noticed how difficult it is to add new oil to the engine, with the awkward placement of the fill hole and shallow entry point. Regular funnels won't fit without being held.

So, in a moment of inspiration (actually while re-filling my washer fluid), I came up with this zero-cost and simple oil filler funnel that is PERFECTLY sized for the kappas...

First, find yourself an (ahem) empty cheapo windshield washer fluid bottle (or similar - see photo) and cut off the top with a sharp knife or scissors, preferably avoiding cutting yourself in the process:

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Dry the top out thoroughly, especially inside the handle. Then, using a heat source - I used a heat gun, but a gently applied propane torch would work too - heat the top and bottom of the handle piece until soft and crimp together with long-nose pliers from both sides so the handle is sealed off at top and bottom (no leaks please

):

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Cut through the 'merged' bits that you formed per the above, with a pair of wire-cutters or heavy scissors, and there you have it. Fits perfectly and hooks over the rubber seal lip of the hood so it stays in place - no hands. (I suggest you leave about 1/2" more length on the handle by the wide mouth than I did for a more secure 'hook'.)

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Go-N Def · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2012, 03:06:13 PM »

Nice!

Arabas · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2012, 03:22:21 PM »

Thank you TS (related to your other post

)
good idea!

TomatoSoup · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2012, 02:20:44 PM »

Well, a bit disappointed by just the two responses... I thought this was a great idea. Oh well, back to the drawing-board.

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2012, 02:31:25 PM »

TS-
I will be testing soon as I am in need of an oil change. I will report back.

The key will be using an EMPTY bottle to cut...

shabby · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2012, 02:47:58 PM »

Cutting up the 1L oil bottle also makes a great funnel.

Sly Bob · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2012, 06:44:18 PM »

Cutting that type of bottle for a funnel is something that most of us have done. Cutting the handle and hooking it so it stays put was, quite simply, a stroke of genius. The world's not ready for such a piece of automotive genius TS.

Well done Mark, well done!

idkfa · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2012, 07:02:27 PM »

Holy wow! Gone are the days where i use rolled up newspaper!

Seriously, that handle is a sweet hack.

NormSky · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2012, 10:51:49 PM »

I like the challenge of emptying one quart bottles.

TomatoSoup · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2012, 09:20:26 AM »

Quote from: Sly Bob on March 12, 2012, 06:44:18 PM

Cutting that type of bottle for a funnel is something that most of us have done.

Yep. True.

Quote from: Sly Bob on March 12, 2012, 06:44:18 PM

Cutting the handle and hooking it so it stays put was, quite simply, a stroke of genius. The world's not ready for such a piece of automotive genius TS.

Also True! So, that's why I'm so poor and under-appreciated?

Quote from: Sly Bob on March 12, 2012, 06:44:18 PM

Well done Mark, well done!

OK, OK. I see how it is now. Sigh.

Critterman · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2012, 10:48:35 AM »

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssooopete, didn't know you where that needy.

GREAT JOB wish I would have thought of it!

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2012, 12:48:43 PM »

Well, I was starting to read this and was thinking, DUH, who hadn't cut up a bottle to use it as a funnel, then I continued reading and saw your final and thought WOW, BRILLIANT!!!

Thanks TS

Sol Asylum · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2012, 01:07:46 PM »

Brown nosers!

JoshMcMadMac · « **Reply #13 on:** March 13, 2012, 01:14:59 PM »

Huh, I have a funnel that fits just fine without holding it. It is relatively short, and the base is just slightly smaller than the opening of a 5qt oil jug. Still, pretty creative!

ophidia31 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 13, 2012, 02:11:54 PM »

Are you that weak that you need two hands to pour a bottle of oil?

I always poured a quart in, cut the bottom off and then used that to funnel the rest.

TomatoSoup · « **Reply #15 on:** March 13, 2012, 02:15:56 PM »

Quote from: Critterman on March 13, 2012, 10:48:35 AM

GREAT JOB wish I would have thought of it!

Thanks Critter. Your heartfelt salutation brings a tear to my eye.

Quote from: ophidia31 on March 13, 2012, 02:11:54 PM

Are you that weak that you need two hands to pour a bottle of oil?

I always poured a quart in, cut the bottom off and then used that to funnel the rest.

Who buys in single quarts? I'm talking 5qt jugs here. Yes, it's difficult to pour a full jug with one hand and not spill... at least for puny engineers like me

ophidia31 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 13, 2012, 02:18:02 PM »

Quote from: TomatoSoup on March 13, 2012, 02:15:56 PM

Who buys in single quarts?

Me? lol The place that sells amsoil near me only has it in quart bottles and not the juggs.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 14, 2012, 12:00:16 PM »

Great idea Tomato! It looks really cool in the pictures too, with that handle mod LOL.

Gabes Redline · « **Reply #18 on:** March 14, 2012, 07:53:20 PM »

I love this!! Now how about an easy way to change the water pump!

Sly Bob · « **Reply #19 on:** March 14, 2012, 08:10:31 PM »

Quote from: Gabes Redline on March 14, 2012, 07:53:20 PM

I love this!! Now how about an easy way to change the water pump!

Carbon Sky · « **Reply #20 on:** March 14, 2012, 08:30:53 PM »

I've been using the same yellow plastic funnel I bought for under $5 bucks from a local Canadian Tire, for around 15 years now. Since before I could drive legally. It's relatively short compared to most funnels, and wide, which has made it a great oil filler funnel on every car I've used it on.

Slap on a fumoto oil drain valve, and my oil changes are truly dripless. I put a hose over the end of the fumoto oil valve, and into an empty jug.

News:

Welcome Guest!!!

Author Topic: DIY Oil Fill Funnel (Read 6671 times)