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Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? (…short of installing an aftermarket drain plug there.)
How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305618] Fri, 19 August 2016 19:16 Go to next message
LarryInSanDiego is currently offline  LarryInSanDiego   United States
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I know, I will be installing one WHEN I have the oil pan off. I'm just wondering if anyone has been successful in maybe vacuuming through a tube snaking down through the front timing cover through the oil fill. Or can it be done through the dipstick tube in motorboat style? It looks to be too far back to reach the front sump. I just hate to dilute a fresh charge with a quart of the old stuff. I had one of those vacuum deals at my old job but I no longer have access to it. Any DIY vacuum ideas?

Larry Engelbrecht San Diego, CA '73 26' ex-Glacier TZE063V100319 03/07/73
Re: How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305621 is a reply to message #305618] Fri, 19 August 2016 19:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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LarryInSanDiego wrote on Fri, 19 August 2016 20:16
I know, I will be installing one WHEN I have the oil pan off. I'm just wondering if anyone has been successful in maybe vacuuming through a tube snaking down through the front timing cover through the oil fill. Or can it be done through the dipstick tube in motorboat style? It looks to be too far back to reach the front sump. I just hate to dilute a fresh charge with a quart of the old stuff. I had one of those vacuum deals at my old job but I no longer have access to it. Any DIY vacuum ideas?

Larry,

Don't worry about it!!
I very much doubt that it is a whole quart and there is that much other "hang up" in the engine anyway.

Matt - the dyno lab refugee


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305622 is a reply to message #305618] Fri, 19 August 2016 19:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adrien G. is currently offline  Adrien G.   United States
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Larry,

It's called a drain plug, and IIRC it's located 7.5" back from the front of the oil pan.
The threaded nut has to be on the outside of the pan and the plug not protrude inside, very little clearances on the inside
of the pan.

I don't know of any way to suck that oil out.



Adrien & Jenny Genesoto 75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
Re: How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305624 is a reply to message #305618] Fri, 19 August 2016 19:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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LarryInSanDiego wrote on Fri, 19 August 2016 19:16
I know, I will be installing one WHEN I have the oil pan off. I'm just wondering if anyone has been successful in maybe vacuuming through a tube snaking down through the front timing cover through the oil fill. Or can it be done through the dipstick tube in motorboat style? It looks to be too far back to reach the front sump. I just hate to dilute a fresh charge with a quart of the old stuff. I had one of those vacuum deals at my old job but I no longer have access to it. Any DIY vacuum ideas?
When you drain the oil, change the filter and before you put the drain plug back in, pour the first quart in. That will displace most of that oil in the front of the pan (most of the oil that comes out is old oil). Put the drain plug back in and put the other 5 quarts in it.
Re: [GMCnet] How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305627 is a reply to message #305618] Fri, 19 August 2016 20:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
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Larry,

I'm with Matt. Despite the trouble I went to measuring the capacity of
that front area as 1 qt, I seriously doubt there's ever that much there
upon engine shutdown. When the engine is running, that area probably
contains almost no standing oil because of the proximity of the rapidly
rotating crankshaft and piston rod big ends. So what little is there after
shutdown is collected as it drains down from above -- probably not much.
As a WAG, MAYBE a pint.

I don't worry about it, but if you're really concerned, the next time I
drain the Cad500, which came with a drain plug in that similar sized area,
I'll measure what comes out.

Ken H.


On Fri, Aug 19, 2016 at 8:16 PM, Larry Engelbrecht <
larryengelbrecht@gmail.com> wrote:

> I know, I will be installing one WHEN I have the oil pan off. I'm just
> wondering if anyone has been successful in maybe vacuuming through a tube
> snaking down through the front timing cover through the oil fill. Or can
> it be done through the dipstick tube in motorboat style? It looks to be too
> far back to reach the front sump. I just hate to dilute a fresh charge
> with a quart of the old stuff. I had one of those vacuum deals at my old job
> but I no longer have access to it. Any DIY vacuum ideas?
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305645 is a reply to message #305618] Sat, 20 August 2016 07:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
LarryInSanDiego is currently offline  LarryInSanDiego   United States
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No Message Body

Larry Engelbrecht San Diego, CA '73 26' ex-Glacier TZE063V100319 03/07/73

[Updated on: Sat, 20 August 2016 07:11]

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Re: How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305652 is a reply to message #305645] Sat, 20 August 2016 10:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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I think Matt is correct and it's not really anything to worry about. But if you are worried about it, and don't mind wasting a little bit of new oil, do as "A" suggests and pour the first quart in before replacing the drain plug. I have been doing this with one additional step, that is to warm the engine up first (with a five mile drive). That way the thinner, hot oil will be displaced by the fresh oil easier.

Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

[Updated on: Sat, 20 August 2016 20:43]

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Re: [GMCnet] How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305653 is a reply to message #305645] Sat, 20 August 2016 11:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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Larry,
I'm with you on getting all the old oil out.
We use to install drain plugs on the front on rebuild engines as a standard
procedure, but it was not a big priority for us as there were other things
we had to address when we were doing the engine.



On Sat, Aug 20, 2016 at 5:10 AM, Larry Engelbrecht <
larryengelbrecht@gmail.com> wrote:

> Drr! I meant the rear. Never mind! :lol:
> --
> Larry Engelbrecht
>
> San Diego, CA
>
> '73 26' ex-Glacier
>
> TZE063V100319 03/07/73
>
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--
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Re: How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305654 is a reply to message #305618] Sat, 20 August 2016 11:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
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Creates an additional fail point. If you are concerned just decrease your drain interval time or mileage interval by 20%.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: [GMCnet] How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305655 is a reply to message #305653] Sat, 20 August 2016 11:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
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Gee, it must be a really big problem. I have over 120,000 miles on my 403,
it has never been apart, and it uses a quart of oil between oil changes at
3500 miles or so. Always change the oil when it is fully warmed up. In
motor home service, which I would classify as severe duty, I use Valvoline
premium conventional oil SAE 20-50 wt. Exceeds API services SN/SM. Does it
matter much if you get the residual oil that stays in the front of the pan?
If it is changed regularly, along with a quality oil filter, I would say,
not so much. If it is allowed to run 7500 miles between changes, maybe.
Just not in my own coach, so far. Most modern conventional oils will
perform similar to what I use. Synthetics ? I can't say for sure. I don't
have enough personal experience with them to say. But I am not about to
mess with success, just to find out.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On Aug 20, 2016 9:19 AM, "Jim Kanomata" wrote:

> Larry,
> I'm with you on getting all the old oil out.
> We use to install drain plugs on the front on rebuild engines as a standard
> procedure, but it was not a big priority for us as there were other things
> we had to address when we were doing the engine.
>
>
>
> On Sat, Aug 20, 2016 at 5:10 AM, Larry Engelbrecht larryengelbrecht@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Drr! I meant the rear. Never mind! :lol:
>> --
>> Larry Engelbrecht
>>
>> San Diego, CA
>>
>> '73 26' ex-Glacier
>>
>> TZE063V100319 03/07/73
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
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Re: [GMCnet] How to get out that one quart of oil in the front ofthe pan? [message #305662 is a reply to message #305655] Sat, 20 August 2016 15:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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G'day,

Before I installed a second oil drain in Double Trouble's 455 oil pan I asked myself two questions:

1) It is better to remove all the old oil than leave some in?

2) Why did Cadillac install a second oil drain in the front section of the 500 pan?

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426



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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] How to get out that one quart of oil in the front ofthe pan? [message #305664 is a reply to message #305662] Sat, 20 August 2016 16:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Scott Nutter is currently offline  Scott Nutter   United States
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Whenever I change my oil I drive the front end up on 12" ramps so I can fit my beer belly underneath. That seems to drain the oil back to the existing drain plug with hot oil.
I will definitely look closer next time. Maybe even put a level on it and see..


Scott Nutter 1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI Houston, Texas
Re: How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305667 is a reply to message #305618] Sat, 20 August 2016 16:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Scott Nutter is currently offline  Scott Nutter   United States
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Also, I blow the old oil out of my external oil cooler each oil change. That's about a half quart alone..

Scott Nutter 1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI Houston, Texas
Re: How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305670 is a reply to message #305618] Sat, 20 August 2016 16:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
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Which is a great way to insure a dry bearing situation for seversl seconds on restart. Far more detremental (potentially).

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: [GMCnet] How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #305693 is a reply to message #305627] Sun, 21 August 2016 00:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BobDunahugh is currently offline  BobDunahugh   United States
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Several points. (1) GMC didn't see it as a problem at design time. (2) What oil that's there, is a very small amount in the big scheme of things. Maybe a fourth of a pint.There's a lot of oil passages that can't/and shouldn't be drained. (3) Since the crank is rotating so close. That area isn't able to retain much. (4) The 403 from the burned GMC always had mineral based oil used in it. 157,000 miles. No repairs from the records from new I got. Compression test that I ran 4 months ago ran from 140, to 145 PSI. About perfect. Oil PSI at hot idle was 32 PSI. I'd never bother putting in a extra drain. Bob Dunahugh
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Re: [GMCnet] How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #352055 is a reply to message #305693] Sat, 08 February 2020 20:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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To resurrect this old thread, I have a drain plug in the front sump on my 455. I changed the oil today (well, at least drained it since I just discovered a torn CV boot and need to hold off on installing the new oil filter). I drained the front sump into a separate drain pan and measured the amount. It was almost 1-1/2 pints. That seems significant to me. Whether that makes a difference or not in the overall scheme of things, I don't know. It just makes me feel better to get as much of the old oil out as I can.

Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

[Updated on: Sun, 09 February 2020 12:20]

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Re: [GMCnet] How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #352065 is a reply to message #352055] Sun, 09 February 2020 08:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
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Sir, did you have the front jacked up on stands or sitting on the ground?






Carl S. wrote on Sat, 08 February 2020 21:11
To resurrect this old thread,I have a drain plug in the front sump on my 455. I changed the oil today (well, at least drained it since I just discovered a torn CV boot and need to hold off on installing the new oil filter). I drained the front sump into a separate drain pan and measured the amount. It was almost 1-1/2 pints. That seems significant to me. Whether that makes a difference or not in the overall scheme of things, I don't know. It just makes me feel better to get as much of the old oil out as I can.


C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: [GMCnet] How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #352072 is a reply to message #352065] Sun, 09 February 2020 10:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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The front was slightly higher than the rear. I had it up on about 5" ramps, but my driveway slopes a little and the air bags were at max height.

Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: How to get out that one quart of oil in the front of the pan? [message #352075 is a reply to message #305618] Sun, 09 February 2020 11:08 Go to previous message
6cuda6 is currently offline  6cuda6   Canada
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Put the front end up on stands or ramp and lower the rear....problem solved for the most part.

I wouldnt even be worried about it as you do not get all the oil out of the motor/pan anyways when you do an oil change.

If it bothers you that much you can flush the motor with clean new oil a few times till it all drains out as clean oil.

If i had the pan off i might put a plug in it but till then.....


Rich Mondor, Brockville, ON 77 Hughes 2600
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