How to take an oil sample?

[OldBaldy]

OK guys, take it easy on a noob here. (I did search but couldn't find what I was looking for...)

I want to know what is the best/easiest way to draw an oil sample for a UOA.

I mean...how do you guys physically draw a sample from the motor, if you intend to run a UOA WITHOUT a full oil drain?

Do you....

1. try to drain some from the oil drain plug (unscrewing the plug, dropping some oil and trying to very quickly stem the flood of oil? Must be REAL messy?)

2. Use an oil extractor> If so...which type works well?

3. Other?

I have an Audi S4 with the V8 motor.


Thanks all!

 

[duaneb9729]

I have done it, buy loosing the drain plug, and holding it against the pan so the oil would dribble into the oil sample container.

The engine was warm at the time, and I had just came back to the shop after a ten or so mile drive.

On a different truck, I installed a drain valve so I can just open it, and let it dribble out.

I understand its important to have the engine warm.

 

[Quattro Pete]

I use an oil sample pump with a fresh piece of tubing each time.

 

[OldBaldy]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
I use an oil sample pump with a fresh piece of tubing each time.


Ahhh, thanks! I should have tried the lab sites to see if they had anything! This looks perfect.

Thx again,

 

[Carbon]

If I were to do it, I would get some 1/4 OD tubing, push it down dipstick hole, cap the end with my thumb, pull tubing out, hold over container, release thumb.

 

[Mustang_Cougar]

I've got the Fram "Sure Drain" on a couple of my cars. To get an oil sample using that is pretty easy, as you can control the flow quite easily with the brass actuator; makes for a very tidy process. I'm sure the Fumoto guys have similar "clean" experiences.

I know a fair number of people don't like the "Sure Drain" (perhaps the "Fram" stigma), but I haven't had any issues w/them at all. For ~$10 on Ebay, it seems like a good, economical solution for doing mid-OCI samples.

 

[Buick92]

Thanks for the info Mustang_Cougar, the "Sure Drain" really fits the bill!