98 V70 Transmission Fluid Work

Post by **rmmagow** » 02 Apr 2014, 09:37

Has anyone tried using a Topsider device to suck out oil through the dipstick for a tranny fluid partial change? If so, how much was it able to draw out? I've done the dump-n-fill technique and it works OK but the Topsider would be even easier if it can suck a decent amount out.

Post by **JDS60R** » 02 Apr 2014, 09:39

Yes- we use it all the time. It gets out about 95%-100% of what the drain would be. Its all about putting the pipe in far enough to hit bottom and then stop. Once you have done it twice you are an expert. We use the Liquivac but its the same principal

Post by **erikv11** » 02 Apr 2014, 09:40

Link to one of these devices?

Post by **rmmagow** » 02 Apr 2014, 09:52

Has both types:
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywor ... baln26x8_b

Post by **rmmagow** » 02 Apr 2014, 09:54

PS: IMPORTANT:
If using liquivac, don't do it with very hot tranny fluid, let the tranny cool down so that the oil doesn't burn your hand. Too hot and the liqivac sort of falls apart. They do warn against super hot fluid. Topsider is metal so.....

Post by **JDS60R** » 02 Apr 2014, 10:02

I pull hot fluid with he liquivac with no problems. If the hoses are on correctly its not an issue for me.

Post by **rmmagow** » 02 Apr 2014, 11:40

I pulled hot fluid out of my Mercedes, engine oil. The Liqivac container itself warped and basically ruined the thing. I don't blame it since I should have known better. Maybe engine oil get a lot hotter in a diesel? I've since fixed the oil pan and drain the regular way now. It was the big version of the Liquivac.

Post by **JDS60R** » 02 Apr 2014, 12:09

I just called Liquivac. They say to use Liquivac and Topsider ( they make and own both companies) at 105F or below.

They mentioned that a small number of defective liquivac that went out under weight (thinner) about 3 years ago, and the overly thin containers could deform in your situation.( They are happy to replace if you call them.)
They also own Topsider ( took over in late 90's)and the vinyls in that unit ( hoses, pump seals) are exactly the same as the Liquivac and should be used only at 105F and below. Only real difference is the tank material and pump diameter. They stated the hose will give way from overheating before either of the tanks will.

Personally, I'm amazed my hoses didn't give out on mine as I'm sure I'm over 105F. I will have to measure.

Post by **rmmagow** » 02 Apr 2014, 12:29

Hmmmm, Thanks for that! Maybe I'll give them a call. I always blamed myself since I like to "change oil hot and often" on my cars. I don't know how hot the oil actually was, car was all the way to temp and off a 50 or so mile drive. On the Volvos I've got I just drive up the ramp and drain them at pretty much full temp. Pretty hot oil but ok with gloves on.

Post by **jblackburn** » 03 Apr 2014, 08:05

Not uncommon for engine oil to be hotter than coolant - in the 220-240F range. These Volvos beat up on it too.

Transmissions run much cooler, in the 165-180 range.