Process and device for simple, high speed oil change and/or flushing and air purging of the moving components of the crankcase in an internal combustion engine

A process and apparatus for changing the oil in an engine and/or flushing and scrub cleaning the moveable components in the engine utilizing the internal lube oil distribution system of the engine. The device includes an oil filter adapter positioned in the oil filter boss, a remote oil filter mounting boss and inlet and outlet hoses connecting the two. The device is mounted in the engine compartment. Suitable pump-out and fill lines are connected to the device and can be releasably attached to an external pump device. When the device is employed to change oil, the external pump device is connected, a brief surge of purge gas is introduced to remove spent oil remaining in the oil filter and internal lube oil passages and spent oil is removed from the oil pan through the pump-out line. A measured amount of fresh oil is then introduced through the fill line and the internal lube oil distribution system. Once accomplished, the external pump device is uncoupled. When thorough engine cleaning is required, a suitable flushing fluid is introduced under pressure through the fill line, engine filter, and internal oil distribution system after the spent oil is pumped out. The flushing fluid can be recirculated as desired to achieve thorough cleaning and, then, after a brief surge of purge gas is introduced through the filter and lines, the flushing fluid is removed through the pump-out line and the engine filter changed, if desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to a method and device for changing motor oil, and, 
optionally, flushing the motor oil reservoir and crankcase components in 
internal combustion engines of all sizes. Such internal combustion engines 
can be found on automobiles, trucks, tractors, heavy earth moving 
equipment, military equipment, stationary equipment or the like. More 
particularly, this invention relates to processes in which residual spent 
oil and other contaminants retained and adhering to the surfaces of the 
internal engine lube oil flow channels of the engine components such as 
the crankshaft, bearings, connecting rods, filter, oil cooler, etc. of the 
internal combustion engine are expediently removed. This invention also 
relates to a device and method for removing the retained spent motor oil 
in the lube oil flow channel/channels and replacing it with a suitable 
amount of fresh motor oil in an integrated self-contained process at high 
speeds with almost no exposure to oil vapors of the spent fresh engine 
oil. 
2. Background of the Relevant Art 
The benefits of routine oil changes to internal combustion engines are well 
known. Routine engine or lube oil changes have been shown to increase 
engine life and performance. With repeated prolonged use, motor oil builds 
up metallic and non-metallic suspended particles from the abrasive and or 
the adhesive wear of engine parts against one another and from products of 
incomplete combustion and improper air intake. The particles, in turn, 
cause abrasive wear of the engine bearings, piston rings and other moving 
parts and result in the reduction of the motor oil lubricity as various 
additives and lubricating components become depleted. This adversely 
effects engine performance and, if left unchanged, can destroy or cripple 
the engine performance. 
It is recommended by at least one oil manufacturer that total solid 
concentration be limited to levels below 3.0% with levels of silica being 
present in amounts lower than 25 ppm and sodium in amounts lower than 200 
ppm. 
To obtain satisfactory automotive engine performance, and maintain solid 
concentration levels in the motor oil lower than the recommended 3.0%, 
changing the motor oil in an automobile engine is a necessary, but an 
undesirable, dirty, and time-consuming task. As vehicles are presently 
designed, the oil pan serves the purpose of a reservoir for circulation of 
engine oil. Engine oil is drawn from the oil pan where it is pumped under 
pressure through internal oil distribution passages drilled in the engine 
block, crank shaft, connecting rods, bearings, etc. The oil exits the 
internal oil distribution passages through various carefully positioned 
openings to lubricate the reciprocating and rotating parts of the engine. 
The motor oil then drains back to the oil pan for recirculation through 
the automobile oil filter as well as any oil cooler units present in 
larger vehicles such as large trucks and back into the lube oil passages. 
To prolong oil usefulness, the oil is passed through an oil filter mounted 
on the engine. For example in passenger cars the filter may be mounted at 
the bottom of the engine block. Once the oil becomes contaminated, the 
spent oil must be changed to prolong engine life. At such oil changes, it 
is also recommended that the oil filter also be replaced. For higher 
compression engines, to increase gas mileage, frequent oil changes become 
even more important. 
In the conventional oil change process the drain plug, located in the 
lowermost region of the oil pan, is opened. The degraded (spent) oil 
containing suspended particles is permitted to flow under gravity out of 
the pan into a suitable receptacle. After the spent oil is removed, the 
used oil filter can be removed and replaced. The drain plug can, then, be 
replaced and fresh oil added to the engine; usually through a separate 
opening, such as in the engine valve cover. During the process the oil 
filter is unscrewed and replaced. 
The process of gravity drainage does not remove all of the spent oil with 
its metallic and non-metallic particulates which is retained in oil flow 
channel components because gravity drainage provides only minimum scrub 
cleaning or scouring action and cannot dislodge strongly adhering 
particulates and degraded oil components. A significant portion sticks to 
the oil pan walls, and to the surfaces and passages of engine oil flow 
components such as the crank shaft, connecting rods, pistons engine block, 
cylinder head and the like. Another portion remains as residual oil in the 
oil filter, engine lines, and oil cooler coils. This creates two problems. 
First degraded oil components and particles remain to be mixed with fresh 
motor oil. The concentration of contaminants is lowered by dilution but 
only a part of the total contaminants are eliminated. Thus the engine is 
never exposed to truly fresh oil in a completely clean engine environment. 
Second, a portion of spent oil remains in the oil filter. This amount can 
constitute up to 20% of the total oil present in the engine. When it 
remains in the oil filter, this retained oil is removed when the oil 
filter is replaced. Even more important is the fact that the oil contained 
in the old filter cannot be efficiently recycled or reclaimed. This poses 
environmental hazards and wastes a valuable recyclable resource. 
Conventional oil change processes are essentially the same whether 
performed at home, at service stations or in rapid oil change centers 
which have opened in various recent years. Spent or dirty oil is allowed 
to collect in the oil pan and is, then, permitted to drain from the oil 
pan through the drain plug opening located in the lowermost portion of the 
oil pan. The drain plug opening is, then, closed and fresh oil is added to 
the crankcase and oil pan through a suitable opening such as the valve 
cover. Used oil filters with their burden of spent oil are discarded and 
new empty oil filters are inserted in their place. 
In this basic procedure, the oil pan and crankcase never drain completely. 
Oil containing suspended, gelatinous, and sticky particles remains on the 
walls of the pan and the surfaces of the crankcase components, and in the 
various oil distribution passages, to mix with the fresh oil added during 
the conventional oil change process and subsequent engine use. This 
reduces the life of the oil filter which, in turn, further reduces the 
life of the engine itself over an extended period of time. 
The oil change process in the so-called quick oil change or ten-minute oil 
change centers is faster than that performed by other automotive service 
centers simply because the focus of the total service business is directed 
to oil changes only. Quick oil change centers are more efficient simply 
because they are organized to be so. The rate of oil drainage and oil fill 
rates are the same as those of service stations because of the constant 
drainage and filling force limited by gravity. Also, the process employed 
in these oil change centers does not clean the crankcase components any 
better than other conventional oil change processes. Thus, while in 
stations and rapid oil change centers, the process can be simplified with 
the use of hydraulic racks, special oil collection receptacles and the 
like, the basic procedure of drainage through a restricted drain opening, 
removal of the oil-laden oil filter, replacement with a empty filter 
finally, oil replacement is standard and as is gravity. 
This basic procedure has several drawbacks. It is time-consuming. The speed 
with which the oil drains through the drain plug opening is limited by 
that restrictive opening and by gravity. In commercial settings, this can 
detain personnel and valuable, expensive resources such as hydraulic racks 
while waiting for the oil to drain. As previously indicated, the oil pan 
never drains completely. Oil containing suspended and sticky particles 
adheres to the walls of the pan to be mixed with the new oil added. This 
reduces the life of the oil filter which further reduces the life of the 
engine itself over extended use for a period of years. 
The basic process is also messy and exposes the operator to undesirable oil 
vapors. The drained oil must be moved, handled and, ultimately, disposed 
of in an appropriate manner. Drainage into open containers increases 
opportunities for spillage and mishandling and exposure. Fresh oil 
introduced into the opening in the engine valve cover can be accidentally 
spilled in the engine compartment. The spilled oil can smoke and burn if 
spilled on the manifold and can attract dirt and grime, regardless. 
Many processes and devices have been proposed to remove residual oil and 
contaminants from the oil pan and/or crankcase components. U.S. Pat. No. 
2,554,389 to Stevens discloses a crankcase cleaning apparatus which has a 
non-retractable spray wand which is adapted to extend into the oil pan 
through the drain plug opening and be fixed relative thereto. An 
unspecified cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure through the wand to 
contact the interior surfaces of the oil pan and limited portions of the 
crankcase to dislodge any residual contaminants. The fluid and dislodged 
contaminants are allowed to drain out through the drain plug opening and 
are collected in a liquid receiver situated on the exterior of the oil pan 
for collection and eventual reuse. The fixed wand in this device does not 
permit efficient and complete cleaning of the interior lube passages of 
the lube oil components. Additionally, the manner in which the cleaning 
fluid is collected brings with it an elevated risk of spillage. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,245 to Broadwell discloses an apparatus for flushing 
oil pans of internal combustion engines after the spent oil has been 
removed from the pan. Flushing fluid can be introduced into the oil pan 
and crankcase through a spray nozzle which is mounted in the drain plug 
opening. The device disclosed in Broadwell does not permit introduced 
cleaning fluid to thoroughly contact the interior surfaces and passages of 
the lube oil flow components and the oil pan and dislodge adhering solid 
and oil contaminants and oil. The spray nozzle apparatus disclosed in the 
Broadwell reference includes a complex recirculating system to pump and 
process the sprayed cleaning fluid. This system can never completely 
remove all residual oil and cleaning fluid which accumulates in the bottom 
of the oil pan opening and nozzle assembly. Furthermore the system cannot 
be used to accomplish an oil change. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,594,779 to Huffman discloses a crankcase cleaning device in 
which a spray nozzle is attached to a fitting which can be screwed into 
the drain plug opening when the spray nozzle is used. A suitable cleaning 
fluid is directed onto the surfaces of the crankcase and the oil pan to 
remove contaminants. The crankcase can then be prelubricated by spraying a 
suitable lubricating agent through the spray nozzle onto the newly cleaned 
surfaces. Once this is done, the nozzle device is removed. The spent 
cleaning fluid and residual prelubricating liquid are, then, allowed to 
drain from the oil pan through the drain plug opening. As with the Stevens 
and Broadwell references, the device disclosed in Huffman lacks the 
ability to completely and safely remove residual contaminants remaining in 
the lube oil flow passages and on the surfaces of the oil flow engine 
components and also lacks a method for rapid efficient oil change. 
The Huffman reference appreciates the dangers inherent in operating an 
engine without sufficient prelubricating fluid on its components. However 
like all the references, it fails to appreciate the volume of the empty 
new oil filter which must be filled with circulating fresh oil before any 
of the fresh oil reaches the parts which require lubrication. 
In all oil change operations, including that disclosed in Huffman, when the 
new empty filter is installed, a time period exists in which engine oil is 
not reaching the moving components of the engine. Once the engine is 
started, the oil pump which circulates lubricating oil throughout the 
engine, must first fill the empty new filter. It must then fill the lube 
oil distribution passages. It is only after these volumes have been filled 
that fresh oil comes in contact with the engine parts requiring 
lubrication. It has been noted in the industry that most engine wear 
occurs in the first few seconds of engine operation due to he absence of 
lubrication film on the engine parts while the new empty engine oil is 
being filled by the engine oil pump. 
U.S. Pat. No. 1,886,098 to Hedglon discloses an oil change system which is 
particularly adapted to stationary engines. The device disclosed in 
Hedglon includes a drain pipe permanently disposed in the drain opening of 
the engine. The drain pipe is permanently connected to suitable storage 
reservoirs and waste storage reservoirs by means of a suitable pipe. All 
lubricating and flushing fluids enter and leave the crankcase and oil pan 
by way of the drain pipe. This configuration makes it extremely difficult 
to contact remote regions of the crankcase with flushing fluid or 
introduced lubricating oil. Additionally, the system does not provide a 
means whereby introduced flushing fluid can be filtered and recirculated. 
Finally the Hedglon reference is silent about handling and disposal of the 
engine oil filter. 
As can be appreciated, none of these devices present an integrated and 
efficient method for cleaning and lubricating the various recessed 
surfaces such as lube oil passages of the crankcase and oil pan and 
changing the engine oil at high speed. Furthermore none of these methods 
present a ready, easily implemented solution to the problem of oil filter 
removal and replacement. The previously known processes implicitly assume 
that the oil-laden filter will be discarded and a dry filter reinserted in 
its place. This process is wasteful and exposes the engine components to 
unnecessary wear during initial stages of engine operation, particularly 
after an oil change and filter replacement while the new oil filter and 
lube oil distribution passages refill with fresh oil. 
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a process which accelerates removal 
of spent oil, associated contaminants, and degraded oil additives to 
permit eventual replacement with fresh engine oil in an essentially clean 
container in a unified process at one single location in an associated 
vehicle. It is also desirable to provide a method and device by which an 
oil change or oil change and crankcase components flushing operation can 
be accomplished which also eliminates the amount of spent and fresh oil 
handling and exposure. Finally it is desirable to provide a process which 
could easily be employed by the vehicle owner with all the benefits of the 
method of the present invention such as time saving, convenience, no 
spills, cleaner oil pans and engine components parts, with a minimum or no 
exposure to motor oil and, finally, longer lasting engines. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is a process and apparatus for high speed oil change 
in an internal combustion engine having a crank case and an oil pan. The 
process can also include optional flushing steps. In the process of the 
present invention, the amount of spent oil removed from the engine is 
maximized and the amount of time in which the engine is required to 
operate after oil change with a substandard amount of lubrication is 
minimized or eliminated. This is accomplished by thoroughly removing spent 
oil from the used oil filter and engine passages prior to eventual removal 
of the old filter. Fresh oil for lubrication is introduced by a process 
which refills the engine lube oil distribution passages and the new oil 
filter with fresh oil prior to engine start-up. 
The device of the present invention includes an oil filter adapter 
sealingly connected to an oil filter mounting boss located integrally in 
the engine block. The adapter has at least two nozzles to which a first 
inlet hose and a second outlet hose are attached. The first inlet hose and 
second outlet hose are connected to a remotely disposed oil filter 
mounting boss to which the engine oil filter can be sealingly mounted. The 
remotely disposed mounting boss has a bracket which can be attached to the 
exterior surface of the cylinder head or engine block or any readily 
accessible position. 
The device also includes a pump-out hose which is attached to the drain 
opening of the oil pan. The pump-out hose has a suitable quick connect 
suction fitting which can be releasably connected to an external pump 
device which can direct the fluid flow at will. When connected to the 
external pump device the pump-out hose is the first inlet hose to permit 
recirculation of fluids through the engine oil filter and any pump filters 
as desired. 
The second outlet hose has a first end connected to the remotely disposed 
mounting boss and a second end attached to the oil filter adapter in a 
manner which permits the second outlet hose to be in fluid communication 
with the internal lube oil circulation passages in the various engine 
components. A fill line having a suitable quick connect pressure coupling 
is connected to the first inlet hose at a location upstream of the oil 
filter between the oil filter and the engine. The fill line is connected 
to the external pump device to permit the introduction of fluids as 
desired. 
The present invention also includes an external pump device. The external 
pump device can be any suitable device which can accomplish the oil 
pump-out, engine cleaning and oil change of the method of the present 
invention. The present invention encompasses one suitable external pump 
device which includes a pump-out/recirculation unit, an air purge unit, an 
oil fill unit, a pump device fill line having a suitable quick connect 
coupling, and an emptying line having a suitable quick connect coupling. 
In the method of the present invention, a rapid efficient oil change can be 
performed using the device described previously by connecting the quick 
connect pressure and suction members to mating members on a suitable 
external pump device such as the device of the present invention. Once 
connected, a brief surge of air at a desirable pressure can be introduced 
through the main air line into the filter and oil distribution passages 
force the spent oil which remains in these areas back into the oil pan. 
During this air purge or immediately following it, a suction force can be 
exerted through the pump-out line to remove the spent oil which has 
collected in the oil pan. Once the spent oil has been removed, if desired, 
the empty old engine oil filter can be replaced with a new empty filter. 
An appropriate amount of fresh motor oil is introduced under pressure, 
into the engine oil filter, through the internal lube oil circulation 
passages and into contact with the moveable engine components requiring 
lubrication. The pumping pressure is sufficient to permit contact between 
the fresh oil and the moveable engine parts. The amount of fresh lube oil 
introduced is that amount which is appropriate for the respective engine. 
After the fresh oil is introduced the coupling members can be removed and 
normal oil circulation through the filter can commence. 
Where thorough crankcase cleaning and flushing is required, a suitable 
flushing fluid may be introduced through the fill line and first inlet 
hose upstream of the old oil filter at any time before, during or after 
removal of the spent oil from the oil pan. The flushing fluid is 
introduced under sufficient pressure to induce a spraying pattern which 
facilitates contact between the flushing fluid and all remote surfaces of 
the crankcase components. Flushing fluid introduced after removal of spent 
oil may be recirculated to the external pump device, filtered to remove 
particulate contaminants and reintroduced to the crankcase in a cycle 
which continues until cleaning is complete. The desirable quantity of the 
flushing fluid will vary from engine to engine depending on engine type 
and cleaning circumstances. 
After cleaning is complete, the flushing fluid can be removed and an air 
purge instituted to remove the mixture of residual oil and flushing fluid 
from the on-board car filter and internal lube oil distribution passages. 
When crank case cleaning is completed, the oil filter can be changed 
during or after the flushing fluid is emptied through the pump-out hose. 
Fresh motor oil can be introduced in the manner described previously.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The basic process of the present invention can be employed successfully 
with vehicles or stationary power plants having internal combustion 
engines which have oil pans or similar oil reservoirs and internal lube 
oil distribution passage systems. The term "internal oil lube distribution 
passage system" is defined as, but not limited to, the machined passages 
and circulation systems present in the engine block, cylinder head, crank 
shaft, cam shaft and connecting rods. Various engines will have differing 
lubrication requirements. Additionally, certain vehicles can include oil 
cooling systems in which residual oil can remain. Therefore it is 
understood that every engine may not have passages or circulation systems 
in all the enumerated components. 
THE APATUS 
The apparatus 10 of the present invention, depicted schematically in FIG. 
1, includes an oil filter adapter 12 shown in detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. The 
oil filter adapter 12 has an exterior threaded surface 14 and a suitable 
sealing member such as sealing gasket 16 which will permit the threaded 
surface to be inserted into the oil filter mounting boss located in the 
engine block of the associated internal combustion engine E. The oil 
filter adapter 12 has at least two nozzles, a first inlet nozzle 18 and 
second outlet nozzle 20 through which introduced fluids may flow. The 
first inlet nozzle 18 is in fluid communication with the engine oil pump 
22 located in oil pan 21 while the second outlet nozzle 20 is in fluid 
communication with the internal lube oil distribution passage system 19 of 
the moving engine components. 
The detailed configuration of one nozzle 18 is shown in FIG. 3. It is to be 
understood that nozzle 20 may be similarly configured. Furthermore, it is 
to be understood that nozzles 18, 20 may be shaped or have additional 
components such as elbows or the like to permit easy installation in the 
engine compartment of a vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, nozzles 18 and 
20 have a first inlet hose 24 and a second outlet hose 26 attached to 
them. Inlet hose 24 has a suitable fastening means such as threaded end 28 
which can be sealingly received in nozzle 18. Outlet hose 26 may be 
similarly fastened. 
Inlet hose 24 and outlet hose 26 terminate in second ends 30 and 32, 
respectively, which are attached to a remote oil filter mounting boss 34 
to which engine oil filter 36 is sealingly attached. The remote oil filter 
mounting boss 34 generally has nozzles 33, 35 which are configured 
similarly to those in the oil filter adapted 12. Remote oil filter 
mounting boss 34 will generally have internal threads (not shown) to 
receive the engine oil filter 36. Remote boss 34 also has a mounting 
bracket 38 to permit mounting to a suitable and accessible area in the 
engine compartment. 
The inlet hose 24, outlet hose 26 and oil filter 36 comprise a circuit 
through which oil is pumped during normal engine operation. The oil pump 
22 circulates the engine oil from oil pan 21, through inlet hose 18, 
through filter 36 and on to the various engine components through outlet 
hose 26 and the internal engine lube oil distribution passage system 
during conventional engine operation. 
The device 10 of the present invention also includes a pump-out line 40 
which has a first section 42 connected to oil pan 21 at the drain plug 
opening 44 of oil pan 21. Pump-out line 40 terminates in a quick connect 
suction coupling 48 adapted to be matingly received in a suitable coupling 
52 on the external pump device 50 shown in FIG. 5 and described in detail 
subsequently. 
A fill line 54 is connected to the inlet hose 24. Fill line 54 has a quick 
connect pressure coupling 56 adapted to be matingly received in a suitable 
coupling 58 on the external pump device 50. 
The fluid introduced through fill line 54 flows into inlet hose 24, filter 
36, and outlet 26 sequentially in the direction of arrows A which show oil 
or fluid direction. Fluid flow in the opposite direction does not occur 
because the pumping gears in oil pump 22 act as an effective valve 
preventing such reverse flow. 
The external pump device 50 includes at least one pump for transferring 
fluids to and from the engine oil pan 21 and internal oil distribution 
passages 19 together with suitable fluid conveying conduits, filters, 
valves and the like. The external pump device 50 can also include an air 
purge unit which includes a source of compressed air, an optional air 
dehumidifier, and an air conveying conduit connected to a fill line 60 on 
the external pump device 50. 
In the preferred embodiment, the external pump device 50, includes a 
dedicated fresh oil pump 62 which can convey fresh oil from a suitable 
fresh oil storage vessel 64 through an intermediate conveying line 66 to 
the fill line 60 which is equipped with coupling member 58 to matingly and 
releasably receive fill line 54 of device 12. A compressed air source 68 
is connected to the intermediate conveying line 66 at valve 70. Compressed 
air source 68 comprise any suitable source for a compressed gas such as 
air cylinders or a suitable air compressor (not shown). The compressed air 
source 68 can also include an optional air drying unit (not shown) to 
eliminate moisture present in the introduced air. 
The term "air" used herein is taken to include atmospheric air as well as 
any other suitable pressurized gas. Conventional compressed atmospheric 
air is preferred for reasons of economy and availability. The pressure of 
the compressed air is sufficient to empty the engine oil filter and lube 
oil distribution passages without causing undesired side effects. 
In the preferred embodiment, the external pump device 50 also includes a 
recirculating pump 72 which is part of a general recirculating system 74. 
The recirculating system 74 includes flushing fluid reservoir 76, flushing 
fluid conveying line 78 connected at a first end to the flushing fluid 
reservoir 76 and at a second end to a central line 80 by valve V-1. Pump 
72 and filter 82 are located in central line 80. Pump 72 and filter 82 are 
brought into fluid contact by positioning intermediate valve V-2 in its 
first position. 
The valves such as V-1 and V-2 may be any type which will suitably direct 
or divert fluid flow as desired. In the preferred embodiment three-way 
valves are employed. 
External pump device 50 also includes means for conveying spent oil or 
spent flushing fluid to suitable spent fluid collection receptacles 84, 
90. The spent fluid conveying means includes an emptying line 86 to which 
coupling member 51 is attached and to which pump-out line 40 can be 
releasably connected. Emptying line 86 can be opened into central line 80 
and thereby connected to pump 72 by moving valve V-1 into its second 
position. Valve V-2 is also rotated to its second position to connect 
central line 80 with waste conveying line 88. Waste conveying line 88 
terminates at valve V-3 which is rotatable between a first position in 
which waste conveying line 88 is connected to spent oil collection vessel 
84 and a second position in which the waste conveying line 88 connected to 
the spent flushing fluid collection receptacle 90. 
External pump device 50 also includes means for recirculating flushing 
fluid through the engine to be cleaned and the external pump filter 82 
through emptying line 86, into central line 80 through valves V-1 in the 
second position, and V-2 in the first position, respectively, past valve 
V-4 in the second position and into fill line 60 where it is introduced 
into fill line 54 of the device 10 of the present invention. 
THE PROCESS 
In order to better understand the devices 10 and 50 of the present 
invention, the oil change and crank case flushing process will now be 
discussed making reference to the various parts of the devices 10 and 50 
as necessary. 
In the proces sof the present invention, the major portion of the spent oil 
is removed from the oil pan 21 by a positive suction force exerted on the 
spent oil by external pump device 50. The pump-out may be accompanied by 
or preceded by an air purge to eliminate a significant portion of the 
residual oil remaining in engine oil filter 36, internal oil distribution 
passages, and any oil cooler present in the engine. The spent oil passes 
through pump-out line 40 and is ultimately conveyed to a suitable holding 
vessel 84 until the spent oil can be recycled or disposed of in an 
environmentally sound manner. The purge air passes from the external pump 
device 50 through fill line 54 into inlet hose 24 and on through the 
engine oil filter 36, outlet hose 26 and lube oil distribution passages 19 
carrying oil on with it. 
The introduced purge air is allowed to escape through engine openings such 
as valve covers and the like while the removed oil collects in the oil pan 
21. The purge air is introduced under pressure sufficient to empty the 
engine filter, lube oil distribution passages, and any oil coolers without 
causing undesired side effects to the various engine components. In the 
preferred embodiment, the purge air is dried prior to introduction. 
To accomplish this pump-out step using the external pump device 50 of the 
present invention, a suitably equipped engine is connected to the device 
50. Valves V-1, V-2 and V-4 of the external pump device 50 are rotated to 
their second positions, pump 72 is actuated and value 70 is opened. In 
this manner, a brief surge of air can be introduced through fill line 60 
to move oil remaining int he used oil filter, lube oil distribution 
passages, and optional oil cooler along with it. Spent oil which collects 
in the oil pan 21 can be withdrawn through pump-out line 40 to emptying 
line 86 of external pump device 50 where it is conveyed through emptying 
line 86, central line 80 and waste conveying line 88, into spent oil 
collection reservoir 84. 
If desired or required, the engine oil filter 36 may be changed during the 
oil change process. This could occur at any time after air purged the 
engine oil filter 36 of spent oil contained therein. 
When a thorough crankcase cleaning is not required, an appropriate amount 
of fresh motor oil can then be introduced into the engine through fill 
line 54 and second outlet hose 26. Because the outlet hose 26 is in fluid 
communication with the engine oil filter 36 and the internal lube oil 
distribution passage system of the engine, the fresh oil thus introduced 
passes through the passages in the internal lube oil distribution system 
to lubricate even remote, hard-to-reach surfaces of the moveable engine 
parts with fresh oil even prior to engine start up. The introduced oil 
which collects in the oil pan 21 is the appropriate quantity for 
recirculation through the lube oil distribution passage system when the 
engine is running and driving the internal oil pump 22. 
The fresh motor oil is, preferably, introduced into the engine compartment 
under sufficient pressure to induce a spraying pattern in the oil as it 
exits the lube oil distribution passage system and enters the engine 
compartment. This spraying pattern will insure that the majority of the 
engine part surfaces are covered with lubricating oil. The pressure 
necessary to achieve this spraying pattern will vary with the type and 
configuration of the respective engine and the viscosity of the oil 
introduced. However, it is preferred that this introduction pressure be 
essentially equal to the oil pressure during engine operation to insure 
adequate oil coverage. Pumping pressure during addition of the fresh oil 
is provided by the pump 62 of external pump device 50. 
In order to introduce fresh oil into the engine, using the external pump 
device 50 of the present invention, valve V-4 is rotated to the first 
position to permit fluid contact between conveying line 66 and fill line 
60. Pump 62 is actuated and fresh oil is drawn through conveying line 66 
and fill line 60 into fill line 54 of device 10 of the present invention. 
When a complete crankcase flushing is desired, the empty and fill lines of 
the external pump device 50 are attached to the device 10 of the present 
invention. In the preferred embodiment the empty line is emptying line 86 
and the fill line is fill line 60. Initial preliminary air purge of the 
engine oil filter 36, and internal lube oil distribution passages 19 may 
be initiated to remove spent oil from these areas. Flushing fluid can then 
be introduced through fill line 34 and inlet hose 24 into the engine 
compartment through engine oil filter 36, the internal lube oil 
distribution passage system 19, and any oil cooler lines. The pressure for 
the introduced flushing fluid is provided by the pump 72 of external pump 
device pump 50. The pressure with which the flushing fluid is introduced 
is sufficient to induce a spray pattern as the flushing fluid exits the 
internal lube oil distribution passage system so that the flushing fluid 
contacts the surfaces of the engine components and oil pan with sufficient 
force to dislodge a portion of the residual spent oil and contaminants by 
mechanical and detergent scrubbing action. 
To initiate introduction of the flushing fluid to the engine to be cleaned 
using the external pump device 50 of the present invention, valves V-1 and 
V-2 are rotated to their first position and valve V-4 is rotated to its 
second position establishing a conduit from clean flush fluid reservoir 76 
through conveying line 78, connecting line 80 with pump 72 and filter 82, 
through fill line 60 into engine fill line 54 described previously. Pump 
72 is activated to pump flushing fluid from the reservoir 76 into the 
engine. 
The flushing fluid may be introduced before, after, or during the spent oil 
pump-out step. Where the spent oil is extremely viscous, it is desirable 
to add a portion of the flushing fluid before or during the pump-out step 
to reduce the oil viscosity by dilution and improve the flow 
characteristics of the spent oil. Once the oil is diluted or if dilution 
is not required, the spent oil is pumped out to an appropriate holding 
tank in the manner described previously. Additional flushing fluid is 
introduced to continue the cleaning process. 
While a certain amount of residual spent oil and contaminants are removed 
merely by the mechanical scrubbing action of the spray, additional amounts 
can be dissolved or removed due to the sheeting action of the flushing 
fluid as it trickles down the oil pan walls and due to the chemical 
detergency interaction between the residual spent oil and the flushing 
fluid. 
The cleaning action of the flushing fluid can be increased by recirculation 
through the engine and external pump device 50. When employing the pump 
device 50 of the present invention, the recirculating step can be 
initiated by rotating value V-1 to the second position establishing a 
complete circuit between the pump device 50 and internal combustion 
engine. The flushing fluid passes through at least one external pump 
filter 82 as well as the engine oil filter 36 during recirculation to 
remove particulates and suspended contaminants. The filtration media is 
any suitable material which can remove such contaminants from the 
recirculating fluid in an effective and efficient manner. 
The flushing fluid introduced is any material or composition which is 
completely miscible with motor oil and exhibits suitable detergency and 
cleaning characteristics but is inert to the oil pan, gaskets, and 
associated engine components. It is also preferable that the flushing 
fluid provides sufficient lubricity or sheeting action to enhance the 
sheeting action of the flushing fluid dislodging particulate contaminants 
and carrying them with the flushing fluid as it flows under gravity back 
to the oil pan. The flushing fluid employed is, preferably, one which is 
compatible with waste oil and is not detrimental in any subsequent waste 
oil recycling processes and one which does not deposit undesirable 
residual constituents which adhere to oil pan surfaces and engine 
components. 
In the preferred embodiment, the flushing fluid employed in the present 
invention consists essentially of a hydrocarbon miscible with engine oil, 
a compatible detergent capable of improving the detergency of the flushing 
fluid and a lubricating additive capable of enhancing the sheeting action 
of the flushing fluid. 
The hydrocarbon employed in the preferred embodiment is an organic fluid 
selected from the group consisting of high flash point kerosene and 
mixtures thereof. The flash point of the kerosene is preferably above 
about 150.degree. F. It is to be understood that other fluids having 
similar characteristics to high flash point kerosene may be employed in 
admixture or substituted in the flushing fluid. 
The detergent employed in the present invention is an organic fluid 
selected from the group consisting of butyl cellosolve, DOWFAX 
surfactants, and mixtures thereof. These and similar surfactants are 
employed in sufficient concentration to provide detergency in the flushing 
fluid. 
The lubricating additive employed in the flushing fluid is, preferably, a 
methyl ester having a carbon chain between twelve and twenty carbon atoms 
or mixtures of such methyl esters in an amount sufficient to provide 
lubricity and sheeting action to the flushing fluid. 
In including the lubricating additive in the flushing fluid of the present 
invention, it is believed that the lubricating additive would impart 
characteristics which would increase the sheeting action and cleaning 
characteristics of the flushing fluid. It has been found, quite 
unexpectedly that the flushing fluid of the present invention also imparts 
some residual surface lubricity, which is advantageous in that it provides 
preliminary lubricant to the engine parts as newly added fresh motor oil 
is added and circulated through the crankcase. 
The introduced flushing fluid, dislodged contaminants and spent oil 
accumulate in the oil pan 21 during the spraying step. The flushing fluid 
which accumulates in the oil pan 21 may pumped out for recirculation if 
desired. The pumped-out flushing fluid is directed into contact with 
various filtration media contained in the external pump device 50 to 
remove the contaminants and particulates dislodged from the engine 
components and contained in the flushing fluid. This process also protects 
the engine oil filter from particulate loading during recirculation in the 
event that the vehicle owner wishes to continue to use the old engine oil 
filter. The filtered flushing fluid is then recirculated back to the fill 
hose 54 for reintroduction into the engine. If desired, the quality of the 
pumped out material can be tested or viewed to determine the effectiveness 
of the cleaning process. Depending on the effectiveness of the cleaning 
process, the recirculation of flushing fluid can continue for as long can 
as is necessary until a sufficient or desired quantity of the contaminants 
has been removed. 
Once the flushing fluid recirculation is completed, or when it is not 
desired the flushing fluid is pumped out to a suitable environmentally 
safe holding tank and an amount of fresh oil appropriate for the 
respective internal combustion engine is introduced into the engine in the 
manner described previously. 
Because the flushing fluid has passed through the automobile oil filter 36 
during the flushing and optional recirculation steps; the major portion of 
the residual oil contained in the engine oil filter has been removed by 
the completion of the steps. After these steps have been completed, the 
pumping action of pump 72 is discontinued and an optional brief air purge 
may be initiated to empty any remaining flushing fluid from the engine oil 
filter, the internal lube oil distribution passages and any oil cooler 
lines. The air introduced is preferably dehumidified and is introduced 
under sufficient pressure and for sufficient duration to remove any 
residual flushing fluid. 
To initiate air purge using the external pump device 50 of the present 
invention, valve V-4 is rotated to its first position connecting 
compressed air source 68 with fill line 60 through line 66. Once the air 
purge is completed or simultaneous therewith, the spent flushing fluid may 
be pumped from oil pan 21 on to a suitable spent flushing fluid reservoir 
such as reservoir 90. Valves V-2 and V-3 are rotated to their second 
positions, establishing a connection from the engine oil pan 21 through 
pump-out line 48 through emptying line 86, and the portion of connecting 
line 80 having pump 72, waste conveying line 88 and on to spent flushing 
fluid reservoir 90. Because the spent flushing fluid will be held in 
reservoir 90 for recycling or disposal, final filtration is not required. 
However, a suitable filter unit can be positioned upstram of the spent 
flushing fluid reservoir if desired. 
Once the flushing fluid has been removed, valve V-4 is maintained in the 
first position. Pump 62 is activated to convey fresh oil form the fresh 
oil reservoir through the line 66 and fill line 60 and into the engine. 
After the amount of oil appropriate for the associated engine is added, 
the pump 62. After the fresh oil has been added, the coupling members can 
be disconnected and the engine operated in the normal manner. 
If desired, a small preliminary portion of fresh oil may be introduced 
through the engine fill line, the oil filter and internal lube oil 
distribution passages and removed in the manner described previously. This 
optional step preferably occurs when air purges are not employed or when 
additional flushing fluid removal is required. The introduction of this 
preliminary portion of fresh oil aids in the removal of any flushing fluid 
from the filter and internal lube oil distribution passages. 
The present invention provides a cleaner environment by the virtual 
elimination of oil vapors inhaled by the operator, and a complete 
collection system for the spent oil and a method for handling the used oil 
filter from which virtually all of the spent oil has been removed. The 
present invention also provides a simplified, high speed oil change 
process and an enhanced cleaning process if desired in which greater 
amounts of residual spent oil and contaminants can be removed in a manner 
which reduces the time necessary to accomplish an oil change, the mess 
associated therewith, and provides a cleaner crank case environment for 
the fresh motor oil. This improves motor filter life and improves engine 
performance.