5 Reasons why oil funnels should not be used on your next Oil Change!

Funnels are commonly used for transferring liquids on industrial and automotive applications, but they are not always suitable for transferring oils or any other  fluid that can't cross contaminate or have particle ingress in the system.

Here are a few reasons why funnels may not be the best choice for oil transfer:

1. Compatibility: Some oils can react with certain materials, such as plastic or metal, that are commonly used to make funnels. This can cause a reaction that affects the quality of the oil or even create a hazardous situation.

2. Contamination: Funnels usually are stored on a dirty shelf in a workshop, garage, pit or on a dirty drawer. Funnels can be difficult to clean thoroughly, especially if they have small crevices or narrow spouts. This can result in residue from previous transfers that could contaminate the oil being transferred.

3. Accuracy: Funnels can be messy and imprecise, making it difficult to control the flow of oil and measure the exact amount transferred. This can result in over/under fills, spills and waste.

4. Safety: Funnels can easily tip over, spill, or splatter oil, creating a potential safety hazard.

5. Health: Exposure to certain chemicals found in engine oil, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), may increase the risk of cancer if they are inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the skin. (Source: OilGenesis)

 

Instead of using a funnels, it may be better to use a specialized oil transfer pump or container as OilSafe Transfer Container line that is designed specifically for the safe and accurate transfer of oils.

Noria Corporation recommends the following practices for the usage of Transfer Container Reservoirs:

Tips to Best Use Containers

Besides the obvious, what follows are additional tips to optimize the use of Seal and Reusable Transfer Containers:

1. Buy enough containers such that they are dedicated to engine oil, Automatic or  Transmission Oil, Differential Oil, Antifreeze, Wiper Fluid, Etc. Don’t share containers and risk cross-contamination of lubricants.

2. Store transfer containers in a dry and temperature stable area and make sure you keep them clean and safe. 

3. On the container labeling with the type of fluid in the container (Example: Engine Oil 5w-30, Antifreeze, ATF, Differential Oil 85w-140, etc), mark the date when it was last cleaned and when it needs to be cleaned next.

4. Always take note of any sediment, sludge or water. If this is found, troubleshoot the source to avoid future introduction of these contaminants into your machine.

5. Keep the outside of these containers wiped clean, especially the nozzle and handle areas.

 

Globally, top categories and teams in the motorsport world improving their lubrication practices adopting OilSafe Transfer Containers like the ones below:

- Van Amersfoort Racing - Formula 2 team at Monaco Grand Prix.

- Van Amersfoort Racing - Formula 3 team at Monaco Grand Prix.

 

- InterEuropol Competition World Endurance Championship series LMP2 Team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

For more information about better Lubrication Management, check the video below from NORIA Corporation.

 

Sources:

- Noria Corporation

- OilGenesis

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