Easiest way to get a sample of transmission fluid
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: North NJ
06 E55(SOLD), 03 E500(SOLD)
Easiest way to get a sample of transmission fluid
I want to send a sample of my transmission fluid to Blackstone to check for possible glycol contamination.
I'm considering putting a small hose down the dipstick tube and using my hand vacuum pump to suck some out. I don't know of any other way or even if there is one. If someone knows a better way, please let me know.
I'm considering putting a small hose down the dipstick tube and using my hand vacuum pump to suck some out. I don't know of any other way or even if there is one. If someone knows a better way, please let me know.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Yes, this is the correct method -- $30 alternative http://www.blackstone-labs.com/vacuum-pump.php
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2003 E320
Sounds reasonable to me. I would make sure not to cross contaminate the sample but I doubt that you have any glycol in the pump previously. You should know that there is a tell tale cap for the filler tube that must be broken to get the tube open. They are pretty cheap by mail. I think I paid about $1.25 for each but the minimum order/ shipping etc might make a dealer purchase more expedient. I imagine you could salvage the old one and use duct tape for a short term fix (or a wine cork for that matter). The purist here are throwing up a little in their mouths but it is just a machine. I doubt that it will die of embarassment. Either way, it is better than cracking open the sump drain and having 5 quarts of VERY expensive fluid spew out onto the garage floor. 
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 320
Likes: 7
From: North NJ
06 E55(SOLD), 03 E500(SOLD)
Thanks for the posts.
Duct Tape
I thought I had the part number for the cap lock saved, but couldn't find it... finally found it in a thread started by you, Clinton Horn. The pump i have has a collection jar before the pump so only air flows through it. Over the years I've used it to extract all sorts of fluids, so contamination of fluid in the jar is a concern. I think I'm going to just use the pump to get fluid into the hose and then siphon it into the sample container.
Duct Tape
I thought I had the part number for the cap lock saved, but couldn't find it... finally found it in a thread started by you, Clinton Horn. The pump i have has a collection jar before the pump so only air flows through it. Over the years I've used it to extract all sorts of fluids, so contamination of fluid in the jar is a concern. I think I'm going to just use the pump to get fluid into the hose and then siphon it into the sample container.
03, alternatives, blackstone, dipstick, e30, e320, fluid, labs, oil, pump, sample, send, transmission, transmisson, tube
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