Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion leaking cans

got some old cans that are leaking.does it lose value if you empty them?also is the oil or tranny fluid still usable?best method for draining them?thanks mick

Mick:

My thoughts ? You won't lose any value on the can if you drain it. I try to use a small drill about 1/8" dia and drill two holes in the bottom of the can opposite each other, near the rim. I wouldn't second guess the quality of the oil or tranny fuild and try and use it. A couple bucks for a new can, is better than a blown motor or tranny wouldn't you think. Hope this helps?

blackteetexacogold, doug

IF, you drain from bottom, spray carb cleaner into holes to remove ALL the oil. I like to drain from top, IF any oil remains it don't stain my shelves.

A full can falling off shelf will damage the can [& could make a mess]. A empty can falling from the same shelf just needs to be picked up & returned to shelf.
db
IF, the holes bother you, send me the can[s], I can re-seal top or bottom with a new lid $5[or NOS lid $7, IF I have a match]. You pay shipping both ways & pay me AFTER you get can[s] back.
db

[This message has been edited by Dick Bennett (edited 07-07-2005).]

Mick:

Mr. Bennett has a good point about draining from the top of can. I just do it from the bottom for appearance sakes.

blacktee

If you want to save the oil,

Use a prick punch or scratch awl, must be very sharp if you even dream of doing it to a composite can.. no metal chips in the oil..