How to Take an Oil Sample - Vacuum Pump Method

The Vacuum Extraction is one of the two methods of S•O•S sampling. This method is used on non-pressurized systems.
To take a sample of the final drive:
1. Drive the machine to rotate the final drive and mix the oil in order to get a good representation of the oil. Park the machine so that the level line is parallel with the ground and the drain plug is located at the bottom of the compartment.
2. Assemble the vacuum pump by cutting a length of tube that is long enough to reach halfway into the compartment you are sampling. Insert the cut tube into the vacuum pump 25 millimeters and tighten the ring until snug.
3. Install a new bottle onto the pump. Make sure it is sealed so there will be no leaks and the pump can work properly.
4. Clean around the fill plug to prevent contamination. Remove the fill plug slowly in order to allow pressure to release. Check the fluid level - if it is low there is a good chance there is a leak in the system.
5. Insert the tubing halfway into the compartment. Pull the vacuum pump and fill to the line. Loosen the bottle as you near the line to break the vacuum and stop the flow of oil, keeping the pump flat to prevent contamination of the pump.
6. Remove the hose and replace the plug to keep dirt out of the compartment. Remove the bottle from the pump and put the lid on it. Make sure to label the bottle with the location the fluid was pulled from.
7. Remove the hose from the pump by pushing it out the bottom of the pump to prevent contamination. Inspect the O-ring to make sure it is not damaged and reinstall the plug.
Note: Do not remove the drain plug and take a sample from the drain stream. It gives a poor representation of the fluid, and this is not an approved method for taking a sample.
*Do not attempt unless you are a trained professional!
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[@Xcelplus]

We've been using a syringe rather than a pump. We use a clean one each time so there's no danger of contamination. We can now see how a pump would be easier and how to avoid contaminating the sample when using a pump. Good informative video. Thanks 🙂

[@danmekeel7758]

Very good video, no cross contamination.

[@GoGomaintenance]

Good explanation

[@markbrewer4439]

What diameter size is the tubing for the pump?

[@RonMDavis]

Was thinking same thing... got to jobsite and the tubing in the kit was much smaller than my pump, both purchased at CAT Parts depot. Ugh. #firstimerProblems lol