In a message dated 1/24/2005 7:49:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, marin.faure@boeing.com writes: > So I'd be interested to know if anyone on the list uses a portable > electric system like this, and if it works as advertised. Or is it > something that will not likely hold up over time. > > Marin, Speaking from personal experience, I would look for additional methods of changing the oil. On my former boat, the Lehman had the hand pump attached to the drain plug and while it worked it left much to be desired. It would take a lot to be primed and I would often unbolt the top to allow oil to flow into the line to get a prime. Looking for a better way I bought one of the pumps mounted on a bucket as you described. The pump was bolted to the lid of the bucket and had clips for a 12 volt connection to a battery. The pump was reversible to fill the bucket and empty it. While the concept seemed like a good one I had some problems with the pump drawing out the oil. I had to reduce the hose size to fit into the dip stick and it often would not draw the oil out. Another feature I did not like was the pump made the bucket top heavy and it would tip over easy. I also found the size of the bucket inadequate as it only held about three gallons. One of my boat neighbors asked me about the same product a couple of weeks ago. His comment was he bought one and was going to take it back. You mileage may vary! Lynn Grand Time Tampa