Replacement oil drain pan cap

[elripster]

I have these 2 Flotool oil containers. Actually, like many of us, I have had many of these over the years. Each one has suffered a cap failure. I would typically try work with it, use hose clamps to get a better seal, suffer through the drips,, etc... but would eventually capitulate and buy an entire new container because Flotool doesn't make replacement caps. I head there would some other brands but never ordered any to confirm and they cost almost as much as a new container. I decided no more, enough is enough, I am going to solve this once and for all. I designed and 3D printed a new cap. I just installed what is probably my 10th revision and I like it. It grabs a lot of threads allowing you to really tighten it. I turned the can upside down with an 80 series worth of oil in it and the cap did not leak. I am going to print up a second one.

I got to thinking, maybe others could use this? Flotool containers are usually around $15 with sales tax, Walmart sells the generic version for around $12 out the door. I figured I could sell these for say $3 it could help us keep our oil drain pans longer.

If anyone is interested, I can print up more and bring them to the next meeting. Let me know.

Frank

 

[Honky Tonka]

Great idea! I had that happen to the green ones from Autozone. Autozone knew the problem because they ended up keeping the caps behind the counter because everyone was coming in to steal a replacement cap. I don't use those anymore but if I did I would buy a 4 pack of your caps.

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

Nice! Does your version have an angled sealing surface? I use caps for Mason jars and noticed that the plastic caps have an angled sealing surface that really creates a great seal with minimal thread grab. It looks like this would use the flexibility of the material to create an integrated gasket that would allow for some flex and such and not lose seal.

I'm definitely down for buying some of these!

 

[RET2]

I'll take 4!! Unfortunately I probably won't be able to make the next meeting.

 

[elripster]

RET2, send me your address and I can mail them.

Frank

 

[elripster]

Nice! Does your version have an angled sealing surface? I use caps for Mason jars and noticed that the plastic caps have an angled sealing surface that really creates a great seal with minimal thread grab. It looks like this would use the flexibility of the material to create an integrated gasket that would allow for some flex and such and not lose seal.

I'm definitely down for buying some of these!

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I tried to emulate these two ridges in the original cap. Actually I made them larger and more pointed. So far so good.

In my experience, it's the ability to sufficiently tighten that makes a good seal. I think that's part of why the original caps fail. You tighten them to try to stop the dripping but the plastic is so thin it tears.

Frank

 

[elripster]

I have these 2 Flotool oil containers. Actually, like many of us, I have had many of these over the years. Each one has suffered a cap failure. I would typically try work with it, use hose clamps to get a better seal, suffer through the drips,, etc... but would eventually capitulate and buy an entire new container because Flotool doesn't make replacement caps. I head there would some other brands but never ordered any to confirm and they cost almost as much as a new container. I decided no more, enough is enough, I am going to solve this once and for all. I designed and 3D printed a new cap. I just installed what is probably my 10th revision and I like it. It grabs a lot of threads allowing you to really tighten it. I turned the can upside down with an 80 series worth of oil in it and the cap did not leak. I am going to print up a second one.

I got to thinking, maybe others could use this? Flotool containers are usually around $15 with sales tax, Walmart sells the generic version for around $12 out the door. I figured I could sell these for say $3 it could help us keep our oil drain pans longer.

If anyone is interested, I can print up more and bring them to the next meeting. Let me know.
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Frank

If you ever need a cap made, send it my way and I will see if I can copy it.

Frank

 

[Bud_Dude]

Maybe printing with a polyurethane filament? My printer won't play with the stuff so I haven't tried that material myself, but my friend in Valley Center says it's fantastic.

 

[elripster]

I have never tried printing polyurethane either. These are out of ABS.

Frank

 

[RET2]

RET2, send me your address and I can mail them.

Frank

Actually I will be able to briefly stop in early on so if possible bring them to the meeting ok?

 

[elripster]

Actually I will be able to briefly stop in early on so if possible bring them to the meeting ok?

Sure! Can do!

 

[steve05]

I have these 2 Flotool oil containers. Actually, like many of us, I have had many of these over the years. Each one has suffered a cap failure. I would typically try work with it, use hose clamps to get a better seal, suffer through the drips,, etc... but would eventually capitulate and buy an entire new container because Flotool doesn't make replacement caps. I head there would some other brands but never ordered any to confirm and they cost almost as much as a new container. I decided no more, enough is enough, I am going to solve this once and for all. I designed and 3D printed a new cap. I just installed what is probably my 10th revision and I like it. It grabs a lot of threads allowing you to really tighten it. I turned the can upside down with an 80 series worth of oil in it and the cap did not leak. I am going to print up a second one.

I got to thinking, maybe others could use this? Flotool containers are usually around $15 with sales tax, Walmart sells the generic version for around $12 out the door. I figured I could sell these for say $3 it could help us keep our oil drain pans longer.

If anyone is interested, I can print up more and bring them to the next meeting. Let me know.
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Frank

I

 

[steve05]

I

I made an account just for this thread lol. I have their large one with wheels and need the large drain center plug. Any chance you could make a copy and print and ship?!

 

[elripster]

I don't have that size oil can. If the center plug is the same as the regular size I can make one.

Frank

 

[RET2]

The ones you made for Mr work great, thanks

 

[tursko]

If anyone is interested, I can print up more and bring them to the next meeting. Let me know.

Would you be willing to upload/share the files so other can print it themselves? It's really awesome that you made a replacement cap and I'd rather fix what I have then put it in a landfill.

Otherwise, I'd be interested in buying a few from you.

 

[Overlandeffex]

Not sure what size I need for mine but this is so cool

 

[elripster]

Would you be willing to upload/share the files so other can print it themselves? It's really awesome that you made a replacement cap and I'd rather fix what I have then put it in a landfill.

Otherwise, I'd be interested in buying a few from you.

Here's the .stl file.

 

[elripster]

Not sure what size I need for mine but this is so cool

Post up a picture, I might be able to tell if it will fit.