--- title: "How to Use a Fluid Transfer Pump" description: "Using a fluid transfer pump is a generally easy and painless process, but there are some things to keep in mind." date: "2022-11-21" modified: "2022-11-21" authors: - name: "Peter Nelson" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/peter-nelson" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/guides-and-gear/how-to-use-a-fluid-transfer-pump" categories: - "Aftermarket" - "Car Parts" - "Car Tech" - "Cars 101" - "Gas & Oil" - "Maintenance & Repair" - "News" - "The Garage" --- # How to Use a Fluid Transfer Pump ![fluid transfer pump automotive bmw engine]() *\Peter Nelson\* Fluid transfer pumps are a very useful part of any automotive wrencher's toolbox. They're designed to suck up automotive fluids out of their bottles and transfer them to their new intended home via long hoses, especially while working in tight confines like replacing differential oil, automatic transmission fluid, or [manual transmission]() gear oil. They're also quite handy if you need to drain a component's fluid before replacing it, like a power steering or brake fluid reservoir. These are simple machines, too. You don't need a Ph.D. to operate them, but you do need to know a few things before you get started. So let's dive and get to a workplace-safe "transferring." ## Everything You’ll Need To Use a Fluid Transfer Pump These couple of products will ensure the most accurate and mess-free fluid transfer. ### Tool List - The [fluid transfer pump]() itself - [Shop rags]() or [towels]() in case you make a mess - A [drain pan]() to catch any drips and spills ### Parts List - The automotive fluid you're transferring, such as [gear oil](), [ATF](), [differential oil](), [engine oil](), [power steering fluid](), or [brake fluid]() - [Quick Dry](), in case a massive spill happens It's always a good idea to ensure small children and animals aren't around while working with automotive fluids, as they're quite poisonous. Also, spills can make surfaces slick, so be sure to clean them up really well. ![fluid transfer pump in action bmw engine]() *Peter Nelson* ## Here’s How To Use a Fluid Transfer Pump Put on your favorite montage music and pump up the volume. ### 1. Ready your intended target Loosen the cap of, and if necessary drain any fluids from, the automotive component you're working on. If it's a transmission, remove the fill plug *before* the drain plug just in case the fill plug *can't be* removed. The same goes for a differential, though many differentials use only one plug, hence the use of the fluid transfer pump. ### 2. Prepare to Pump Get the bottle that you'll be sucking up fluids from, and make sure it's stable/steady/not going to tip over. If you're removing fluids from an automotive component and pumping them into a container, make sure it won't get knocked over in the process. ### 3. Position the Catch If you're draining any fluids, or filling something until fluids drip out, have a drain pan underneath ready to catch it. Let's all do our part by not introducing toxic chemicals into places where they don't belong. ### 3. Pump Remove the pump from its packaging if you haven't already, use the appropriately sized hoses that it came with, attach them, and make sure they're in the right orientation. In the pictured model's case, the "IN" end means where the fluids are coming from, and "OUT" means where they're going. Then, simply extract and pump them into their designated new home. Be sure to follow what your vehicle's capacities are as designated by the manufacturer, as well as what the fill procedure is. Some cars require filling until fluid spills out, others have very specific capacities. If you're using the pump to first drain the component and *then* refill, such as removing oil from a diff that doesn't have a drain plug, it's a good idea to run some clean oil through the pump first to clean out all the old stuff, and be sure to follow exactly what the manufacturer's published capacity is while refilling. Though, oftentimes it's a "fill until it drips out" kind of scenario. ![oil change auto transmission]() *Deposit Photos* ## Quick Advice - Be careful of fluid spills under your car's hood, as things like brake fluid can eat away at paint surfaces - Be extra careful while using a fluid transfer pump to siphon gasoline and ensure it goes into a [proper, safe container]() - Be sure to properly dispose of all automotive fluids - Keep all fluids away from any source of open flame or hot exhaust - It's a good idea to plug a fluid transfer pump's lines after use so they don't make a mess in storage ## More From The Drive - **RevZilla is also running** **early Black Friday deals** - **Here’s how to** [**prep a motorcycle for winter** ]() - **The** [**2022 CRF300L**]() **is reliable and ready for anything** - **The** [**2023 Civic Type R**]() **Delivers** - **These are the** **hand tools you’ll use the most** **in the garage** ## Author Peter Nelson is a former staff writer at The Drive. He often finds himself blogging about all-things motorsports and off-roading as he's thoroughly infatuated with having fun behind the wheel. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Instagram]() [Twitter]()