In Defense of Vacuum Cleaners
Dear Click:
I'm writing in response to your skepticism about the engine oil/vacuum cleaner trick in last week's puzzler.
I've been a heavy-equipment mechanic for 30 years and have used this technique successfully at least 100 times to change suction hoses on hydraulic tanks as large as 500 gallons. The seal at the tank opening doesn't have to be perfect. It's actually helpful to be able to adjust the strength of the vacuum to a lower level to keep the vacuum from ingesting oil. I've thought about the risk of explosion, but either I'm really lucky or the risk isn't that high with oil. My worst experience so far was when a coworker shut the noisy vacuum cleaner off to tell me it was "break time." I ended up wearing about 20 gallons of hydraulic oil.
I really enjoy your show and have introduced several other mechanics to Car Talk.
John Carrig
