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Specialized Enterprises (SEI) has developed an automated fluid exchange system that dramatically reduces the time required for oil changes. "Our system is the fastest oil change available," said David
McKin, SEI President, as he accepted the 2005 Kruesi Award at the Spirit of Innovation luncheon held in Chattanooga, TN, in July, presented this year by Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford.
Every year in Chattanooga, the award is given to recognize area businesses that exemplify an innovative spirit. It is named for the local family whose Swiss ancestor, John Kruesi, came to America to work with Thomas Edison. Kruesi made the first phonograph in 1877 and was the principal mechanic on many other patented innovations including the incandescent light bulb.
The SEI technology requires that a patented quick-connect fitting replaces the original oil drain plug, and once installed, it never needs to be removed for service with the automated system. The fitting is backed by a warranty against leakage for the lifetime of the engine. A standard wrench or socket can remove the fitting if a manual drain is the only option.
Used oil is evacuated via a vacuum pump, and fresh oil is injected back through the same connection. The closed-loop system virtually eliminates oil spills, reducing potential accidents and environmental problems. The process is clean and automated, and accomplished without the technician handling used or fresh oil. An optional oil sampler can extract 2 to 4 oz (0.06 to 0.12 L) of used oil after about 10 s of the evacuation process.
Speed is the other main benefit. Changing the 44 qt (41.6 L) of oil in typical truck class 8 diesel engines can be done in less than 5 min, while a 4-qt (3.8L) oil change on a typical passenger vehicle can be done in less than 1 min.
Two basic versions of the oil change machine are available: a permanently mounted shop unit for service areas and a mobile unit that can be mounted in a vehicle. Service speed can also be enhanced with the optional Service Pal wireless data collection device, which allows paperless service records to be collected and maintained.
A three-grade unit has been installed at the TA Travel Center south of Atlanta, GA, and it has generated a lot of interest in the process. In August, Capital Toyota in Chattanooga installed a system in its service department. Initial experience has been sufficient for the dealership to order a second system for Lexus of Chattanooga.
