Hey Scotty,
I'm due to change the differential fluid in my Gen 2 Honda Ridgeline, but I also need to change the transmission fluid in my wife's car. Is there a good way to clean a fluid transfer pump to prevent cross contamination of different types of fluids? Or is it just better to throw them away and buy a new one for each job?
Thanks! Love your videos.
It really does not matter, the amount of fluid that remains in the pump is negligible.
I wouldn't worry about it.
If it keeps you from sleeping at night, then you could pump a bit of solvent through it (gasoline, paint thinner, parts cleaner, etc.) and let it air dry.
If you're taking fluid out with the pump and then putting new fluid back in, then it won't hurt anything. The residue from the previous fluid will come out in the old fluid and flush the residue out. It'll be clean enough for the new fluid.
Personally, I keep two pumps, one for oils and one for water-based fluids. They're incompatible, so they will contaminate each other. The previous statement does apply, flushing the old of one will clean it for the new, but recycling/ waste processing centers may not like coolant having residual oil in it. I have separate catch pans as well. I work with compatible and incompatible chemicals every day, so I've brought a little bit of the mindset home.
