Oil extraction is great!

[geetar]

Since getting this MB C180, I did the first oil change the traditional way, I drained as much of the old oil as possible, and even ran some fresh oil through. But since then, I've done 2 more oil changes using a cheap 12v oil extractor and I am completely converted!

I can change my oil anywhere, with no need to get under the car and be involved in all the risk that it brings.

Unfortunately, pretty much every other car I work on has the oil filter under the engine, so for those cars, I won't be using the extractor since I'll have to get under it to do the filter anyway.

I completely understand that this method probably doesn't remove as much old oil as removing the sump bolt, but considering my OCI is so frequent, I don't think it matters. You could even put some fresh oil into the engine during extraction if you wanted to dilute whatever is left in the sump. I'll probably still do it the traditional way every so often, but this is so much cleaner and easier.

I did an oil change yesterday when I dropped my wife somewhere and had an hour to kill away from home.

The way I see it, anything that makes the job safer or easier is worthwhile, especially if it means I'll do more frequent oil changes.

 

[Zee09]

I use the same units and they are far better than the vacuum models.

I now have a USB rechargeable one that should work great for lighter motor oils...

 

[Sayjac]

Yes, oil extractors are especially well adapted to oil filter cartridge (or Suby spin on) on engine top applications. As you note, less so with filters on engine bottom.

 

[Zee09]

They are also great for oil changes in between free maintenance where you just leave the old oil filter in place.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I understand this was the norm at Mercedes Benz for ages.

 

[Propflux01]

I use a vacuum type extractor. It sucks everything out, remove the drain plug, and nothing comes out at all. While I still have to crawl under to change the filter, mine is up on 4 jack stands anyhow because I rotate tires at the same time. With the extractor, I don't have the splatter, and "miss the bucket" spill with a regular drain pan, and its easy to pour into a recycle bucket.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LGTGMWN?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_11

 

[joekingcorvette]

I use the MityVac extractor and it works great. On my old 2012 Honda Civic I sold it removed all but 2 ounces. I like to change the oil filter every year and do my extractions frequently. It works on my 2025 Ford Maverick hybrid however it will not work on the Corvette or the Ford F-150. I am not sure if it will work on the Toyota Rav 4 hybrid. I agree, it is so easy to change the oil you can do it with a white shirt on without getting dirty but you have to be careful. There is always that drop or two of oil that can get on your good clothes and I don't recommend ruining good clothing for an oil change. Glad it works on your Mercedes.

 

[Marcozi]

Dang! My car ain't got no stinkin' dipstick!

 

[4wd]

Dang! My car ain't got no stinkin' dipstick!

Yep, I have 3 of 4 without ATF dipsticks - but all of them have motor oil dipsticks - only use an extractor on the Lexus - the 4WD’s are easy to reach under …

 

[grabgears6]

I have a WESTMARINE vacuum type for servicing boats for many years. I also have the mityvac tube extensions and have it a try on the boxer engine...
much to my surprise, when I pulled the drain plug just a few drops oil oil came out. Fair enough. (this was after watching how people DIY on Audi`s)

 

[DCDG]

Since getting this MB C180, I did the first oil change the traditional way, I drained as much of the old oil as possible, and even ran some fresh oil through. But since then, I've done 2 more oil changes using a cheap 12v oil extractor and I am completely converted!

I can change my oil anywhere, with no need to get under the car and be involved in all the risk that it brings.

Unfortunately, pretty much every other car I work on has the oil filter under the engine, so for those cars, I won't be using the extractor since I'll have to get under it to do the filter anyway.

I completely understand that this method probably doesn't remove as much old oil as removing the sump bolt, but considering my OCI is so frequent, I don't think it matters. You could even put some fresh oil into the engine during extraction if you wanted to dilute whatever is left in the sump. I'll probably still do it the traditional way every so often, but this is so much cleaner and easier.

I did an oil change yesterday when I dropped my wife somewhere and had an hour to kill away from home.

View attachment 331271

The way I see it, anything that makes the job safer or easier is worthwhile, especially if it means I'll do more frequent oil changes.

Just did an oil change for a friend yesterday he was blown away by the extraction process. I told him I don't know how many paw dawgs been turning your drain plug since 2018 I don't touch another mans plug.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I love my MityVac. 5K, or less, OCI and swap filter every 2nd service. Easy peasey.

 

[Kestas]

There have been reports on the Mercedes forums that vacuum extraction sometimes removes more oil than the drain plug. The extractor reaches the bottom of the pan whereas the drain plug is higher.

 

[Zee09]

I love my MityVac. 5K, or less, OCI and swap filter every 2nd service. Easy peasey.
View attachment 331283

Works great on your Tesla no doubt

 

[barryh]

I completely understand that this method probably doesn't remove as much old oil as removing the sump bolt, but considering my OCI is so frequent, I don't think it matters.

I had a W204 C180 for 10years and used a electric pump like yours. By my measurements it got pretty much all the old oil out. I think they designed the sump with extraction in mind as the sump plug was only accessible after removing the under tray which I very much doubt an MB dealer would bother to do.

Having used both vacuum and electric, I much prefer an electric pump as the oil can be pumped directly into a waste container.

 

[gman2304]

Welcome to the club bro! Used mine twice last week!

 

[rstsco]

Used an extractor on the Audi, which had the cartridge filters up top. Since getting the Pilot, back to crawling my arse under and shooting at the drain pan. Dang filter is horizontal and use one of these flexible funnels to keep oil off the suspension parts. On sale for $8.99, too.

 

[Sayjac]

I use the MityVac extractor and it works great......

When my son owned Audi S4 with engine top cartridge, MV7201 all he used for O&F change. On that vehicle at least, he commented "only way to go".

 

[CleanSump]

I completely understand that this method probably doesn't remove as much old oil as removing the sump bolt

Mercedes sumps and dipstick tubes are designed for this and you won't find one study or test done that doesn't show it does take out as much or more than the plug.
I've been doing this on MBs since the 80's and I tested it. Extracting and then open the plug and you don't get diddly except what was coating the plug. Still doing it today and been telling people on this and other forums to get the cheap 12 volt pump. I run mine from a jump box.
BMW ruined it for us with the no dipstick thing.

 

[JeffKeryk]

There have been reports on the Mercedes forums that sometimes vacuum extraction removes more oil than the drain plug. The extractor reaches the bottom of the pan whereas the drain plug is higher.

I did a test on our '13 GS350 F Sport. MityVac'ed out the oil, then pulled the drain plug and even tilted the car for max drain. Let it sit... Far harder test than a normal drain would get. Not even enough to cover the bottom of a smallish plastic drain pan.

Some engines are better suited than others, for sure.