Oil extraction tool, 2023 version?

[Brons2]

So with these long life oil filters being sold these days, maybe it's time to reconsider an oil extraction tool. I mean if you're not changing the filter, why even get under the car?

Is there a BITOG consensus about what's the best bang for the buck oil extractor in 2023? And what percentage of the oil should I expect to get out? Clearly the oil in the filter won't be coming out, but how much of the sump oil should one expect to get out?

 

[Jango]

Harbor Freight has one for about $7. It works well.

 

[RooflessVW]

Mityvac is still the best.

How much you get out is very vehicle dependent.

 

[Blueshound]

Harbor Freight has one for about $7. It works well.

Which one? I was just looking yesterday and the cheapest full size one I found was $99. Looking for changing rear diff, not motor oil.

 

[atikovi]

Harbor Freight has one for about $7. It works well.

Yea right. Sheesh!

Fluid Siphon Pump

Amazing deals on this Fluid Siphon Pump at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[TheOilWizard]

Which one? I was just looking yesterday and the cheapest full size one I found was $99. Looking for changing rear diff, not motor oil.

This one works very well.

Multi-Use Transfer Pump

Amazing deals on this Multi-Use Transfer Pump at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[CleanSump]

For over 10 years I've been using a $25, 12V electric oil pump from Amazon or eBay.
2.5 gallon recycle container.
Used to have a high dollar vacuum pump/bottle extractor. Just not as practical.
Quit buying the vacuum pumps because they eventually leak, are awkwardly shaped to transport, and cost too much.

 

[tblt44]

Drain plug removal gets the most oil out

 

[CleanSump]

Drain plug removal gets the most oil out

Well, not to be disrespectful or start a war that has not ended in forever and ever on the German auto forums, Mercedes and BMW have proven that false.

 

[TheOilWizard]

Well, not to be disrespectful or start a war that has not ended in forever and ever on the German auto forums, Mercedes and BMW have proven that false.

I think it's highly variable from one application to the next, just depending on the design and layout of the sump. I've seen videos where, with certain vehicles, the extraction method leaves a quart or more oil in the sump.

 

[Passport1]

+1 on CleanSump's post. Charles, VW mechanic (guy w/the long beard) has a nice video demonstrating that at least on the GTI the extractor is better than drain plug method. The drain plug is high enough in the sump that it is impossible to get all the oil out.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I used to think extractors were lame. Stupid. Doesn't get all the oil out. Only for big wussies...
Well, I love my MityVac. Works on a GS350, Tesla, and many others. Suck out the pan then flip a switch to expel to your recycle container.

 

[slug_bug]

I've used this model for a dozen years. Still works great. It's come in handy for several different jobs. Recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/America-5060TS-Topsider-Multi-Purpose-Removing/dp/B001445IZ8/ref=sr_1_3?crid=34EYCN82ON3XP&keywords=topsider+oil+extractor&qid=1682993076&sprefix=topsider+oil%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-3

 

[atikovi]

This one works very well.

Multi-Use Transfer Pump

Amazing deals on this Multi-Use Transfer Pump at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Have you actually used it? Wouldn't your arms feel like they are falling off after 10 minutes of that?

 

[JHZR2]

I’ve never seen the benefit for oil changes. I have a number of cars that have oil filters on the top, and are decent candidates, but even still, I prefer to be under there. It takes too long to suction out even if hot, and I’d rather see things under the car.

Maybe in deep winter it would have some utility. Especially on a Honda with a filter change every other.

I do like a suction tool for some ATF changes, PSF changes, etc.

 

[tcp71]

I used to think extractors were lame. Stupid. Doesn't get all the oil out. Only for big wussies...
Well, I love my MityVac. Works on a GS350, Tesla, and many others. Suck out the pan then flip a switch to expel to your recycle container.

What oil are you changing in the Tesla?

 

[atikovi]

Blinker fluid?

 

[JeffKeryk]

What oil are you changing in the Tesla?

It was just a little EV joke... All good.

 

[TheOilWizard]

Have you actually used it? Wouldn't your arms feel like they are falling off after 10 minutes of that?

Yes, used it to remove about half a quart of overfill from the dealership. Took the half quart out so fast I almost removed too much.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I’ve never seen the benefit for oil changes. I have a number of cars that have oil filters on the top, and are decent candidates, but even still, I prefer to be under there. It takes too long to suction out even if hot, and I’d rather see things under the car.

Maybe in deep winter it would have some utility. Especially on a Honda with a filter change every other.

I do like a suction tool for some ATF changes, PSF changes, etc.

I have found it is so fast to stab the tube, pump it 10 times and let it extract. After it sucks a little air, I fish around with the tube to get a more complete extract. Pull out the tube and expel into the recycle container. No mess, no jack, stands, drain pan, tools, very fast. I'm sold.
If I were doing a regular drain, I would let it drain at least as long as I extract.

I do pull the drain plug once in awhile if I am swapping the filter. But even then I use the extractor due to less mess, especially spills.
Jusy my experience and 2 cents.