Question about dipstick tube extraction

[Benito]

I've seen and read that it's possible to extract from the dipstick even when the dipstick tube is too narrow to get the extraction tube down it.

The solution is to use the dipstick tube itself as the extraction tube which requires an airtight connection at the point where you connect the extractor's extraction tube to the dipstick tube.

The question I have is whether the amount of oil that is extracted is then going to depend on how far the dipstick tube itself extends down into the sump, or whether sufficient vacuum can be created to get enough of the oil out.

Apparently, Mercedes dipstick tubes extend right to the bottom of the pan to facilitate vacuum machines which clamp to the top of the tube.

 

[OneEyeJack]

Extracting oil through the dipstick tube works. You can test is on your vehicle to see how effective it is. Just do it both ways and measure the difference.

 

[Benito]

Originally Posted By: OneEyeJack
Extracting oil through the dipstick tube works. You can test is on your vehicle to see how effective it is. Just do it both ways and measure the difference.


You've answered a question I didn't ask.

I have a Mityvac and use it. I am talking about using it in an alternative way on vehicles whose dipstick tubes are too narrow.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Benito
Apparently, Mercedes dipstick tubes extend right to the bottom of the pan to facilitate vacuum machines which clamp to the top of the tube.

That's how I did it on wife's C300 a while back. However, I never measured how much oil was left behind. My guess is the remainder was insignificant.

 

[HerrStig]

Not hard to attach a smaller diameter hunk of tubing to that which the device came with.

 

[DoubleWasp]

I wouldn't count on most dipstick tubes going all the way to the bottom of the pan. Attach a smaller tube, or just drain it the conventional way.

Sometimes I do it the conventional way, even with our pneumatic oil extractor sitting right there. Not that big of a deal to me.

 

[oggb]

Why don't you try it on a vehicle with a known sump volume?

Let us know how it turns out.

 

[CT8]

Just so most of the oil is removed all is good.

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
I wouldn't count on most dipstick tubes going all the way to the bottom of the pan. Attach a smaller tube, or just drain it the conventional way.

Sometimes I do it the conventional way, even with our pneumatic oil extractor sitting right there. Not that big of a deal to me.

Agreed, been drainin' oil for over 50 years, still look at such things as gimmicks...

I wouldn't count on any tube going to bottom of pan, reason oil hanging on sides of tube will skew the reading... It would be possible if tube in pan below oil level were maybe 1/2"...

 

[Chris142]

The dipstick tubp on my jeep is a good 3 inches from the bottom.might get 1\2 out at most

 

[Benito]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: Benito
Apparently, Mercedes dipstick tubes extend right to the bottom of the pan to facilitate vacuum machines which clamp to the top of the tube.

That's how I did it on wife's C300 a while back. However, I never measured how much oil was left behind. My guess is the remainder was insignificant.


Just for my clarity, you attached to the dipstick tube rather than inserted the extractor tube down the dipstick tube?

 

[Benito]

Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Not hard to attach a smaller diameter hunk of tubing to that which the device came with.


Tried that. Dipstick tube narrows too much for any tube to go down far enough.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: Benito
I've seen and read that it's possible to extract from the dipstick even when the dipstick tube is too narrow to get the extraction tube down it.

The solution is to use the dipstick tube itself as the extraction tube which requires an airtight connection at the point where you connect the extractor's extraction tube to the dipstick tube.

The question I have is whether the amount of oil that is extracted is then going to depend on how far the dipstick tube itself extends down into the sump, or whether sufficient vacuum can be created to get enough of the oil out.

Apparently, Mercedes dipstick tubes extend right to the bottom of the pan to facilitate vacuum machines which clamp to the top of the tube.

I understand your concern/question perfectly.

First, Mercedes dipstick tube extends on the way to the lowest bottom point of the oil pan (probably no more than 1/8" clearance for oil to flow around). Mercedes dealers use a special(big and strong) extraction machine that clamps to the top of the dipstick tube to extract oil.

The problem is only Mercedes design its dipstick tube that way, no other cars do the same so it can't be done similar to Mercedes.

The other concern is using an extractor likes Mityvac 7201 can it siphons all oil from the pan as good as standard drain ? The answer is yes for a Mercedes engine, actually someone tried it 2 ways: drain first then use Mityvac, and use Mityvac first then drain.

Drain first then use Mityvac did get few ounces from the pan

Use Mityvac first then drain didn't get more than few drops.

Both trials were done immediately one after another, otherwise if you do the second method after 1-2 hours you will get few ounces, because oil keeps draining down(slowly) into the pan.

Hope this clear up some concerns/questions you have.

 

[Benito]

HTSS_HR, thanks for explaining it all. I already knew this but it maybe helps others who are chiming in.

My reason for trying to find this out was I was thinking of putting a Fumoto on at the next oil change, but was thinking of using my extractor instead.

If I knew for sure it would work, I wouldn't order the Fumoto.

But I think it is reasonable to presume the dipstick tube does not go down far enough so I will probably go with the Fumoto option.

 

[HTSS_TR]

What car do you have that the dipstick tube is either too small or not straight to insert the Mityvac extraction tube/hose into the engine ?

Mityvac has 3 tubes, main/primary tube connects to the reservoir, this tube is connect to 1 of 2 smaller tubes via a connector. The smaller tubes are 2 sizes, one is slightly smaller than the other.

I use larger tube for my E430 but I use smaller one for LS400, S2000 and V70.

I can get probably about 90-95% from S2000, slightly more about 95-97% from LS400 and almost all from V70. I checked the oil level before I used the Mityvac so I knew how much oil was in the engine.

Just think about it, I use 1 tool to do oil change for 4 cars and other maintenance such as ATF and brake bleed. If I install 4 Fumoto on 4 cars the cost will be higher than 7201. Also, I have to raise the car to access to the Fumoto valve. With Mityvac I can do oil change without getting under the car, and this is the main reason I like Mityvac.

 

[splinter]

Extraction efficacy is contingent upon chassis configuration and its requisite sump.

Mercedes-Benz M113K (E55 et al) shown:

 

[SumpChump]

I love using my Mighty Vac. It gets everything except what's in the filter media. (I run filters a little longer sometimes.

One time though I tried the larger tube in my 2.5L Toyota 4cyl. And it got stuck because I pushed it in too far and I think it curled up and stuck in a baffle. I calmed down and twisted the tube and pulled and she came out. Lesson learned.... Use a small tube.

I like the process of extraction.

 

[raytseng]

on my toyotas, lexus and honda, the mityvac gets more out just as much if not more than a drain.
For all the saying this is a gimmick and prone to failure, I will point you to the posts that indicate drain plug stripped or crossthreaded and leaks.

The car engineers never designed the typical drain system to get every single drop of old oil out anyway, because they realize it doesn't matter; and they are not as Obsessive-compulsive as the people here who go through rituals to drain oil.

Not for everyone, but if you can get to the filter from the topside or without needing to lift your car, it is a timesaver.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Benito
Just for my clarity, you attached to the dipstick tube rather than inserted the extractor tube down the dipstick tube?

Yes, using a special adapter that goes on top of the dipstick tube.

 

[raytseng]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: Benito
Just for my clarity, you attached to the dipstick tube rather than inserted the extractor tube down the dipstick tube?

Yes, using a special adapter that goes on top of the dipstick tube.


I've never heard of using the stick as the tube itself.

If it works for you great! That's the only answer you need

Anyone using the mityvac is not really following the official service procedures anyway, so it's all on-your-own territory.