Oil Extractor

m4a1mustang · 03-11-2011, 03:14 PM

I don't see the point of using an extractor when you've got to get underneath the car to change the filter anyways.

SoCal 370Z · 03-11-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I don't see the point of using an extractor when you've got to get underneath the car to change the filter anyways.

It reduces the mess as there is very little in the way of oil pouring out (maybe a few drops). The extractor also provides a clean means of the pouring the oil back in containers for proper disposal. I still use an oil catch pan, but mainly for the oil filter.

m4a1mustang · 03-11-2011, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

It reduces the mess as there is very little in the way of oil pouring out (maybe a few drops). The extractor also provides a clean means of the pouring the oil back in containers for proper disposal. I still use an oil catch pan, but mainly for the oil filter.

I guess. But I just figure if I'm going to be down there for the filter I might as well drain the oil there as well.

Now on the Mercedes where the oil filter is up top, an extractor would make more sense (to me).

SoCal 370Z · 03-11-2011, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I guess. But I just figure if I'm going to be down there for the filter I might as well drain the oil there as well.

Now on the Mercedes where the oil filter is up top, an extractor would make more sense (to me).

The biggest issue with extractors is that many engines will not work with them as the dipstick run is hampered by lower-end baffling or a crazy bend of some sorts. There are a lot of American cars where it will not work (crazy Americans).

On one of the oil threads (I believe AK's) I did a comparison of what the extractor removed versus just the drain plug, and I think I was able to get eight (8) more ounces out. This is also one of the benefits of extractors, but not on all engines. You can typically get the tube to a lower point in the oil pan than the lowest point of the drain plug.

davidyan · 03-16-2011, 02:00 AM

I use an extractor every other oil change. This is because I change the oil at 3,750 mile intervals or so and the oil AND filter every 7500.

The capacity is just over 5 quarts with filter and I get about 4.8 - 4.9 quarts out with the extractor. If you factor in the oil in the filter, I am only missing a small amount of oil from the pan. The key is to make sure you've inserted the tube down the dipstick to the appropriate depth. You have to play around and feel for when it starts to bend upwards. Near the end of the extraction - move the tube up and down a bit to see if it starts to drain out a little more. Do this from different depths until you are sure that the tube has reached everywhere that it could.

I have one of the cheap $45 ones that i found on ebay - it is powered by connecting to the car battery.

KravMaga · 03-11-2011, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

It reduces the mess as there is very little in the way of oil pouring out (maybe a few drops). The extractor also provides a clean means of the pouring the oil back in containers for proper disposal. I still use an oil catch pan, but mainly for the oil filter.

Just read that. Thanks!

KravMaga · 03-11-2011, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I don't see the point of using an extractor when you've got to get underneath the car to change the filter anyways.

Good point and what I was thinking, but was also thinking it might be less messy and save a little "under-the-car time." As in: extract oil, raise car, change filter, lower car, then add oil. In my head it sounds easier, but that's why I was asking.

Thanks for replies everyone.

03-11-2011, 03:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	I don't see the point of using an extractor when you've got to get underneath the car to change the filter anyways. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

03-16-2011, 02:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
davidyan Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CA Posts: 244 Drives: PG 370Z Sport 6MT Rep Power: 16	I use an extractor every other oil change. This is because I change the oil at 3,750 mile intervals or so and the oil AND filter every 7500. The capacity is just over 5 quarts with filter and I get about 4.8 - 4.9 quarts out with the extractor. If you factor in the oil in the filter, I am only missing a small amount of oil from the pan. The key is to make sure you've inserted the tube down the dipstick to the appropriate depth. You have to play around and feel for when it starts to bend upwards. Near the end of the extraction - move the tube up and down a bit to see if it starts to drain out a little more. Do this from different depths until you are sure that the tube has reached everywhere that it could. I have one of the cheap $45 ones that i found on ebay - it is powered by connecting to the car battery. Last edited by davidyan; 03-16-2011 at 02:03 AM.