Oil Extractor

[Nocturnal-G]

Hi guys, which oil extractors do you guys recommend? I will be using it every week and want something that won't **** out on me after a few oil changes. I will be mainly using it on Mercedes with the filter housing on the top. I have my eyes set on the MityVac 7201 but see some people having issues with theirs.

Thanks!

 

[Greatbear]

I have two MityVac 7201s, both have been decent. I did have to replace o-rings in one of the valves several years ago, but both are holding up well.

One of the big issues some people have with the MV evac units is the housings cracking. I've found this is caused by leaving the evacuators in sunlight, which hardens the polyethylene causing it to crack or disintegrate if stressed or dropped. Keeping them indoors and out of direct sunlight when not in use prolongs their life considerably.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

I have two MityVac 7201s, both have been decent. I did have to replace o-rings in one of the valves several years ago, but both are holding up well.

One of the big issues some people have with the MV evac units is the housings cracking. I've found this is caused by leaving the evacuators in sunlight, which hardens the polyethylene causing it to crack or disintegrate if stressed or dropped. Keeping them indoors and out of direct sunlight when not in use prolongs their life considerably.

Ah... I will be keeping mine in the house along with my other tools. Any specific way to clean them? Are replacing O-Rings on it hard? And how often do you use them?

Thank you.

 

[stingray1966]

i was looking at them today What I wanted it for is to change out my ****** fluid Their about 65.00 on amazon but they are getting very bad reviews
I also had an idea of making my own with a 12 volt oil pump but the pumps that I have seen are way to much money

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

I have one from Griots garage http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/multi+fluid+extractor.do?from=Search

I really like it because its pretty sturdy. but i bought it because of all the included accesories that come with it that are add-ons on a mity vac. You get 2 extractor tubes of two different sizes for trans and engine. and a brake bleeder. I am satisfied with it. and at less than 100 bucks its a pretty good deal.

 

[glenmore]

I've had one of these for about 10 years now and have used it mostly on Mercedes.

It is simple and works fine, albeit a mite slow, but you are usually doing other things around the car anyways.

Parts are simple and probably easily replaced but I haven't needed anything in 10 years of average DIY use.

A mityVac may be more versatile in that you can use it to troubleshoot vacuum.

Out of curiosity, I tested it once and after sucking all the oil, crawled under the car and took off the oil drain plug and all that was left could be measured in drops.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_390306_390306?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Fuel%20Transfer%20%2B%20Lubrication-_-Oil%20Extractors-_-33226&ci_sku=33226&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}

BTW, works great on refreshing PS fluid too.

 

[kiatech]

Hi guys, which oil extractors do you guys recommend? I will be using it every week and want something that won't **** out on me after a few oil changes. I will be mainly using it on Mercedes with the filter housing on the top. I have my eyes set on the MityVac 7201 but see some people having issues with theirs.

Thanks!

whats wrong with the drain plug on the pan?

 

[Imcrazy]

I've had the mityvac for about ten years and bought it primarily to do boats and jetskis. I have have had no problems with it whatsoever. It's kept inside and I never wash it out. WHile it may be a little slow, as someone already said I just start it going then go about other business.

I have also used it to do a trans drain and filter. Yes, I took the trans pan the off and changed the filter but it sure was nice not trying to juggle that pan full of fluid around and dump it in the drain.

 

[glenmore]

I will be using it every week
Thanks!

?

 

[Greatbear]

Ah... I will be keeping mine in the house along with my other tools. Any specific way to clean them? Are replacing O-Rings on it hard? And how often do you use them?

I have two because I use each one differently. One I use solely for extraction, so I can let it get a bit nasty with different oils and such between uses before cleaning it with solvent from the parts washer. The other one I keep clean for using with fluids I might remove then replace again, either oils or coolant. It too gets rinsed out with parts washer solvent or dishwashing detergent if it gets dirty. Usually removing the top and wiping it out with a couple paper towels is sufficient. I recently got a HF vacuum extractor as well. This one has an 8 gallon metal tank and uses shop air to create a constant vacuum, it works well and is surprisingly well made.

I can go for weeks not using any of them and there are times they get used on practically every job.

whats wrong with the drain plug on the pan?

They are really handy for things that have no drain plugs, like transmissions, axle housings, power steering and hydraulics, etc.. Extracting the fluid from an auto trans before dropping the pan makes for a much less sloppy adventure under the car. In cases where the vehicle's oil filter is a top mounted cartridge, you can change the oil without even getting under the car. In most cases the extractor gets out as much oil as taking the drain plug out will.

These things save money those times you've just poured some expensive oil or coolant into an engine and discovered a leak. Remove the fluid into a clean extractor, fix the problem, then pump it right back in.

 

[rsanter]

I have the HF one and it works really well
Price was a little over $100

Bob

 

[dodge610]

I have the HF one and it works really well
Price was a little over $100

Bob

What is the item # on the HF unit that you have Might look into one for my own use thanks.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I have a Moeller. It is for marine use. I bought it from West Marine in 2005. Holds about 5 quarts. I use it primarily for Mercedes oil changes. Solid unit.

 

[Bigshed]

Mine is a JTC Autotools 1023A This about 10 years old. One of the best tool I own. Use all the time. When changing brake pads sometimes the mastercylinder will overflow when the pistons are compressed back into the caliper. Just a quick suction no mess. Changing thermostats just insert in radiator pull out enough to be below the level of thermostat. No or little mess. On cars with bleeder screw on the cooling system just connect the hose from the evcauator to the bleeder screw pulls air out. I have been a mechanic for over 30 years anything that can cut time and clean up I like.
I am in the process of putting together a new shop in my new shed. I really enjoy reading this web site. Thankyou for all the good ideas.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

whats wrong with the drain plug on the pan?

Absolutely nothing. Going to use it in a mobile setting and I see it as a plus that Mercedes designs their engines for this method of oil extraction.

?

Going to use it for work...?

I have two because I use each one differently. One I use solely for extraction, so I can let it get a bit nasty with different oils and such between uses before cleaning it with solvent from the parts washer. The other one I keep clean for using with fluids I might remove then replace again, either oils or coolant. It too gets rinsed out with parts washer solvent or dishwashing detergent if it gets dirty. Usually removing the top and wiping it out with a couple paper towels is sufficient. I recently got a HF vacuum extractor as well. This one has an 8 gallon metal tank and uses shop air to create a constant vacuum, it works well and is surprisingly well made.

I can go for weeks not using any of them and there are times they get used on practically every job.



They are really handy for things that have no drain plugs, like transmissions, axle housings, power steering and hydraulics, etc.. Extracting the fluid from an auto trans before dropping the pan makes for a much less sloppy adventure under the car. In cases where the vehicle's oil filter is a top mounted cartridge, you can change the oil without even getting under the car. In most cases the extractor gets out as much oil as taking the drain plug out will.

These things save money those times you've just poured some expensive oil or coolant into an engine and discovered a leak. Remove the fluid into a clean extractor, fix the problem, then pump it right back in.

Sounds like a very useful tool... I just got mine today... can't wait to use it. Seems a bit complicated since I'm used to the drain plug method. But I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. Does the dishwashing detergent damage the plastic? I want to clean mine after each use.

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[Ric in Richmond]

I love mine. Oil changes are a piece of cake on 2 of my cars. Warm it up, start sucking, change filter, refill, done.

My oilboy has the annoying habit of leaking whatever you are sucking out near the handle....so you have to have a rag in hand while pumping it.

I have a second one set up for brake bleeding. Very handy.

 

[MattPersman]

the 7300 from mityvac is great its air powered...guy I work with has it I want one in the future

 

[Nocturnal-G]

the 7300 from mityvac is great its air powered...guy I work with has it I want one in the future

I'd love owning one too but I'm going to be mainly using mine on the road.

Btw, whoever owns a 7201... would you be kind enough to tell me what came with it? I feel like I'm missing an adapter? Or something is missing. I got the unit itself, two dipstick tubes both with rubber pieces on them, and a third larger tube with no rubber piece on it.

 

[Greatbear]

Dishwashing detergent (Joy, Palmolive, etc) is mild and won't harm the plastic. Avoid using gasoline, acetone, MEK, chlorinated brake cleaners, etc.

You got all the accessories. The hose without the rubber attaches to the fitting on top, to remove it push inward on the colored ring and pull the hose off. The other hoses attach to the first large hose using the rubber unions, just press the hoses together.

When not using the evacuator, don't "lock" the drain stopper. Over time the stopper becomes expanded "permanently" and makes it difficult to remove.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Dishwashing detergent (Joy, Palmolive, etc) is mild and won't harm the plastic. Avoid using gasoline, acetone, MEK, chlorinated brake cleaners, etc.

You got all the accessories. The hose without the rubber attaches to the fitting on top, to remove it push inward on the colored ring and pull the hose off. The other hoses attach to the first large hose using the rubber unions, just press the hoses together.

When not using the evacuator, don't "lock" the drain stopper. Over time the stopper becomes expanded "permanently" and makes it difficult to remove.

Thank you for the help Greatbear! You're talking about the rubber piece on top with the metal securing latch that fits into the spout? I am going to use it for the first time on Friday, on a client's car.

Thinking about filling the bath tub with water, and extracting for fun.

 

[Greatbear]

Yes, the rubber stopper with the flipover latch. Leave it open rather than pushed down when you're not using the thing. I had mine swell up and become difficult to remove. To fix that I took the stopper assembly apart and turned the rubber piece over, then smeared a little bit of grease on it so it wouldn't stick, then reassembled it. The nut holding it together is also an adjustment, if it leaks air when filling or extracting, tighten the nut, it will seal tighter.

After you've sucked up the bathtub water, reverse the valve then put some pressure in. Now chase your family members or friends with one hell of a super soaker.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Yes, the rubber stopper with the flipover latch. Leave it open rather than pushed down when you're not using the thing. I had mine swell up and become difficult to remove. To fix that I took the stopper assembly apart and turned the rubber piece over, then smeared a little bit of grease on it so it wouldn't stick, then reassembled it. The nut holding it together is also an adjustment, if it leaks air when filling or extracting, tighten the nut, it will seal tighter.

After you've sucked up the bathtub water, reverse the valve then put some pressure in. Now chase your family members or friends with one hell of a super soaker.

So I tried it out a little earlier, it extracts great but leaks out from the top when I dispense what's inside. No super soaker fun for me...

 

[SteveL]

Can someone share their experience between the hand pump and pnuematic versions regarding how fast they work? I've got a compressor that I can run one of these off of and would think that it would be a lot quicker than hand pumping.

I've read that the hand pump versions can take up to 10-15 min to exract 6-7 quarts which seems awfully slow.