Q for oil extractor users

Kaz said:

OK, I'm pretty near convinced that I want to switch from drainplug draining to extraction. My question is, how fast do these things extract? I've heard it can take upwards to 20-30mins depending on temp, grade of oil and capacity. That's an awful long time...

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I've never understood why everyone is so averse to just using ramps. Rhino Ramps can be had for $30 and they ensure complete drainage. And draining from below is just not that difficult.

Please explain the appeal.

Kaz said:

OK, I'm pretty near convinced that I want to switch from drainplug draining to extraction. My question is, how fast do these things extract? I've heard it can take upwards to 20-30mins depending on temp, grade of oil and capacity. That's an awful long time...

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That's right. It took me ~20mins to extract 6.75 quarts. Well, personally, I don't think 20mins is too long - did other stuff while the oil was being extracted. Anyway, I don't think you would get the whole process done MUCH faster using ramps...

TD, thats like asking "Why do you like red, I like Blue"... Just because we don't do it YOUR way doesn't mean its not THE way to do it. :/


Anyway, takes me about 20 min. with a warmed-up engine. During that time, I changed the filter, do a quick detail on the engine, then fill her back up again.

Re: Re: Q for oil extractor users

TD said:

I've never understood why everyone is so averse to just using ramps. Rhino Ramps can be had for $30 and they ensure complete drainage. And draining from below is just not that difficult.

Please explain the appeal.

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Oil changes with an extractor are even easier IMO.

Re: Re: Q for oil extractor users

TD said:

I've never understood why everyone is so averse to just using ramps. Rhino Ramps can be had for $30 and they ensure complete drainage. And draining from below is just not that difficult.

Please explain the appeal.

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I already have Rhino ramps, and they work fine. However, I'm no longer convinced that draining works better, as I used to be.

Hence, why bother driving the thing up the ramps and getting under the car with a wrench and catch basin as I've been doing since I was ten, when since the filter isn't down there, there's no need to? I could even do an entire oil change sitting on a stool in front of the car.!

TD, you really should dump the M3 and get something much more basic and mechanical like a Lotus Seven or a Morgan Plus4. They have none of the extraneous and 'engineered' characteristics you so dislike in cars. Then people won't look at you as funny when you rant.

Re: Re: Re: Q for oil extractor users

Kaz said:

TD, you really should dump the M3 and get something much more basic and mechanical like a Lotus Seven or a Morgan Plus4. They have none of the extraneous and 'engineered' characteristics you so dislike in cars.

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:lmao:

Re: 10 minutes at the most- if oil is warm and you keep the vacuum up.

abqhudson said:

Pump a vacuum as recommended and then pump again after a 3-4 of minutes. I usually pump two or three times because I just don't like to wait.

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Well, that's more like it. Does everyone else just pump it once then go sit down and have a latte?

Re: Re: 10 minutes at the most- if oil is warm and you keep the vacuum up.

Kaz said:

Well, that's more like it. Does everyone else just pump it once then go sit down and have a latte?

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No way. I also pumped it up a few more times. At the end, I pumped even more and it sucked so much oil out of the engine it was starting to sound like a Slurpee when you hit rock bottom. Took no more than 20 minutes max.

If you don't mind spending some $$$, this one will extract up to 11 quarts in 5 minutes.

I don't know...I kinda see the "drain plug and ramp" way as a good opportunity to go underneath the car and inspect the suspension, grease the swaybars, check for any fluid leaks, clean off road grime, wash off the excess cosmoline, and detail the bottom of the car.

It also gives me a good opportunity to inspect the inside tire wall to see if any bubble has developed every few months.

Kaz said:

Yeah, I generally feel the same way (see some of my old posts about extractors) but I have no problem doing those checks independent of an oil change.

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I bought an extractor, and was generally pleased with the results. It was nice not having to crawl underneath the car, soak the driveway in oil, worry about trying to torque the drain plug (a b*tch with a bar-type torque wrench), etc. Plus, you get a free washer with every oil change, since you don't have to use it on the drain plug.

OTOH, it did take what felt like a *very* long time to suck all the oil out (probably close to an hour). I don't think the car was warmed as much as it should be, though, so I'm going to have to try it again.

Given nice weather, I'd use the ramps. In the cold/wet, though, it's nice to be able to do an oil change without having to back the car out of the garage. :thumb:

Re: Re: Q for oil extractor users

[QUOTEI've never understood why everyone is so averse to just using ramps. Rhino Ramps can be had for $30 and they ensure complete drainage. And draining from below is just not that difficult.

Please explain the appeal. [/QUOTE]

Hmmm, not using ramps is a pretty big appeal. First, it's dangerous to suspend several thousand pounds up in the air and then crawl underneath. Second, it's dirty down there. Third, if you buy ramps and chalks, it's more expensive. Fourth, you end up using a messy oil drain pan and then have to somehow put that oil in containers without spilling.

The appeal of the oil extractor is that it's safe, clean, inexpensive and easy. It's one of those devices that's a no-brainer. Why wouldn't you stick a tube down your dipstick and go watch Speedvision until your oil drains? What's the alternative argument:

"No, a real man puts on his stained coveralls, get's under his 3,000 pound beast, in the dirt and grime and cold, and drains his oil the old-fashioned way. Don't worry about disposal, we'll just dump it in the yard."

Just stirring the pot.... :lmao:

--gary

I'd like to do my Rodney King impression and just say, it really doesn't matter which method you prefer, the object is to get that oil and filter changed. Why TD has to downplay anyones method other than the one he does should be saved for another thread if you so wish, but this thread is asking how long, the answer is "Depends which extractor you use, how warm the oil is, and how frequently you pump the extractor.

i got one at mytoolstore.com (cheaper than griots and the same model) and i got all the oil out in about 10-15 min after warming up the car. just stood by the car changing the filter and gave it a few pumps every couple of minutes. no complaints about it except that the capacity is just short of what was in the engine. does anybody know if there are any downsides to the oil extractor like leaving sediment behind(if there is such a thing as sediment in the oil pan)? not that that downside would outweigh the convenience...

KAZ,

here are the details from my site:

Oil extraction

I am also in OC, (RSM). If you want to come by one day we can do your oil. Takes about 35 minutes start to finish, including putting the used oil back in the bottles.

If you bring the oil and filter, and take the old oil away, we can do your car with the extractor.

Send me an email if your interested.

See ya

Chipster