Oil extractor

[SDCRJohn]

I change my oil about 3 times a year. One of these changes, I don’t renew the filter. So, I’m considering getting an oil extractor, like a MityVac, to do the single, non filter change. Several different models and manufacturers, with differing capacities.

wondering if anyone here has used one of these and any issues that are associated with these?

 

John

[Hosstage]

They are used in the boating world, as dropping oil out of a motor on the water can be a challenge.

However, it would not be my first choice if a traditional oil change is available. It doesn't really pull all the oil out, and any residue of sludge, contaminants, don't get flushed properly out of the bottom of the cavities. I'm not sure how the oil tank is shaped, and if the bottom is accessible thru the oil fill spout.

Having said that, fresh oil mixed with a little dirty oil left behind is better than just dirty oil. Personally, I'd want to know that as much of the old oil as possible was removed.

[Oldrider51]

These have been used on cars and the testing I have seen with VWs indicates that compared to a normal drain it will remove most of the oil. However, having said that I don't see how these would work on a motorcycle since I don't believe that there is a direct way into the oil sump as in a car. I doubt it the tube that would need to be used could even get to the sump and especially on any BMW motorcycle that I am familiar with.

[Etienne Lau]

I have an oil extractor or I used to. Used it on 2011 VW Touareg TDI and 2013 ML 350 Blue tec. Both designed for oil extraction: Flat Bottom oil pans and nearly straight dipstick tube to the bottom of the pan. I don't see how this will work with the R motorcycles....the entire valve train is in the way, you have to snake past the valve train and then you're not going to hit the bottom of the engine, you're coming in sideways.....

 

The primary reason for using oil-extractors on the European vehicles is the belly pan is two-piece and requires easily 20+ screws/bolts to be removed just to reach the drain pan bolt....

 

I have tried it as well with my 2001 Subaru Forester. Not good either because the dip stick enters the pan from the side....and there is a curve....so there's no guarantee you'll reach the actual bottom of the oil pan...

 

[SDCRJohn]

Well, that was the kind of feedbackthat I was looking for. Appreciate the input regarding the R bikes, as both of mine are the boxer twins.
 

The guys on the Jaguar forum like these, but that is primarily so they can be sure to get the correct oil in the car. Also, it can cost anywhere from $150. To as high as $500 for a dealer oil change. My Indy usually costs around $175. Including the filter.

[Oldrider51]

Look on Amazon for the extractor for a car: Amazon.com : oil extractor for oil change

[Michaelr11]

On 5/24/2024 at 2:08 PM, SDCRJohn said:

Well, that was the kind of feedbackthat I was looking for. Appreciate the input regarding the R bikes, as both of mine are the boxer twins.

I don’t understand why you’re considering this.  Even if I accept that you’re going to leave the oil filter in place for one oil change cycle, why not just undo the drain plug and drain all of the old oil, except what’s in the filter? I think the filter holds about a quarter liter of oil. Finally, a Mahle OC91 filter is around ten bucks.  Why not just change it?

[Etienne Lau]

On 5/24/2024 at 1:08 PM, SDCRJohn said:

Well, that was the kind of feedbackthat I was looking for. Appreciate the input regarding the R bikes, as both of mine are the boxer twins.
 

The guys on the Jaguar forum like these, but that is primarily so they can be sure to get the correct oil in the car. Also, it can cost anywhere from $150. To as high as $500 for a dealer oil change. My Indy usually costs around $175. Including the filter.

LOL, when I had my 2011 VW Touareg TDI or the 2013 ML 350 Bluetec, I just loved the oil extractor. 8L of oil to drain/extract out. With the extractor, I pulled the dipstick out of the ML 350, there was no dipstick on the VW, pushed the extraction tube all the way in, connected the extractor, turned on my Air Compressor that created the vacuum needed. Removed the top mounted oil filter, sat back and sipped a cup of coffee for a good 5-10 minutes while the oil was extracted. Once completed, installed new oil filter, and poured 8L of oil back in. Fired up the engine and checked for leaks around the oil filter and that was it. No need to mess with drain plugs, drain plug washers, stripped drain plugs, etc...

 

Oil changes are $100 just for oil and filter from Amazon for both above diesels. So if you take it to the dealer, it's easily $200 oil changes...