Anyone here using a fluid extractor to do oil changes?

[mikeedler]

If you have water accumulating in the sump, you've got another problem. As long as the oil gets up to operating temperature, water will blow off.

And, uh, a fair bit of oil stays in the car when you drain it. Everything in the oil cooler and a surprising amount in the pan. Or, if you've got a Porsche, well, you're lucky if you get 50% of the oil out in a change.

true, but now you are going to have even more in there. oil does break down, and will carry crap down in the pan with it including condensation. as well as you would have no real idea how or what is in your crankcase if your just sucking it out with a pump. had an N46 a few months ago that let a bunch of plastic pieces out in the oil catch can, was the timing chain rail, had it not been found then, it would have been pretty catastrophic.

[nrubenstein]

I don't think it's a good idea at all. I prefer to get the oil as hot as I can, then drain it all out- I would have a better feeling letting the crap run out rather than suck it out. if there is water residue in the oil pan, it won't come out if your pulling it out the top.

If you have water accumulating in the sump, you've got another problem. As long as the oil gets up to operating temperature, water will blow off.

And, uh, a fair bit of oil stays in the car when you drain it. Everything in the oil cooler and a surprising amount in the pan. Or, if you've got a Porsche, well, you're lucky if you get 50% of the oil out in a change.

[mikeedler]

I don't think it's a good idea at all. I prefer to get the oil as hot as I can, then drain it all out- I would have a better feeling letting the crap run out rather than suck it out. if there is water residue in the oil pan, it won't come out if your pulling it out the top.

[5Toes]

My car's first oil change in May, well done by me, was with a Griot's Garage fluid extractor. Nice unit

[TimKninja]

Change oil somewhere else...like a parking lot.

[nrubenstein]

Yes. It's fine. Particularly given that we generally over-change our oil. On a regular BMW, the extractors will get basically everything out. If you have a heavily baffled pan, they will leave some behind. (On the S54, my mityvac leaves behind half a quart. Given that I change at half intervals, I don't give a shit. On the other cars, it drains them down to empty.)

Edit:
Two important things about fluid extractors:
1) Pour the oil out while it's still hot. Less of a big deal with thin oil, but cold 10w60 pours like fucking molasses.
2) When pouring out the oil, be careful not to soak the suction pump. That was a messy disaster until I cleaned it out. (This would not have happened if I'd followed point 1.)

[Wh33lhop]

Get some stands you pansy. :p

[blunttech]

I use a marine extraction pump. "shure" something is the name I cant recall
I dont use it on all my cars but a lot of them I do. You can change oil in your city clothes .. I think it leaves a bit in but what doesnt if you have an oil cooler?? I dont feel its an issue as long as you are up on your oil changes

[TurboJake]

Getting under the car? M20?

You just have to reach your arm in. No jack or anything needed.. Even if it's lowered and you have a short enough catch pan.

[Stanley Rockafella]

esp. on the M20?

If so, what do you use and would you recommend it?

I live in an apt bldg with a garage. The land lord is cool with doing tire swaps etc, but I just dont' feel comfortable with getting under the car.

Considering the mityvan 7201...opinions and suggestions welcomed :)