Oil Vacuum Pumps for Changing Oil

thewintermute

~~~Possibly throw in to the DIY and Maintenance Area~~~Has anyone used these vacuum pumps to change their oil at home? Any recommendations for a reasonably priced bit of kit? It certainly looks like a cleaner option and easier to get rid of the waste too.

I have a sealey one I think, got it as a I couldn't remove the sump nut from a car I had years ago, used it 5 or 6 times as it cost a few qyuid, it didn't work one day on a Prelude I had, dunno was it broken or just didn't like the Prelude, haven't used it in a while, prefer to drain the oil tbh. If you have a car that doesn't require jacking and removal of under tray to change the filter I can see the benefit, otherwise I can't to be honest

Owen

There's a myth that these don't get as much oil out as removing the sump plug, but thats not 100% true. A lot of sumps have the captive nut/threads for the sump plug inside the sump - so you end up with a few mm of oil that can't get out at the bottom regardless. I've used pumps a few times with absolutely no bothers, and my current car doesn't have a sump plug so I have to use the vacuum pump.

mickdw

Must get one of those soon. Very handy

-Corkie-

I prefer the traditional method tbh geting down and dirty....:)

Plug

Just take out the bung plug and do it the old fashioned way, at least you will get everything out and you can also examine what exactly is coming out. When your servicing a car you need to have a look under the car anyway.

*awaits smart comment from Limerick man*:p

101sean

I've got use a a sealey one that will hold a couple of gallons but prefer to drain oil properly. Used it on my son's MX5 which has a dodgy sump plug, also handy for mowers and the like as well.

thewintermute

Well its not so much the dirt, I don't mind getting under the car, but I have to work outside and that isn't always ideal. I got drenched to the jocks doing the better halfs oil change recently and don't plan on repeating the exercise. (Note to self, a waterproof worksheet will stop your clothes getting damp from lying on the wet ground, but will also collect all the water falling from the sky and transfer it to your shreddies) Any opinions on one of these: http://www.ebay.ie/itm/DELUXE-SIPHON-PUMP-OIL-EXTRACTOR-INFLATABLES-LIQUIDS-/320734669735?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item4aad46aba7

working fool

Sorry
But I like the old school method too.
The vacuum one would be very handy for damaged sump plugs .

Is there cars now with no sump plugs ???

unkel

It's cutting corners tbh. It's not a proper service. You might get most of the oil out, but the heavier bits will sink to the bottom of the sump. Only to be fecked around the engine again swimming in clean oil

You just can't beat gravity...

And even if you have to get the car jacked and the undertray removed, it's still not a big job that only needs doing once a year for most of us

no1beemerfan

I agree with the others about letting the oil drain through the sump hole. I always service the car with the oil hot so you have a better chance of getting all the crap out.

I have a vacuum system but haven't used the oil suction attachment.

BTW I have this on my car and can't praise it enough....it makes draining the oil quicker and a lot cleaner!

mickdw

Dont like the look of those sump valves, Would be too safe on an Alfa or the likes where the sump gets alittle too close to the ground for comfort.

deandean

Success of those units depends on the car.

I have an old Volvo; the oil sucker leaves a full litre in the sump, it's due to the shape of the sump.

I think many of the newer engines are designed so that an oil sucker pipe down the dipstick tube gets right to the bottom of the sump.

I see from above post that there are cars with no sump plugs now.

Well there are also cars with no dipsticks (e.g. BMW).

D'ya see a problem in the making with the next generation of engines :rolleyes:

JP 1800

I myself prefer the traditional route of draining the sump, not only does it allow you to remove most of the old oil but allows an inspection for oil leaks and such

rebel.ranter

I have a Sealey vacuum unit, the 9L one. I was planning on using it for every 2nd service, used it on the e36 & e39 & it was handy, a bit more pumping than I had bargained for. My newest car the e63 doesn't have a dipstick so I lucked out there.
Having said all that if I had a pit or a lift I would use that over the pump. I have access to a pit but it's a bit out of the way the pump makes it more convenient than the trip out.

mondeo

I prefer the old mechanical method, getting under the car with a big wrench and undoing a nut.