Engine Oil Change with Fluid Extractor | DIY
Do you need to change your vehicle’s engine oil using an oil extraction pump? Follow the procedures below to learn how. This method is quick, easy, and safe. It is often referred to as the top-down or topside oil change method.
Benefits of using an oil extraction pump
- Fewer tools are required to change the oil
- An easier and safer method to change the oil
- You don’t have to struggle with removing the drain plug. No need to replace the drain bolt washer either.
- There is no chance of an oil leak due to improper torque of the drain plug.
The only drawback of changing the engine oil with an extraction pump is that a minimal amount of old oil may remain in the pan. It is insignificant since less than 5% of old oil remains. An oil extractor is an acceptable way to change the oil if you do regular oil changes. In a neglected engine, debris and sludge sit at the bottom of the oil pan and may not be picked up by the oil extractor.
What you will need
- Oil Fluid Extractor Pump
There are two main designs to consider.- Oil Vacuum Extractor
These oil extractors come with a container and a manual pump that you will have to pump to get the oil out. The oil vacuum extractors have been around for a long time. Not only do they require manual labor, but they also are large and require space to store them.
- Recommended: Mityvac Oil Extractor
- Electric Oil Extractor
An electrical oil extractor is a lot easier to use. Connect it to a 12-volt battery source, such as your car battery, and let it do its job. You will need a container to collect the old oil, but that’s not an issue. The other advantage of using an electrical oil extractor is that they are straightforward to store and put away.
- Oil Vacuum Extractor
- Ramps
If your oil filter has to be accessed from the bottom of the engine, you must use ramps to raise the car and get to the filter. You don’t need ramps if your oil filter is on top of the engine. - Oil filter removal tool
Whether your oil filter is on top of the engine or the bottom, you will need an oil removal tool. There are many oil filter tools on the market, such as a three-prong oil tool, strap oil filter tool, and chain oil filter tool. Ideally, our favorite tool that works better than any of the ones we mentioned is oil filter pliers, as they work on almost any oil filter.
These oil extractors come with a container and a manual pump that you will have to pump to get the oil out. The oil vacuum extractors have been around for a long time. Not only do they require manual labor, but they also are large and require space to store them.
Before you get started
Check if your car has an oil dipstick. Some cars do not have an oil dipstick and tube.
This was common among European cars between 2005 and 2010, especially with BMW and Mercedes. Newer car models, even European ones, typically have a dipstick. Just double-check before you get started.
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Instructions
Follow these steps to change the oil using a vacuum extraction pump or electrical pump.
- Get the engine oil warm, Turn off the engine, and let it cool down for at least 15 min. If the engine is cold, start and run it for a couple of minutes. You want the oil to be warm but not hot. Open the hood and remove the oil dipstick.
- Insert the tube into the oil dipstick.
- Push the tube until it stops. Typically, it should go into the dipstick about two to three feet. Note that some extraction pumps have two-piece tubes.
- Ensure that the two tubes are tight together. Otherwise, one of the tubes can fall out and get stuck in the oil dipstick.
- Connect the oil extraction pump. If you use a 12V Motor Oil Extractor, insert the other side of the tube (discharge side) into an empty container. Ideally, a clear container or one to measure the amount of oil you extract.
- Connect the extraction pump to your car battery.
- Positive: Red clamp on (+) battery post (note red battery cable).
- Negative: Black clamp on (-) battery post (note black battery cable).
- Extract oil from the engine. Turns on the extraction pump.
- If you are using a vacuum extraction pump, connecting it to the battery is unnecessary because you can’t. Instead, start pumping the oil and be ready to get a good workout.
- Suck out all of the engine oil.
- Let the oil extractor pump run for about 10 to 20 minutes. You will know when it is finished extracting the oil as you will see air bubbles on your oil container. If you pay close attention, you will notice that the sound of the electrical oil extractor will change when it is finished extracting the oil; at this point, it will run dry.
- When you think all the oil is extracted, move the tube into the dipstick by pushing it down or twisting it slightly. This will ensure you are sucking all the oil at the bottom of the oil pan/sump.
- Remove the oil tube from the engine. A small amount of oil will drip out of the tube, so make sure to have a rag ready.
- Replace the engine oil filter.
- If your oil filter is on top of the engine, consider yourself lucky. If not, replace it, which is usually the cartridge type found on BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
- You may need to get under the car to access the engine oil filter on Japanese and American cars. Roll the car up on ramps. Make sure to set the parking brake and block the rear tires.
Add engine oil. Check your owner’s manual for how much engine oil you need to add. 
Add the recommended quantity minus half a quart. If your car requires 4.5 quarts, add only four as a starting point. Let the oil reach the oil pan, and check the engine oil.
If necessary, check the oil level and add more oil to bring the level between the Min and Max mark.
Important
- Don’t force the suction tube into the dipstick if it is too large. Otherwise, you risk getting the tube stuck in the dipstick.
- Ensure the tube is pushed in all the way and at the lowest point of the pan.
- Some car engines have the oil filter installed on top. Removing the oil filter and using this channel to insert the tube and extract oil is possible.
- Note that by changing the oil yourself, you may void your warranty. Unfortunately, some car manufacturers require that you pay a technician to change your oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about the oil left in the oil pan?
Yes, a small amount of oil may be left in the oil pan, but the same is usually true when you drain via a drain bolt. In many cases, the bolt isn’t always at the lowest point of the oil pan. If you have a well-maintained vehicle, there is no reason to worry about using the oil extraction method. Make sure to change the oil filter as well.
Tips on buying an oil extractor
Make sure the oil extractor has a large capacity to hold all your oil.
Consider an electrical oil extractor.
If you are buying a vacuum oil extractor, look for one that allows you to discharge the old oil easily.
What are some of the most popular auto engine oil extractors?
The vacuum type and electric oil extractors are two of the most used oil extractors. Both these methods are great alternatives if you want to use them for DIY oil changes.
What are some popular oil extractors?
Mityvac Fluid Evacuator
Airpower America
Hydro-Turf Oil Extractor
Briggs & Stratton Oil Extractor Pump
OEMTOOLS Fluid Evacuator
Koehler Multi-Use Siphon Fuel Transfer Pump Kit
XtremepowerUS 12v Fluid Oil Diesel Extractor
EWK Pneumatic / Manual 6.5 Liter Oil Changer Vacuum Fluid Extractor Pump Tank Remover
Pela 650 Oil Extractor
Astro 7351 Air Operated Oil Evacuator – 8 Gallon
Yamaha engine oil extractor
Is it better to use an oil extraction pump or drain the oil?
Using an oil extraction pump is acceptable if you change the oil regularly. The benefit of removing the drain plug and draining the oil is that you get out almost all of the old oil. When using an oil extraction pump, some old oil will remain. Small amounts of metal debris or particular matter in the old oil shouldn’t be a problem as the oil filter will trap them. Make sure to replace the oil filter even if you extract the oil.
When should you drain the oil and not use an oil extractor?
If you have an engine that thus engines sludge, it is better to drain the oil than extract it. Don’t neglect your car. Change your oil at the recommended intervals, and you shouldn’t have this problem.
Conclusion
An oil extractor is a great way to change the engine oil if your car has a dipstick. If your oil filter is mounted on top of the engine and you don’t want to invest in many tools for basic car maintenance, such as an oil change, this method will save you money, time, and headaches.
Did you know that in some cases, such as (Smart cars) the only way to change the oil is using the oil extraction method?
Changing the motor oil with an oil extraction pump is the perfect method if you start with a DIY auto repair or are tired of making a mess whenever you change the oil. Make sure to recycle your old oil. All auto parts stores that sell oil, including AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, PepBoy, and even Walmart, collect old oil free of charge.
We hope you find the Engine Oil Change with Fluid Extractor | DIY guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your vehicle.
Do you have any recommendations for cleaning the upright cylinder type of extractor vacuum pump, and how necessary is it? (Related: does motor oil harden PVC tubing?)