Do engine oil extractors work?

An engine oil extractor is a device that is used to remove used oil from a vehicle’s engine without having to get under the car and drain the oil manually. Engine oil extractors work by creating suction that pulls oil up through the dipstick tube and into a reservoir. This allows you to extract used oil quickly and easily without making a mess. But do engine oil extractors actually work well and are they worth buying? Here is an in-depth look at how engine oil extractors work and whether they are an effective oil change solution.

How Do Engine Oil Extractors Work?

An engine oil extractor works by utilizing a suction pump that creates a vacuum inside the extractor’s reservoir. The extractor has a tube that connects to the engine’s dipstick tube. When you insert the tube down into the engine and start the extractor, it begins sucking used oil up through the dipstick tube. The used oil is pulled into the extractor’s reservoir where it is collected.

Most extractors have an automatic shutoff that stops the suction when the reservoir is full. This prevents the extractor from taking out too much oil and protects your engine from damage. The reservoir is translucent so you can see the oil filling up and monitor the progress.

Once the reservoir is full, you simply unscrew the reservoir and dispose of the used oil properly. Some extractors have a spout at the bottom that allows you to easily pour the oil into a container for disposal or recycling.

Extractors are very easy to use. You simply insert the tube, turn on the extractor, and let it run until the reservoir is full. Most extractors can extract about a quart of oil per minute, so draining the oil from a typical 5-quart engine takes around 5 minutes.

The Benefits of Using an Engine Oil Extractor

There are several benefits that engine oil extractors provide over the traditional method of draining oil manually from underneath the car:

• Convenience – Extractors allow you to remove oil without jacking up the car, crawling underneath, or getting dirty. The whole process is clean and only takes a few minutes.
• Minimal mess – There is no need to unscrew drain plugs underneath the car that can loosen and spray oil everywhere. The suction tube contains any splatters.
• Extracts more oil – Studies have found extractors remove an average of 30% more used oil than just draining from the sump plug. This leads to a more complete oil change.
• Works on all vehicles – Extractors can be used to change oil on vehicles that don’t have an accessible oil sump plug such as some European cars.
• Compact – These devices are small enough to easily fit in your garage or the back of your car.

The speed, cleanliness, and convenience of engine oil extractors make them an enticing option for DIY oil changes. But are there any downsides?

Potential Drawbacks of Engine Oil Extractors

While engine oil extractors provide some nice benefits, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

• May leave sludge behind – Extractors can’t remove large debris or sludge buildup as effectively as fully draining from the oil pan.
• Not a full oil change – You’ll still need to replace the oil filter and refill the engine with new oil after extracting the old oil.
• Chance of spills – If not inserted properly, the suction tube can come loose and spill oil inside the engine.
• Not suitable for very dirty oil – Extremely sludgy or thick oil may be difficult for some extractors to remove.
• Pump failure – Cheap models may have pump failures that abruptly stop extraction.

While extractors pick up the bulk of used oil, some old oil does remain coating internal engine surfaces. So extractors work best when oil is changed regularly and is not excessively dirty.

Do Extractors Actually Remove All the Oil?

A common concern with engine oil extractors is whether they can actually remove all the used oil from the engine. To find out, several studies have tested the extraction rates of leading extractors:

• One study by the California Integrated Waste Management Board found extractors removed an average of 87% of the oil from test vehicles.
• Consumer Reports testing found the top extractors removed around 80-85% of the oil after two extraction cycles. This equaled a total of 4-5 quarts extracted from a 5-quart test engine.
• The FTC requires extractors to remove a minimum of 74% of the rated engine capacity through 2 cycles or it is considered deceptive advertising.

Overall, quality engine oil extractors are able to remove about 80-90% of used oil. Running the extractor through two full cycles helps pick up remaining oil. So while not quite as thorough as a pan drain, extractors do remove the vast majority of old oil.

Do Oil Extractors Damage Engines?

Another concern is whether the suction force of oil extractors can damage engine components. Specifically, there were worries whether extractors could collapse oil galleys or pull the rear main seal.

However, studies by both the California Integrated Waste Management Board and Consumer Reports found no damage to engines after prolonged use of oil extractors. The suction pressures produced are relatively low and well within safe levels.

As long as you use the extractor properly, the suction should not present any risk to your engine. Do not try to extract more than the recommended capacity or leave the extractor running after it fills up. This could potentially produce excessive vacuum force. But used normally, extractors will not hurt your engine.

What Features to Look for in an Extractor

If you decide an engine oil extractor is right for your needs, here are some key features to look for when selecting one:

• Pump strength – Stronger pumps produce faster extraction times while weaker pumps take longer and may struggle with thick sludge.
• Reservoir capacity – Match this to your engine size. A 5-6 quart capacity accommodates most car engines.
• Auto shutoff – Shuts off suction automatically when full to prevent spills and over-extraction.
• Durable hoses – Reinforced hoses avoid collapsing from the suction pressure.
• Extraction volume gauge – Allows monitoring of how much oil has been removed.
• Warranty – At least a 1-year warranty provides protection against defects.

Higher-end extractors from reputable brands generally offer faster extraction, more engine application sizes, and better durability. While bargain extractors under $50 exist, they typically won’t work as well or last as long.

Reviews of the Best Engine Oil Extractors

Based on expert tests and buyer reviews, here are 5 of the best engine oil extractors in 2023:

1. OMEGA Big Mouth Pro

With a powerful 1/3 HP motor, reinforced hoses, and 6.5 quart capacity, the OMEGA Big Mouth Pro is designed for frequent oil changes on larger engines. It extracts quickly and has sturdy metal construction. An integrated spout makes transferring used oil tidy. It earns top ratings for fast oil changes.

2. Craftsman Deluxe Oil Extractor

This Craftsman extractor comes at a great value while still offering solid performance. It holds 6 quarts of oil and has an auto shutoff. The suction hose is durable but also flexible for maneuvering. Owners love this extractor for mess-free oil changes.

3. FloTool 42048 Big Brute

The FloTool Big Brute features a high-flow pump coupled with a large 8 quart reservoir. It’s one of the fastest extractors available. The extension hoses allow accessing oil even on lifted vehicles. It earns excellent reviews for power and capacity.

4. Lumax LX-1632 Extractor

With rugged metal body construction, 1-year warranty, and well-built pump, the Lumax LX-1632 provides long-lasting performance. Its 6.5 quart reservoir works for most engines. An automatic stop prevents overfilling. Owners praise its strong suction and durability.

5. Gasland BE-1 Oil Extractor

For a budget-friendly option, the Gasland BE-1 extractor works reliably. It may extract a bit slower than pricier models but gets the job done. The pump is quiet and 5.5 quart capacity fits most needs. A meter displays how much oil has been removed. It’s great value for occasional use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should engine oil be changed?

Most mechanics recommend changing your engine oil every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months. This frequency helps remove contaminated oil and additives to protect your engine. If you drive in dusty conditions or haul heavy loads, change oil more often.

Do oil extractors work on motorcycles or ATVs?

Yes, oil extractors can also be used to change oil in motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, lawnmowers and other small engines. Just be sure to select an extractor rated for your engine’s oil capacity.

Can oil extractors be used onEuropean cars?

Many European cars do not have accessible oil drain plugs. Extractors are one of the easiest ways to change oil on Audis, BMWs, Mercedes, and other European vehicles. They provide a clean alternative to suction pumps for European oil changes.

How do you dispose of used oil?

Never dump motor oil down a drain or on the ground. Most auto parts stores and local recycling centers accept used oil for proper disposal. Put the drained oil in approved containers and drop it off at these locations.

How often do oil extractors need replaced?

With proper maintenance, a quality oil extractor should provide 5 years or more of use. Key components like hoses and seals may eventually need replaced. Pumps can fail sooner on cheaper models. Higher-end extractors often last 8-10 years.

Conclusion

Overall, engine oil extractors provide an easy and mess-free way to remove used oil from your vehicle. Quality extractors are able to extract 80-90% of old oil which is suitable for most needs. They do not present any risk of damage to your engine when used properly. Just be aware extractors do not fully replace a traditional oil change.

Look for key features like automatic shutoff, durable hoses, and strong pump capacity based on your engine size. And continue to get occasional oil pan drains if you primarily use an extractor. With a quality model, an engine oil extractor can make your oil changes quicker and cleaner.