How to make a engine oil extractor?

An engine oil extractor is a useful tool for changing your own oil in your car, truck, boat, lawn mower or other engine-powered equipment. Extractors allow you to remove used oil through the dipstick tube, without having to crawl under the vehicle or tip the equipment over to drain from the bottom. This makes oil changes cleaner and easier.

While you can purchase extractors, they are simple enough to make yourself for a fraction of the cost. With some basic hardware and a few hand tools, you can build your own quality extractor in an hour or two. This provides a customized tool that fits your specific needs.

In this 5000+ word guide, we will cover everything you need to know to make your own engine oil extractor from start to finish.

What is an Engine Oil Extractor?

An engine oil extractor is a fluid transfer pump intended for removing used motor oil through the engine’s dipstick tube. It is a narrow cylinder with a pipe that connects to flexible tubing. Inside the cylinder is a hand-operated pump system.

To use an extractor, you insert the pickup pipe down the dipstick tube until it rests near the oil pan. As you operate the pump, it draws old oil up from the pan, through the tubing and into a collection container. Extractors hold anywhere from 1 to 5 quarts of fluid.

Once the old oil is removed, you can pour in fresh oil down the same dipstick tube. This makes the oil change process much cleaner and straightforward. You never have to get under the vehicle or make a mess removing the drain plug.

Benefits of a DIY Extractor

Building your own extractor provides these advantages:

Cost Savings – Purchased extractors cost $60-$100. You can make one for under $20.

Custom Size – Design it to fit your specific engines.
Portability – Make it any size you need to store easily.
Quality Materials – Use thick-walled tubing for durability.

No Leaks – Braze, flare or compression fittings ensure an air-tight design.
Convenience – Extractors make oil changes much simpler.

As long as you have access to basic hardware supplies and tools, you can build a custom extractor in your garage. Follow the steps in this guide to make yours.

How an Extractor Works

Before we get into the construction steps, it helps to understand how an engine oil extractor actually works.

The key component is the internal pump system. While designs vary between models, they all operate on the same general principle.

Pump System

The pump contains a suction tube, handle, piston, valves and oil reservoir. Here is how the process works:

You insert the suction tube down the engine’s dipstick tube into the oil pan.
When you pull up on the pump handle, it draws the piston up, creating suction inside the cylinder.
The suction pulls oil from the pan through the tube and into the pump body.

Pressing the handle down forces the piston downward, closing the inlet valve and pushing the oil out through the outlet valve and into the attached hose.
Oil flows through the hose and into your collection container.
Repeating this pumping action extracts all the used oil from the pan.

Most extractors use a piston pump design, but some utilize a diaphragm style pump. Either way, the pumping action draws oil in and pushes it into your container.

How the Dipstick Tube is Used

The key advantage of an oil extractor is that it threads into the engine’s dipstick tube to access the oil.

This avoids the need to drain from underneath the vehicle. The dipstick tube provides a convenient opening directly into the oil pan.

When using, be sure to remove the dipstick first. Measure how far down the tube you need to insert the suction tube to reach the oil. Many tubes require inserting the full 12-16 inches.

This also shows the importance of a flexible pickup tube. It allows you to fish it down tubes with bends and angles.

Tube and Fittings

The suction tube needs to fit properly inside the dipstick tube to create an air-tight seal. This ensures it will draw oil effectively.

The hose and fittings leading to the collection bottle should also be air-tight to prevent leaks and loss of suction.

Later we will cover appropriate tubes sizes and how to make secure fittings. Proper construction is key to making an extractor that works efficiently.

Now that we understand how they work internally, let’s move on to the build.

Making a DIY Engine Oil Extractor

Building your own extractor involves basic plumbing skills and common hardware supplies. Many components can be salvaged from other projects or items.

We will go through the step-by-step build process:

Gather Tools and Materials

You may not need every item listed below, but these should cover any build scenario:

Tools

Hacksaw or tubing cutter
Utility knife

Heat gun or propane torch
Vise and clamps
Hammer

Drill and drill bits
Wrench set
Pliers

Safety gear – gloves, glasses, etc.

Materials

Pump – manual or drill powered

Steel or PVC pipe nipple for body
Copper, PVC or steel tubing
Pipe fittings – elbows, tees, adaptors, etc.

Oil container with cap
Hose clamps and hardware
Thread tape or pipe sealant

You will also need various screws, brackets and other bits of hardware for assembling the components together securely.

Make the Pump Housing

The housing serves as the main body of the extractor. This is what contains and supports the pump components.

It needs to be long enough to enclose the pump’s piston mechanism. The inside diameter needs to match the pump size.

Steel or PVC pipe nipples work well for the housing.

Cut a nipple to your desired length with a hacksaw. File the ends smooth.

Standard sizes around 1/2″ to 3/4″ inside diameter are ideal for small pumps. Go larger if using a bigger power drill pump.

Make sure the ID is slightly larger than your pump body. You want a smooth sliding fit. The housing serves as the pump cylinder.

Install Suction Tube Fitting

The suction tube needs to thread cleanly into the housing. This is how oil is drawn up from the engine.

Install a fitting at the bottom of the housing for the tube:

A female-threaded fitting like a elbow works well.
Thread tape helps create an air-tight seal.
Position so tube will be centered in the housing.

You can also weld a threaded collar directly to the body. Just be sure it aligns smoothly with the pump’s piston travel.

Install Outlet Fitting

The outlet fitting connects to the flexible hose leading to your collection container.

Install a fitting near the top of the housing:

A male-threaded fitting like a pipe nipple allows easy hose connection.
Position it near the top on the opposite side from the inlet.
Angle it to allow smooth oil flow.

Again, using thread tape or pipe sealant prevents any leakage.

Install Pump in Housing

Now you can install the pump unit itself:

A manual hand pump or power drill pump can be used.

Slide it down into the housing, being sure it moves smoothly.
It needs to make an air-tight seal against the inner walls.
Attach the base tightly using screws or a retainer plate.

The pump needs to be secure in the housing and able to pump fluid smoothly.

Test it out before continuing by adding oil and operating pump.

Attach Suction Tube

The suction tube attaches to the bottom inlet fitting:

Use steel or PVC tubing, keeping the diameter small.
Cut it the desired length to reach oil pans.
Attach tightly using a compression fitting, braze, flares or threads.

Ensure it seals air-tight.

10-12 inches is a common tube length, but make it longer if needed. Keep the diameter around 1/4″ to 3/8″ maximum for easy dipstick tube insertion.

Attach Outlet Hose

Flexible hose runs from the outlet to your collection container. Use thick walled tubing for durability and crush resistance.

Fuel hose, PVC tubing or radiator hose work well.
Attach it securely with hose clamps, compression fittings or similar.
Route it smoothly without kinks into container.

3/8″ to 1/2″ OD tubing is ideal for the outlet hose. Ensure all fittings are air-tight.

Add Carrying Handle

The carrying handle lets you operate the extractor easily:

Attach a handle made of wood, plastic or metal.

Screw or bolt it into the pump and housing.
Position near the middle for balance when lifting.

Make sure it is mounted securely. Test it fully loaded with oil.

Attach Container

Finally, you need a collection container:

Use a 1-5 quart plastic or metal bottle.
Screw on the cap tightly.

Attach it to the outlet hose using clamps or fittings.
Mount it above the pump so oil flows downhill.

Milk jugs, oil bottles or paint cans work well for catch containers.

And that completes the build! As long as you have air-tight seals, your extractor should work smoothly.

Using Your Homemade Engine Oil Extractor

Once built, use your extractor as follows:

Prepare the Engine

Get the engine ready for oil removal:

Remove the oil fill cap to vent the crankcase.
Raise and support the vehicle safely if needed.
Remove the dipstick to open the tube.

Proper ventilation prevents airlock and allows smooth oil flow.

Insert Suction Tube

Carefully insert the suction tube fully into the dipstick tube:

Slide it gently down into the oil pan.

Twist it to navigate any bends in the tube.
Ensure it reaches as close to the bottom as possible.

Having the tube resting in the oil is critical for proper extraction.

Drape Outlet Hose

Position the outlet hose into your collection container:

Have the container on the ground or a workbench.
Drape the hose down cleanly without kinks.

Angle the container opening to accept oil easily.

Proper hose routing prevents flow restrictions and blowback.

Operate Pump

Now you’re ready to pump out the old oil:

Steadily operate the pump handle or drill.
Pull up and push down to draw oil and discharge it.
Repeat until the flow of oil stops.

Check the dipstick to confirm the pan is empty.

Pump slowly and smoothly without removing the suction tube. This fully drains the oil until the pan is empty.

Pour in New Oil

With the used oil removed, pour fresh oil back down the dipstick tube:

Use a funnel to add the manufacturer’s recommended amount.
Slowly pour to give it time to flow into the pan.
Avoid overfilling – check the dipstick.

Adding new oil completes the extraction and oil change process. Run the engine and check for any leaks.

Maintenance and Improvements

Your homemade oil extractor should provide years of service with some simple maintenance:

Check for any air leaks in the hoses and fittings.

Inspect the pump unit for wear or damage.
Confirm the suction tube condition and fittings are tight.
Watch for erosion inside the steel tubing.

Keep the internal components clean and lubricated.

You can also add improvements over time:

Upgrade to heavier duty flexible tubing.
Install larger fittings if pump flow is restricted.
Add a shutoff valve to the outlet hose.
Use a longer suction tube to reach transmission pans.
Upgrade the container to a model with a drain spout.

Customizing your extractor allows you to modify it for different oil change jobs. Keep it tuned up for quick, clean DIY oil changes.

Conclusion

As you can see, building a homemade engine oil extractor is an easy project using common materials and basic tools.

For less than $20, you can create a custom designed model that fits your specific needs. It provides a fast, clean method of draining oil through the dipstick tube.

Carefully follow the construction steps to ensure air-tight seals and proper pump operation. This results in a quality extractor that can be maintained indefinitely.

With a spare afternoon and some hardware store supplies, you can build this handy oil changing tool. Never crawl under a vehicle or make a mess again!