An oil extractor pump is a handy device that allows you to easily drain the old oil from your car’s engine without having to get under the vehicle or make a huge mess. But is buying one of these pumps really worth the investment? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of oil extractor pumps to help you decide if purchasing one is right for your needs.
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What Is an Oil Extractor Pump?
An oil extractor pump is a suction device that removes used oil from your car’s engine through the dipstick tube. It works by creating a vacuum that draws the old oil out from the crankcase and into a collection container.
Most extractor pumps feature a long hose with a fitting on the end that connects to the engine’s dipstick tube. On the other end is a container that collects the used oil. Many models also include adapters to fit different-sized dipstick tubes.
High-quality oil extractor pumps have strong suction power that can pull old oil out quickly and efficiently. Better models also often include an auto-stop feature that prevents the tank from overfilling.
The Benefits of Using an Oil Extractor Pump
Here are some of the main advantages of using an oil extractor pump:
Convenience
Oil extractor pumps provide a very convenient way to drain oil. There’s no need to get dirty underneath the car trying to reach the drain plug. You simply insert the pump into the dipstick tube and turn it on. The entire process only takes about 5-10 minutes.
Less Mess
Because the used oil is sucked out through the dipstick tube, there’s minimal mess involved. The oil flows directly from the engine into the collection tank for safe and clean disposal. You avoid spills on the ground or splatters on your clothes.
Versatility
Extractor pumps can remove oil from engines as well as transmissions and power steering systems. So you can use it to service multiple systems in your vehicle easily.
Compact Size
Most oil extractor pumps are very compact and portable. They don’t take up much storage space, so you can easily keep one in your garage without it getting in the way.
Cost Savings
Doing your own routine oil changes with an extractor pump can save you money in the long run compared to taking your car to a shop. The pump often pays for itself after just a few uses.
Potential Drawbacks of Oil Extractor Pumps
Despite their benefits, there are a few potential downsides to consider with oil extractor pumps:
Incomplete Oil Removal
One common complaint about oil extractor pumps is that they don’t always remove all of the used oil from the engine. Some old oil can get left behind in the crevices of the engine block or oil pan. This defeats the purpose of the oil change.
Mess If Overfilled
If the collection container overfills, fresh oil can back up through the pump and make a mess in your engine compartment. Luckily this can be avoided by stopping the pump before overfilling, but it’s an annoyance to watch out for.
Not Suitable for Thicker Oils
Extractor pumps don’t work as well with thicker, more viscous oils. So if your car takes traditional or synthetic high-mileage oils, the suction may struggle to pull all the oil out.
Can’t Access Filter
The oil pump only extracts the old oil, it doesn’t allow you to access the oil filter for replacement. So you still need to get under the car and remove a bolt or two to change the filter each time.
Plastic Components
Cheaper oil extractor pumps may break easily due to plastic fittings and flimsy hoses. Quality is important when purchasing a pump.
Key Features to Look For
If you do decide to purchase an oil extractor pump, here are some key features to look for:
- Powerful suction capable of 5-6 quarts per minute
- Durable metal housing and components
- Auto-stop mechanism to prevent overflow
- Long, flexible hose to reach dipstick tubes
- Variety of dipstick adapter sizes
- Large collection tank capacity
- Portability and compact storage size
High-end models from reputable brands like Mityvac and FloTool offer these desirable features. Expect to pay $100-$200 for a heavy-duty extractor pump with strong suction power.
How to Use an Oil Extractor Pump
Using an oil extractor pump to change your engine oil is a pretty straightforward process. Just follow these basic steps:
- Check your owner’s manual for the engine’s oil capacity and recommended oil type.
- Select the proper dipstick adapter and connect the pump’s hose.
- Feed the adapter tube down through the dipstick tube into the engine oil.
- Place the collection container under the pump outlet.
- Turn on the power switch to start suctioning out the old oil.
- Monitor the stream of oil and stop the pump when the container nears full capacity.
- Drain the collector tank before continuing. Repeat steps 4-6 until oil stops flowing out.
- Remove the pump and refill the engine with fresh oil through the filler cap to the proper level.
The process takes less than 15 minutes and leaves almost no mess. Just be sure to dispose of the old oil properly when finished.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your oil extractor pump functioning properly for years of use, follow these maintenance tips:
- Clean the hoses, adapters, and collection tank after each use.
- Check fittings and hoses for cracks or leaks.
- Store pump components carefully to prevent damage.
- Don’t try to extract other fluids which could jeopardize the pump.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any required upkeep.
Conclusion
Oil extractor pumps provide a quick, clean, and relatively inexpensive way to perform your own oil changes. While not quite as thorough as a full drain from underneath the car, they are convenient time-savers for the DIY mechanic.
The small drawbacks like potential incomplete drainage or overfill mess can be minimized with proper use. And the right high-powered model should have no problem sucking all the old oil out.
Considering the ease of use, lack of mess, and potential cost savings over time, an oil extractor pump is generally a worthwhile investment for regular oil changes. Just opt for a durable metal model from a reputable brand to ensure years of optimal performance.