using the fluid evacuator

[jacal]

using the fluid evacuator - Updated

Just picked up a 'fluid evacuator' for $50 Cdn. I hope to use this with the '03 V6.

What is the proper use of this device? Do I pump first to create a vacuum? Do I just run the tube down the dipstick and start pumping? What about once the unit is full...can I pump the used oil out into a different container?

Will this collect all of the oil? Or at least do an equivalent job to a drain plug?

Thanks, I'd rather have a clue before I start.



J

 

[jacal]

a 2nd pic

top of device:

 

[rra640]

Where did you buy this unit? I have been considering one for myself.

 

[jacal]

I bought the unit at "Princess Auto". I think they are Canadian only. Others have purchased from Griots garage I think.

It is probably very easy to use, I will probably 'test' it out on my snowthrower or lawn mower before doing the Runner.

It looks like it has a spout for pouring used fluid out.

I also worry if I am going to risk 'mixing' any fluids? ...say I extract old gas, then want to do an oil change...any thing to worry about?



J

 

[Louie]

Could you do us a favor. When you use this device, measure the amount of oil that you are able to draw out. You will answer the question, does a device like this in your application get most of the engine oil out. A lot of people have an idea that it gets more, or less than pulling the plug, but I don't think they could know unless they do what you are going to do. You could become the site expert. Thank you.:awais:

 

[rra640]

I guess the way to really tell if it gets it all out is to use it and then pull the drain plug to see what is left.

I would be interested in seeing those results. I probably wouldn't mix fluids.

 

[jacal]

I guess the way to really tell if it gets it all out is to use it and then pull the drain plug to see what is left.

I would be interested in seeing those results. I probably wouldn't mix fluids.

As far as testing the unit - no problem. I can't be sure how much oil was put in last time, but it should hover around 5.3L for the v6. I like the idea of pulling the plug afterwards to be 100% certain. Naturally, some will always be left behind, even in the evacuator itself.

My previous oil change routine (99 ford ranger) was to drain the oil, then "throw away" and pour approx 1/4 cup of additional oil in befor re-installing the drain plug. Once that had dripped thru, I'd finish up normally. I changed that oil every 5000km.

As far as mixing fluids - I'm not talking intentionally, just by accident...again, not even sure if this is an issue.

It will be a couple of weeks before I do the oil change, but I will update everything in this thread.

J

 

[Bluto]

I bought the unit at "Princess Auto". I think they are Canadian only. Others have purchased from Griots garage I think.

It is probably very easy to use, I will probably 'test' it out on my snowthrower or lawn mower before doing the Runner.

It looks like it has a spout for pouring used fluid out.

I also worry if I am going to risk 'mixing' any fluids? ...say I extract old gas, then want to do an oil change...any thing to worry about?



J

I have a Tempo Oil Extractor. It has a spout for pouring out the used oil. There is also an automatic shutoff if it is full. Stick in the hose, start pumping until oil flows. (when it has a vacuum).

I've mixed fluids. If you hang the extractor lines after you are done virtually all the fluid drains out. Just don't do stuff back to back. You'll have no issues.

On my V8 it got all the oil pulling the drain plug would have. An you can "throw away" a little oil the same way. Some engines cannot use extractors (like Subaru). Toyotas are fine.

 

[Toy-Man]

I have had the Griot's Garage fluid extractor since I bought my 4R in '03. My truck has never had the oil drain plug removed since I purchased it. The pump from Princess Auto is exactly the same but cheaper (49.99 Cdn) than the one from Griot's Garage ($65 US). I like mine so much I bought one from Princess Auto for my son (he's a VW/Audi owner). It's great, especially with the 4R V6, you don't even have to get under the truck. You do the whole oil and filter change from the top since the oil filter is up there also.

There is plenty of room in the extractor for all the oil in most vehicles (it hold 6.5 litres), and I find it gets all of the used oil, maybe better than through the drain plug.

Just stick the thin tube in the dipstick hole, give the extractor a few pumps to create a vacuum and cause the oil to flow. It's usually finished removing all the oil by the time I've replaced the oil filter.

It's really slick and very clean to use. I thought once of wearing my tux while doing the oil change but that would be carrying this a bit too far LOL.

It definitely has by recommendation.

GL -Toy-Man-

 

[Koz]

I would think that the oil at the bottom of the pan is the most important oil that should be drained and I think this tool could miss it.

Koz

 

[Louie]

I agree with Koz, plus I think the flushing action of that oil running out the drain plug hole might take some gunk with it. I also pour a couple of ounces through to see what comes out.

 

[Fourty-four]

I agree with Koz, plus I think the flushing action of that oil running out the drain plug hole might take some gunk with it. I also pour a couple of ounces through to see what comes out.

The problem is that there isn't really much of a flushing action when the oil drains out of the pan. If there is any sediment on layering the bottom of the oil pan, it pretty much stays there as the rest of the oil comes out. It would take some "toilet bowl" flushing action for the sediment to come out with the old oil. I've dropped quite a few oil pans after draining the oil, only to find all kinds of stuff still sitting on the bottom of the pan.

 

[jacal]

UPDATE

I have complete my first oil change on the 4L v6.

Steps:
1) run errands, warm up oil
2) parked on level surface, inserted small diameter tube into dipstick. Tube seemed short, so I put the evacuator up on a stool. (so the top of the unit was just above the top of the tire)
3) started pumping (realized later I needed to open the oil fill spout for better speed)
4) changed the filter (wow was it tight). Dropped the rubber cap (found it much later) that prevents the catch pan from spilling oil.
5) inspected results from evacuator. Not satisfied, so I tried a few more things, like holding it as close as possible etc. tube (5 feet) still seemed short.
6) removed the oil drain pan bolt. I did not have to remove the skid plate at all, there is a good-sized oval access area to get at the oil pan. Am I missing a part here? In any case, more oil definately came out. Just studying the design, the oil pan is absolutely the lowest part of the engine. I doubt that the dipstick even reaches into it. It wasn't much more oil, but it definately wasn't totally empty.
7) I replaced 5.1L of Mobile 1 Synthetic (4.4L jug was $32Cdn on sale (regular $38), the 1L was $8 and change)
8) I was able to put all 'old' oil into that same 4.4L container for disposal, it was near the top, therefore more then 4.4L. Not sure what to make of this.

Fiddling around time:
Just holding the evacuator tube, I tried cramming it into the engine a few times, checking to see if I could see it around the drain pan. I tried 3 times, and was not able to see the tube from the bottom, but this was hardly conclusive. This evacuator tube only goes so far, I don't think it finds its way to the drain hole area. I'd like to see an engine diagram to 'predict' where it ends up by looking at the dipstick-drain hole relation.


Comments:

1)
http://www.toyota120.com/html/v6_quick_clean_oil_change.html

Looking at the picture of the evacuator we see an arrow indicating 4.5L extracted. I feel like I got roughly the same result, (but a longer tube would have made it easier). If 4.5L is accurate, then the evacuator must be comming up short.

2)
I'm not overly worried about sludge not being gathered by the evacuator, I always thought oil should suspend the contaminants anyway.

3)
I'm thinking the evac gets nearly everything. If that is worth it's simplicity (assuming a longer tube) then I think I will continue with this method - especially for winter where I don't want to lie on the ground. I'd also like to speak to a cousin who is a mechanic and get his take on evacs. On the other hand, it really isn't *that* hard to get underneath and undo the drain plug.


J

 

[4x4v8]

Any updates?

Im thinking of getting it from Princess AUto too. But is it $80 now.