Fluid Evacuator Recommendations

connor77 · Jan 1, 2013

Would like to hear from people that have purchased fluid evacuators to change oil / fluids. I'd like to start changing my own oil in our cars and also in some lawn/garden equipment I have. I have read a few reviews on the MityVac products but they look a little cheesey to me. I'd like to get something made in the USA if possible.

Any suggestions? Has anyone bought the Crew Chief product from John Dow Industries? I can't seem to find out where this is made (it's about $250 so I'm guessing it's not made in the USA). I've also looked at FLUID EVACUATORS that are made in AZ. Also curious to know if anyone has purchased anything from them.

Thanks and Happy New Year to all.

Diamondpilot · Jan 1, 2013

Why not just pull the drain plug as it has been done for the last 100 years?

I have used about all of them in marine applications. Some work ok but most not so much. None are as good as pulling a drain plug.

Chris

mikehaugen · Jan 1, 2013

I agree that draining from a plug is the best way, unless (like probably in the marine applications mentioned) you can't practically get to or get something underneath. It is faster and more thorough in my opinion.

I do however have a mityvac hand vacuum pump that I will use on brake lines on occasion. It works ok and is well made- it is the aluminum body one, not the plastic.

like2wheel · Jan 1, 2013

I had the Mightyvac Evacuator + for a brief time before I returned it.

I bought it because of its ability to push as well as pull, but it did such a poor job pushing, I returned it. The problem is the poor design of the top, it leaks air easily, so you are not able to build pressure for dispensing. Also I thought the top should be easy to remove, to clean the inside to avoid contamination.

Went back to my modified tank sprayer for dispensing, & a vacuum ball I have for evacuating.

connor77 · Jan 2, 2013

The thought of just putting a pressurized tube down into the crank case is pretty appealing especially when considering changing the oil on my tractor. I've read differing opinions on which way (gravity or suction) actually removes more sludge and overall liquid. I think I'd be more inclined to change the oil more frequently if it were a bit easier hence my interest in learning more about an evacuator to do it. For anyone interested there is a pretty quick video on the John Dow site of a mechanic removing the oil from an import and if the process were half as easy as this video made it look I'm definitely going to consider buying one. Thanks for the help guys.

DEWFPO · Jan 3, 2013

I've used a hand-pump vacuum evacuator for about the last 18 years now for a variety of liquid removal jobs and it works great. The unit I have is branded "Suck-Up" and it has served me very well. I've never had to replace a single part in it and I've moved brake fluid, PS fluid, oil, water, trans fluid, gear oil, you name it. It's important to get one with at least a 2 gallon capacity so you can remove large volumes like coolant. I added a long, skinny, stiff small diameter tube so that I can 'sting' a automatic trans with a very long dip stick (about 3-4 ft. long) and it works great. The hotter the fluid (less viscous), the faster it's removed.

I highly recommend this unit. Well worth the money.

Did a Google search and here's the first listing I came up with : Suck Up Oil Extractor Pump

DEWFPO

the old grind · Jan 3, 2013

Ages ago I tried the 'Topsider' vacuum setup (cordless)

for the convenience in I/O boats with no room for a drain pan. It's not perfect, but it didn't cost much to find out. btw: Still recommending it after 20 yrs & a $15 price creep.Liquivac Topside Oil Changer | Oil Extractors| Northern Tool + Equipment

rjok · Jan 3, 2013

I use a Pella extractor on our VW's. They have skid plates whic makes using the drain plug difficult. Have had 10 years with no problems. Rick

Shadow99 · Jan 4, 2013

Been using a Jabsco portaquick 12v oil changer on my Yanmar 2GM (in sailboat) for over 15yrs, best 200 bucks I've spent. Uses a reverseble 12vdc motor mounted to a 5 gallon pail, suck EVERYTHING out of the oil pan. Got it from local marine supply store, only had to replace the impeller once in the 15 yrs I've owned it.
Shadow