Engine oil extractors

[StevenJJ]

Greetings,

I've just purchased a mk4 Golf GT TDI and keenly acquired all major service filters and items from VW.

In typical German fashion there is a not-unsubstantial heat retainer/sound dampener/aero aid covering the sump/transmission which is connected up to two other covers either side; one for the timing belt and one for something else.

Having scoped the job out the central panel can be removed to access the sump but it will involve messing around with the car on ramps (don't like doing this, ramps flying around all over etc.) or axle stands (not keen on these either).

A few guides have highlighted oil extractors as being the answer. The car has 89,000+ miles and FSH so any 'new build' swarf etc. should be long gone. I believe newer oils should be 'holding' any particles in suspension so there shouldn't be any 'crap in the bottom' collecting.

What's the true story with these?

The reality of the situation is the oil and filter will be getting changed with a lot more reliability/regularity if I don't have to go underneath the car and take panels off to do it.

Edit-- speeeling

Edited by StevenJJ on Saturday 27th December 19:38

[eliot]

I've been using them.
I suppose there is an arguement about the sludge in the bottom, but going by the sumps I've cleaned out - draining the oil out the bottom makes no difference - its very thick and doesn't "drain" at all - Its like jelly thats set.

[GreenV8S]

Swapping just the oil is better than nothing, but if at all possible you really want to replace the filter too. Do you have enough access to do that with the approach you're suggesting?

[StevenJJ]

Cheers for replies.

Ah yes, I should've been clearer - the filter is a cartridge-type and the housing is located in the engine bay for access from above.

The filter housing does have its own drain mechanism which can be done from below (again, covered by the central panel) but the extrator pipe could easily be inserted in there from above.

[CaptiV8ted]

I use one of these...

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/search/filter/pe...

(The 2.5 L one at bottom of page)


Wifey has a smart car which has no sump plug, so these are essential to service them. Get the oil warm before pumping out (work the handle a few times to build up the vacuum) and it will remove it all in no time.
I was worried about residue in the bottom of the sump, but you can hoover out every last drop with these. Mercedes (who built the Smart engine) must be happy to use this method I would hope!

It's a very clean way to change oil.

[Isoproturon1]

Used a PELA 6000 on the A4 I have just sold; I bought it with 140K on the clock and did 4 oil and filter changes on it before selling it with 177K miles, using this tool. Never once took the plastic tray off the underneath. Never had a problem. Just make sure the oil is nice and hot and suck the oil out of the filter housing. The oil capacity on mine was 4.2 litres and it sucked out around 4.1 litres - the other 100ml was, I am sure, distributed pretty thinly throughout the engine so I was never concerned about getting the full 4.2 litres out.

I think it cost me about £30 from a maritime supplies place (Seamark Nunn seems to ring a bell).