Polarlys

Hi, I've never seen it discussed here in the forum but I'm curious if anyone has tried the suction method for oil changes. I was browsing the Northern Tool catalogue today and was looking at a vacume pump/suction system for pulling old oil out through the dipstick tube. Curious if anyone here in the forums has tried it. I used to have an older Mercedes and on the MB forums these things were pretty common and well liked. Don't know if they've caught on here though. Someone had even done a test and found that they drew out every bit as much old oil as the normal drain methods with lots less fuss and muss. The one I was looking at held 3.5 gal so would cover the crankcase volume for our diesels.

Appreciate anyone interested in sharing their thoughts on this subject.

Thanks,
Roger in NJ

NickBeek

I haven't used one of them so I can't comment on them.

I installed a drain valve that is a ball valve type. It let's me dump my oil right into an empty oil container (saved from the last change). It is clean and easy and the valve is pretty inexpensive. Fumitomo is the brand I have.

Polarlys

Had not thought about the ball valve. Who carries them and are they a direct replacement for the factory plug ??? I like that idea.

NickBeek

I got mine from Genos Garage. Check the store here they might have them as well. Yes they are a direct replacement. They stick down about an inch or so, but they are behind the front axle, so you would have bigger problems if you tore it off on an obstruction. BTW, you can get them with or without the nipple on them. I went with the nipple as it makes it easier to hit the jug when draining, plus you have somewhere to connect a hose if you are really worried about aim.

Polarlys

Thanks. I do sometimes have trouble aiming. Especially after a few beers. I checked Genos on line they have several types.

Appreciate your input.

bansh-eman

I like the idea of the drain valves, but I am paranoid that it will get broke off. I have a small ding on my oil pan already from the sand dunes. I would have a heart attack if that thing hungup on something at the deerlease 4 hours from home and broke off!

Torqfan84

I have used the suction tool on my SB in the boat and did not like it at all, first it takes FOREVER and that's only with 4.5 quarts, second the one time i actually fought to get the drain plug out and drain it into a measurable container and pulled 5.5 quarts. One quart of oil being left in the pan. That might be because its not a stock pan regardless i threw the pump away after that

RDM16CTD

I've used the suction pump method for 15 years & on most cars it works great. The 1st time I try it on a new car I pull the drain plug afterwards to see if there's any left that the pump didn't get out - if it gets it all then I know I'm ok for future oil changes.

On my 05 CTD I can't use the suction pump - there's something down in the dipstick tube that blocks the plastic hose from getting into the pan. So I use the Fumoto valve (from Geno's) & it works great - it's easy to crawl under these trucks (cars are too close to the ground - the main reason I use the suction pump on them.

Every now & then I let the dealer do it - makes 'em feel needed & there's always the chance I'll get a good tech who'll notice something I'm missing since they see many trucks & I just see one.

05HDRAM

I have been a little paranoid about trying one of the drain valves, but 3 gallons pours out of that little drain plug pretty darn fast. I may break down and give one a shot.

Polarlys

Thank you all for your comments. I too am cautious about having a drain plug hang down below the oil pan. But I'm not into off roading with my truck so it may not be so much of a concern. I may look to give one a try an see if I like it. I also think that the suction method would take forever to get the large volume of oil out of our trucks so while I like the idea I question its practicality. And, as mentioned earlier, if there is an obstruction in the tube that sort of answers that issue right off.

Thanks again for all the great insights you've provided.

Roger in NJ

1mathom1

Just ordered my Fumoto valve from lubricationspecialist.com.
$20.95 plus $3 shipping via mail.

bansh-eman

^^^ Is probly the best price I have seen for one.

Shorts

I've never tried the suction method for changing the oil.

I have installed a Fumoto drain valve (104N) and it's doing fine. I think I stick my head under the truck several times a week to see if it's doing anything bad but so far, it's fine. It's my paranoia There's no leaking anywhere. Not around the pan hole-gasket, not out of the bottom of the spout.

Like others my concern was knocking it off because it hangs down. But again, paranoia. I'll have bigger problems if I'm scraping the pan that sits higher than the front diff.

mattk50

I have the ez change bought at Genos garage several years ago.works very well and you can control how fast it drains it has a drain tube so you can drain into any container you want.It also sits flush with the pan so it doesn't hang down to get hit by anything.

Polarlys

Thanks MattK. You beat me to it. I was just looking at Geno's on line and was about to ask about the ez-drain. I like the fact that it is low profile so it doesn't stick down below the pan. Like the others it's probably just being paranoid but I hesistate to put one in that sticks any lower than necessary. The only thing I don't like about it is you have to have the outside half to use it. If you lose the outter part your stuck. But I do like it.

Thanks,
Roger