I think this was discussed here before, but I didn't see the answers I'm looking for.

Anyhoo... As anyone used one of these before???

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=10122

I generally start my Christmas shopping around this time, and I was thinking about something like this for my Dad.

Anyone use one of these? If so, how do you like it? Dislike it? It seems like it makes the oil change easier??? Or is it not worth it, since you'd still have to crawl under the car to get at the oil filter?

Thanks!

 

I just bought a Pela 6000 (holds 6 liters) for about $40. I haven't used it yet. On mine the 'probe' looks like a motorcycle cable sleeve (coiled metal w/ plastic coating) minus the cable of course. This attaches to a clear tube running into the ball. I searched numerous forums and everyone seems to love them. I'll write a review once I use it. As a added bonus the pump looks like it could be used on a penis enlarger.:P

 

Sounds like a personal problem.


Let me know how it works, i.e. how it works pumping the OIL out of your car.

 

Check marine supply stores, save some money ....

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/com...r=5591&outlet=

http://www.tempoproducts.com/pumps.html

Seems like the only complaint people have is the short hose. The hose is more of an issue with boats.

With our cars, I think the filter can be changed with out going under the car (via the wheel well). Just need enough room to slide a drain pan under the filter.

 

You still have to crawl under there to change the filter don't you. Also a good opportunity to check things out.

The only advantage of this would be for a boat that I can see.

 

Funny this got posted today: I just ordered the one from Griot's late Saturday night ($65 + shipping). I should be getting it later this week at which point I'll change the oil. I'll let you know how I like it.

From what I surmised during my internet research, the smaller PELA (~$40 + shipping) also works well, but requires more effort to pump. The larger PELA looks exactly like the Griot's but costs about more (~$75 + shipping).

Most of the reviews that I found were from high-end car sites (NSX, Lotus, Ferarri - do a google search for 'oil extractor'). I figure if its good for them, it should work find for me and my CL-S.

This all started because I wanted to get my oil changed at the dealer and found that local dealers had about a 2 week backlog. It seemed stupid for something as remedial as an oil change. I checked out the bottom of the CL-S and I don't think that I can properly torque the oil pan bolt back on without jacking up the car (the filter should be easy - turn wheels to right and remove). I was going to buy a pair of jack stands and a floor jack when my wife found out and told me that 'no way was she going to allow me to crawl under a jacked up car'. Then I thought about the suction extractor thingy -- close to cost of jack stands/floor jack, I wouldn't have to re-torque the oil pan bolt -- just what I need to appease the wife and avoid the dealer for an oil change.

It'll also be good to suck out the oil on the lawnmower. Those oil changes are usually messy.

I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

Thanks Slimey.

Again, this would be for my Dad. While he's still able to go under the car and do things, I thought this would be something that would give him a little easier time with things. The scariest part, is getting the car up on the ramps. Especially a FWD car. The first time, and only time I changed the oil in my CL, I goosed it a bit going up the ramps, and PULLED them BOTH back about 8 inches!!! Fortunately, nothing happend, but the look on my Dad's face when I did that, I thought he saw a ghost. Scared the piss outta me too...

And the next time I change the oil in my CL, I'll have to see if I can get at the filter from the side. I didn't even think about trying it that way. Maybe by doing that along with using the oil pump, my car will never have to go up on his ramps ever again.

 

It also works for removing old anti freeze out of the side plastic tank (during flushing time)

 

How much tranny fluid could this pull??? More than a drain (which is only 3 quarts)??

 

Quick math ---

The Griot's model hold 6.5 liters.

1 liter = .9 quarts (roughly)


So, you can get about 5.85 quarts of liquid in this thing.

So you should be good with a tranny fluid drain.

 

The CLS automatic has a 7.6 quart capacity.
Removing the drain plug will yield 2.9 quarts.

Can a pump remove more through the ATF dip stick? Changing out tranny fluid in 15 minutes

Time to get a pump and find out. I'll pick up the Tempo tonight.

 

Ramps are bad, very bad. Get jack stands.

 

Maybe that's another thing to add to Dad's Christmas list...

 

Try it with a STICK SHIFT FWD car for added difficulty.

We attempted this when I installed my headers and the results were less then spectacular.
We abandoned the attempt and went with jack stands after I fired BOTH ramps back UNDER THE REAR TIRES.
Luckily they were plastic and didn’t do any damage to the underbody.

Shawn S

 

For oil, you actually stick it into the dip stick chute. The web site makes a caveat that your oil pan has to be a relatively straight shot from the dip stick without any intervening gearing. This is only an issue on a few car brands (which were not Honda/Acura - remember I mentioned the NSX dudes like this product).

I'm not sure of the design of automatic tranny oil dipstick/reservoir - if there is gearing in the way it may not be as effective.

 

By the way, one liter is equivelant to 1.05669 quarts or 33.814 ounces, last I checked.

So 6.5 liters = 6.87 quarts

(you got the conversion backwards)

 

So when I arrived home today the kind UPS man left my Griot's Garage oil extractor on my rear porch. I set out to do my first CL-S oil change. I had exactly 3749 miles when I was at the top of the driveway - talk about timing.

The pump comes with three suction tubes to attach to it - it's not a one-size-fits-all kind of device. I used the smallest diameter tube and put it into the oil dipstick chute until I felt bottom.

I pumped the handle about four times and the oil started flowing. I gave an extra two pumps for good luck. It took about 10 - 15 minutes to completely drain the oil pan. I extracted about 4 1/8 liters (the thing is graduated in liters, not quarts).

The oil was quite warm as I had just driven a 10 mile drive home in 92ºF heat. I waited 10 - 15 minutes for the car to cool and settle but the oil was still obviously hot. The plastic tubing softened during the oil extraction but it never got flimsy. It never seemed like it would melt.

I then removed the oil filter and about 1/8 - 1/4 quart came out with that. I re-sucked, this time with the oil cap off, and got our a few more drops from the pan. Some additional oil dripped out of the filter assembly.

I think that the extractor was able to completely drain the pan. It did so with little effort and did not spill a drop. The oil filter change is still a little messy, so I wouldn't recommend wearing your dress khakis as the advertisement picture suggests.

I put on a new Honda brand oil filter that I got from AHMOTORS (I drove there to check out their shop and get an idea of what kind of show they run - I'm thinking about them installing any future mods - they have a nice shop and seem like nice guys). I tightened the filter 6/8 turn and thought it was tight enough (the filter itself recommends 7/8 turn). I refilled with 4.6 quarts of Castrol GTX 5W20 (I may go to synth after the next change). The 5W20 is thin and it makes it hard to read the dip stick. You have to tilt the dip stick in the light to really see the new oil.

All in all, the oil change was quite easy. I didn't have to crawl under the car. I didn't have to worry about torquing the oil pan bolt on correctly. I didn't have to worry about a 20¢ crush washer. The oil was easily transferred from the extractor to a sealable (Blitz brand) collection pan for easy recycling.

Is it worth the $65? Yes, if you don't want to jack up your car and crawl under it and get oil sprayed on your head. No, if you don't mind the latter.

 

Nice!!! Thanks for the update!

I may have to pick up one for Chirstmas for my Dad.

 

Are there any other brands besides Griots?

 

See posts #2 & #4 in this thread.

 

I also noticed this with the filter, 6/8. My Tempo Oil Boy works great. It only came with two tubes and holds 4.5 liters. But gets the job done.

With ATF fluid, extracting from the dip stick, you can only pull 1.5 quarts before the fluid it too low for the tube to reach. I just had my 30k done, so the dealer did a drain. But, they added 4 quarts, and a drain is 3 quarts. Does anyone else run an extra quart of ATF?