Which fluid extractor pump do you recommend?

[KBH22102]

Many here like the Mityvac, but which model to get and why? Is there another make and model I should consider? I have an Amazon gift card burning a hole in my pocket and Black Friday is almost here

[daven]

I've got a Mityvac 7201 extractor with dispenser pump. Not only does it suck the fluids from my car or the drain pan, it also pumps the used fluids from the extractor into the container I use to transport them to the recycle center. All without getting my hands dirty.

The only thing I use it for is used fluids so I don't worry about having to clean it for dispensing clean fluids.

[Z3X2]

+1
I got the 7201 as well some people on the amazon reviews were saying that the seals go bad on the pump with the other models being exposed to oil. On the 7201 the pump is outside of the oil container so no problem. PS. I saw in one of Mr. Forbes photos that it looked like the one he uses as well.

[cincychuck]

+1
Have used my 7201 for 2 years on 3 cars with zero problems

[KBH22102]

+1
I got the 7201 as well some people on the amazon reviews were saying that the seals go bad on the pump with the other models being exposed to oil. On the 7201 the pump is outside of the oil container so no problem. PS. I saw in one of Mr. Forbes photos that it looked like the one he uses as well.

Thank you for this info. I was looking at some older threads (from 2008) and one poster mentioned his pump seals failing because he didn't drain used synthetic oil immediately.

[daven]

I've been using all synthetics longer than I've owned the Mityvac. And I've been known to be lazy about promptly transferring the fluids out. Not a problem here. Knock wood.

[Vinci]

I also have the 7201. I have used it for every oil change on my roadster for 6 years now without a single problem. This is with only Mobil1 synthetic and only being cleaned (inside) a couple times.

[amancuso]

I have the 7201 and something failed because It likes to spray oil out at the handle (very sparingly though) while pumping it up. To avoid any mess, I wrap the handle in paper towel and it gets the job done just fine.

[LAWLence]

I have the 7400. Works great so far, though I've only done a couple of changes with it. It helps to flush the cylinder head with an extra 1/4 quart to get all the nasty stuff into the oil pan before refilling. I'm definitely a convert.

[CaliAgents]

I had the 7201 as well but then it stopped working properly after (iirc) the 7th or 8th use. Air would leak out from the top and tightening the screws barely helped. I use it to transport/store old oil now.

Now I'm using this 6.5 liter unit and it's been great so far after having used it about 10 times. The attachment hose holder is a great feature as well which the Mityvac's don't have.

http://www.autosportcatalog.com/images/originals/oil_ext_65_1.jpg

[spacecowboy]

The government will subsidize this fluid extraction pump.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gqyfI1Fejjg/S4WWI3AggJI/AAAAAAAAAFE/jxNuggFQ7zs/s320/pos-t-vac.gif

[MusicCity Coupe]

New to the party, obviously you are using the extractor to extract fluids (sounds like primarily oil) however why not just remove the drain bolt in the oil pan? Am I missing something here?

[Z3X2]

I felt the same way held off getting one for years but once you try it you will understand much quicker and cleaner way of doing an oil change. Think of it this way why buy a Machine polisher when I could wax my car by hand.

[luciano136]

New to the party, obviously you are using the extractor to extract fluids (sounds like primarily oil) however why not just remove the drain bolt in the oil pan? Am I missing something here?

So much easier with BMW's since the oil filter is on top as well.

[MusicCity Coupe]

Thanks. I guess crawling under the car has never really been that big of a deal so I've never looked for a better alternative however it does makes sense.

[JWin]

The 7201 is annoying for a number of reasons. There's no fast way to get the fluid out. You either have to evacuate or unscrew about a dozen screws to get the top off. Seals at connection points are weak. The main house entrance into the unit started leaking almost instantaneously. The plastic seems to be exceptionally porous and really clings to the fluid (ie, the thing is messy as fuck). It also doesn't hold as much as it claims. If you get near the top be prepared for oil coming out of everything.

I'm going to pick this guy up which seems like a much simpler device (only extracts) and will solve most of my complaints: http://www.amazon.com/LiquiVac-Liquivac-Topside-Oil-Changer/dp/B001445IZ8/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1322294645&sr=8-13

Note, I haven't tried this one yet so this is not a recommendation - yet. Only another option.

[Z3X2]

The 7201 is annoying for a number of reasons. There's no fast way to get the fluid out. You either have to evacuate or unscrew about a dozen screws to get the top off. Seals at connection points are weak. The main house entrance into the unit started leaking almost instantaneously. The plastic seems to be exceptionally porous and really clings to the fluid (ie, the thing is messy as fuck). It also doesn't hold as much as it claims. If you get near the top be prepared for oil coming out of everything.

I'm going to pick this guy up which seems like a much simpler device (only extracts) and will solve most of my complaints: http://www.amazon.com/LiquiVac-Liquivac-Topside-Oil-Changer/dp/B001445IZ8/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1322294645&sr=8-13

Note, I haven't tried this one yet so this is not a recommendation - yet. Only another option.

Mine has a rubber stopper that you remove and the oil pours out thats pretty fast.:confused

[JWin]

Mine has a rubber stopper that you remove and the oil pours out thats pretty fast.:confused

Maybe I was missing something, I assumed that rubbed deal was just a way to release pressure. I was never able to pull it out of the lid.

[CaliAgents]

Maybe I was missing something, I assumed that rubbed deal was just a way to release pressure. I was never able to pull it out of the lid.

It comes out but gets really tight once a vacuum is created.

[mcoupe2000]

Mityvac 7201, connect it to my compressor and I love it.

[LAWLence]

Maybe I was missing something, I assumed that rubbed deal was just a way to release pressure. I was never able to pull it out of the lid.

On the 7400, the little fitting that the line/rubber stop plugs into is removable. It's held in by an o-ring, and there's actually a spout to pour into a larger container.

I use a 5 gallon water jug and just bring it into a recycling center whenever it gets near full.

[BenH]

i use Griot's extractor pump. i had a problem with the seal after 6 uses and Griot's replaced it with a new unit, no questions asked. now i remove the connector during non-use and haven't had a problem since.

[Vinci]

Maybe I was missing something, I assumed that rubbed deal was just a way to release pressure. I was never able to pull it out of the lid.
Nope, you can pull it out for pouring out the old oil. It even has a feature in the plastic around the stopper to help it pour straight. That's by far the best way of emptying it out.

[mpire]

I have the hand pump model and the pneumatic model of the mitivac.

They are both pretty handy.

Tiff prefers the hand pump model.

[fire2]

I'm going to pick this guy up which seems like a much simpler device (only extracts) and will solve most of my complaints: http://www.amazon.com/LiquiVac-Liquivac-Topside-Oil-Changer/dp/B001445IZ8/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1322294645&sr=8-13
Note, I haven't tried this one yet so this is not a recommendation - yet. Only another option.

For my boat Ive used the topsider you link above but it was not so good, it was very slow
to extract oil no matter how much pumping. I ended up using it for my waste oil storage only.
I now have this http://www.amazon.com/Stearns-Quick-Change-Oil-Pump/dp/B0019958D0/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1322322288&sr=1-1-catcorr
but its not much better and its noisy. I haven't seen any extractors that are quick and easy
and/or not messy.

[daven]

My first extractor was a Topsider. I would not recommend it. It is made of light-weight stamped steel but the screw caps are of an even lighter weight.
The on and off twisting of the caps causes them to deform real easy. Since their tight attachment is what creates the vacuum seal, any deviation in fit will result in a leak. Leaks = No extraction. I wasted too many hours trying different sealing methods. Finally gave up and asked Santa for the Mityvac. What a great guy he is, there it was under the tree.

[adonnan]

I'm going to miss my oil change mechanic...

The Mityvac sounds great. Now if only I could use one on the wife's Honda Civic.

[luciano136]

I have the topsider. It works for me but is indeed slow. I only use it about once a year though, so no big deal.