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Oil change using vacuum pump

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Ct
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25 ST
#1
What’s the pros and cons of doing this at home with the pump vs going under it? With the kids around there’s 5 cars here and it’s expensive and time consuming to go to those drive in places that we all hate and the dealers are a bit out of the way and require appointments and tour always stuck waiting. Thanks. TJ
 

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76
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Location
Illinois
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2025 Explorer ST
#2
What’s the pros and cons of doing this at home with the pump vs going under it? With the kids around there’s 5 cars here and it’s expensive and time consuming to go to those drive in places that we all hate and the dealers are a bit out of the way and require appointments and tour always stuck waiting. Thanks. TJ
I just started using a fluid extractor. The one con I see is not visually inspecting the bottom of the truck as frequently as I would like. Otherwise, the pros are numerous, time saving is a big thing, not having to get in the ground is another good one.... It is just easier, for me at least.
 

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SoCal
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25 ST
#3
I prefer the extraction method. But there are some cons.
You mentioned you have 5 car's. The extractor will only benefit the vehicles that have a top mounted oil filter like our Explorers. Otherwise, you'll be under the vehicle anyways to change the oil filter. Also, there is a one time cost to purchase the extractor, the manual pumps are generally inexpensive. I've linked one below that I use that's around $50.00.
Besides that, the extractor is a much easier, safer, and cleaner method. You get to completely skip the dangerous part of lifting and laying underneath the car.

Here's the one I use: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2361156785...1zFgnTlPIvc9WRcJ7NNndLMzs=|tkp:Bk9SR-rJ1cvuZQ
IMG_3688.jpg
 

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New Jersey
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2017 Grand Cherokee
#4
It’s worth noting that there’s usually a tiny bit of sediment that comes out when you pop a drain plug that will not get sucked out with a pump. Over time it could build up so it’s a good idea to do a regular change every few pump changes. Driving a little before you vacuum also supposedly helps stir it up
 

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#5
It’s worth noting that there’s usually a tiny bit of sediment that comes out when you pop a drain plug that will not get sucked out with a pump. Over time it could build up so it’s a good idea to do a regular change every few pump changes. Driving a little before you vacuum also supposedly helps stir it up
Agree which is why I always change my oil hot.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

OP
Fmoser
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Thread Starter #6
Appreciate the feedback.
Good tip on running it then changing.

I’m always doing something to them, brakes, rotating tires, general inspection under and above etc…
Was hoping the pump was a good alternative to saving some time and money, looks like I should get one.
Never used one so I’ve been curious about it.
 

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SoCal
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25 ST
#7
I wouldn't worry about any small residue left over in the pan. Even standard oil changes don't remove all the oil and residue scattered throughout the engine. That's why we have oil filters.

That said, I also allow my oil to warm up a little and circulate before changing.
 

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'20 Raptor, '22 Explorer ST, '14 GT500, '03 F150
#8
So the vehicle should be all the way up to operating temperature before using the extraction method? Never done an oil change like that and this seems like a simpler way to do it.
 

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96
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SoCal
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25 ST
#9
So the vehicle should be all the way up to operating temperature before using the extraction method? Never done an oil change like that and this seems like a simpler way to do it.
You can extract completely cold if you choose. The idea of changing warm is just to get the oil circulating so any debris is suspended when you extract. You probably dont want the oil too hot or it may warp the extractors hose.
 

Last edited:
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#10
You can extract completely cold if you choose. The idea of changing warm is just to get the oil circulating so any debris is suspended when you extract. You probably dont want the oil too hot or it may warp the extractors hose.
First part I knew just didn’t know how warm it should be, maybe just a minute until it’s off cold start high idle?
 

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#11
First part I knew just didn’t know how warm it should be, maybe just a minute until it’s off cold start high idle?
Yes, that's about how far I take mine.
 



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