Tips for Vacuum Extraction of Engine Oil Please

whobodym

I used my spiffy 7 liter vacuum extractor to change the oil in my '17 Forester Turbo but managed only to get 4.5 rather than 5.5 liters of oil out, despite a lot of poking around of the "straw" hose down the dipstick tube. Was this a lost cause, and must I really put the car on ramps and remove the drain plug to drain all the oil? Or maybe one of you knows what just-right angle to orient the car in? Up/down/tilt right or left??

thecardoc3

The engine wasn't designed to be serviced that way. You need to pull the drain plug to drain the old oil correctly and don't forget to replace the sealing washer and torque it.

dcm61

Get a Fumoto Drain Valve. Makes oil changing quick, with minimal mess.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VCB9WC

Mr_Shiftright

Risky unless you have a skid plate.

bdyment

I would only let the dealer change the oil when the vehicle is under warranty. These are good cars and SUVs, but they are some what different in design and engineering. If a warranty claim should happen, it is much easier solved if a registered dealer has performed the work.

Also I have never been a fan of vacuum extractors for oil removal. Better to drain it.

Mr_Shiftright

I think it's a huge pain and takes a lot of fiddling and a lot of time. I just don't see any real advantage.

jfl

+1 on the Fumoto Drain valve. Had one on my 2000 Legacy and now have one on my 2013 Impreza. Well designed and functional.

cmhj2000

Fumoto valve, love them. Have used them for years.