Motive Power Extractor Review

[danewilson77]

So...I thought I would share my review of this product.

Rating...8/10.

So....you start by taking the whole bottle and all the hose out of the box. Instructions are very clear and easily used.

What you do is secure the pinch clamp, and lower pressure inside the bleed reservoir to 15" of vacuum. 15 is max...and found myself setting between 10 and 15.

Next, remove the dipstick, and stick the small diameter, hard plastic tubing down the dipstick hole. Gently tap the bottom of the oil pan.

Then, release the pinch clamp, and in about 15 minutes....I had 6.5 qts of dark 0W-40 sitting in the reservoir.

I attribute the extra lack of 6.9 qts to whatever was in the filter and maybe a small amount in the pan.

Remove tubing and replace dipstick.

Concern: I believe that the pinch clamp, over time, will weaken the tygon, and I will prolly just use it this way until it fails. At this point I will either splice in a small valve, or something else.

Clean up was a breeze....and I like not having to get under my car to change the oil/

Connection provided for bleeding brakes too....which rocks.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMG_20101211_163627.jpg

Available here for 65 bux less shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AAJSOE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AAJSOE

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/62261_x600.jpg

[kayger12]

Good review. Future purchase me thinks. Thanks.

[danewilson77]

A lil video action.

Note: I should have said inches of vacuum vice psi.

Note 2: Yes...there is pizza in the trunk of my wifes car.


http://s1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/?action=view&current=VID_20101211_161005.mp4

[pyreguy]

The link isn't working for me.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

It should work now.

[danewilson77]

Thanks Marcus. You may have picked up on it,,,,but my laptop got infected....so...on the weekends its the Droid exclusively...pb.....does play well with Droid.

[az3579]

Dane,
Need assistance with the laptop?

Also, this would definitely make oil changes during the WINTER a lot easier for those of us that don't have garages. No need to crawl around on the frozen ground or snow, that's for sure...
Though I do have to ask; how did you tap on the oil pan without jacking up the car and take off the plastic covers?

[Alphatek45]

Man that is easy. What, 5 min oil change now?

[danewilson77]

Naaaa....It prolly took 15 minutes to suck out all the oil....as pressure goes up...as the fluid level lower. Plus...I bumped it back up to 10" and tried to suck out all I could.

I put in 6.5 qts (cuz thats all I got out)....drove around all day...checked it...and found I was about a 1/2 qt low....so...I think the ~1/2qt was in the filter.....

[danewilson77]

Dane,
Need assistance with the laptop?

Also, this would definitely make oil changes during the WINTER a lot easier for those of us that don't have garages. No need to crawl around on the frozen ground or snow, that's for sure...
Though I do have to ask; how did you tap on the oil pan without jacking up the car and take off the plastic covers?

I do not understand this question my friend. I tap the end of the tube, on what I thought, was the oil pan (in through the dipstick).

[Washburn]

Want the Pizza. :)

[danewilson77]

LOL.....yeah.....my life is pretty dynamic....hehe

[kayger12]

Have to give this item a major +1 bump.

This thing is awesome. Exactly as DW described it.

This makes my top ten list of greatest things since sliced bread.

[danewilson77]

I am actually getting 6.9 qts out....by removing the filter in the process.

How much did you get Keith?

[kayger12]

A little more than 6.5-- she was a hair low, though (I checked before I did the oil so I knew how much should be coming out).

She took 6.9 to refill, so I'm assuming it got it all out.

[danewilson77]

A little more than 6.5-- she was a hair low, though (I checked before I did the oil so I knew how much should be coming out).

She took 6.9 to refill, so I'm assuming it got it all out.

Damn...thats what I was thinking, and was looking for the confirmation I just recieved. Thanks Keith.

[bullfrogs_M3]

So other than not having to go under the car, is there any other benefit?

[danewilson77]

So other than not having to go under the car, is there any other benefit?

How could there be?

-No jacking = Safety
-No mess on hands or clothes
-No tools required
-Time savings


Maybe I misunderstand you.

[kayger12]

So other than not having to go under the car, is there any other benefit?

Just the obvious stuff-- not having to ramp/jack the car, not having to drop the splash shield, not having to replace drain plug crush washer, not having to replace drain plug after so many changes, less mess on clothes/hands...

All convenience stuff, really.

I don't see any benefit as far as quality of the oil change or anything like that.

[nk_zhp]

I am a big fan of these oil extractors (different brand in my case). They make oil changes way too easy. I've been using this method on my cars for the last 5 years, had the oil pan out for my M3 a year or so ago, the bottom looked spotless. As long as the oil is warm while you suck it all out it should extract the dirt and debris with it.

[danewilson77]

The only dis-benefit I see from this is that it discourages one from going under their car.

Also...if the car has sludge.....some may be flushed out the drain plug by the conventional method.

[Mtnman]

just ordered.

[kayger12]

Nice!

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Washburn]

I am wondering how much of sedimented crap (if any) is left on the bottom of the pan when you change oil this way...I think it's great to have such an easy method, but i'd do at least 1 pan drop/regular OC per every 5 with the extractor, just to make sure that whatever little amounts of oil that gets left on the pan doesn't turn out to be some big problem later on...

[zhpnsnv]

I am wondering how much of sedimented crap (if any) is left on the bottom of the pan when you change oil this way...I think it's great to have such an easy method, but i'd do at least 1 pan drop/regular OC per every 5 with the extractor, just to make sure that whatever little amounts of oil that gets left on the pan doesn't turn out to be some big problem later on...

:word

[danewilson77]

Perhaps...I think your idea is sound....however...I don't think we have a bunch of sludge build up changing to fresh oil and filters every 7500 miles either.

Your way is prudent I believe.

[Washburn]

Yeah i didn't REALLY think or know there's sludge, very probably not, esp. with syn. oil, etc. I am probably too careful, but as soon as we get a place with a garage, i am also going to use an extractor, and then just do 1 "normal" OC every once in a while, just for the peace of mind. I am sure you guys will be fine with how you guys do it.

I am also going to get a UOA when the car gets to about 40-50k miles to see how things are wearing...

[nk_zhp]

See my post regarding the oil pan after long terms usage of oil extractor. No worries.


Yeah i didn't REALLY think or know there's sludge, very probably not, esp. with syn. oil, etc. I am probably too careful, but as soon as we get a place with a garage, i am also going to use an extractor, and then just do 1 "normal" OC every once in a while, just for the peace of mind. I am sure you guys will be fine with how you guys do it.

I am also going to get a UOA when the car gets to about 40-50k miles to see how things are wearing...

[Washburn]

Thread revival -
Dane- any updates? how is it holding up? still sucking well ? :)

where can I find a BMW oil filter wrench, and do you guys tighten the oil filter cap by hand and just wing it? does it have to be a certain Nm amount?
which O rings do I need to change when changing oil filter?

[danewilson77]

Thread revival -
Dane- any updates? how is it holding up? still sucking well ? :)

where can I find a BMW oil filter wrench, and do you guys tighten the oil filter cap by hand and just wing it? does it have to be a certain Nm amount?
which O rings do I need to change when changing oil filter?


New filter will come with o ring.

You can get filter socket at Amazon, ECS, etc....

I tighten mine to ensure o-ring is seated, then I just snug it up plastic to plastic (housing to cap). I don't torque it. 18.4 ft-lbs is the required torque though.

Power Extractor still works like a champ. I do a drain from the plug about every 4th oil change.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[WOLFN8TR]

Change the filter FIRST. When you break the cover seal, it dumps nearly a quart of (dirty) oil back into the pan.
There are 2 tiny washers on the end of the filter cap stem. These are not reguarly changed.
USE A TORQUE WRENCH. Or like many others may end up snapping the drain bolt (recommend purchasing a spare to keep on hand). 18 ft-lbs for both the filter cover and the drain.
I use the full 7 quarts which puts it just above the full mark on the dipstick.

In this DIY it show taking the belly pan off, no need for it to be removed.

http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=886070

[Washburn]

Thanks...

Can I make some type of mark on the top of the filter cap in its current position, and then later tighten it so that the mark lines up at the original position,
(as I don't have a torque wrench? )

I am going to use this video as a guide - but remember to lube the new O-ring with oil a bit...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=v2v8yAjx5iw

Now this "problem"
Trying to decide between these 2 extractors :

1. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JFJM14/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000JFJM14

2. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001445IZ8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001445IZ8

oil capacity is 7 qts so both ok for capacity (i want one that can get all 7 qts out in one run...don't want to do a mid-suction oil dump as it can be messy...defeats the point of an extractor...)

the MV7400 price is top of budget...

They both have mixed reviews... is the Topsider better as it's metal? it looks very compact and sturdy...the MV is plastic and pretty bulky and seems to have more parts...(= more things to break?)

and the Topsider is $20 cheaper...

As far as reviews, both have some negative and positive reviews...seems to be even BUT mv has MORE reviews overall... a LOT more.

which one to get? Would be cool if i can decide by tonight...

[danewilson77]

You can feel it when its tight.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Washburn]

Leaning towards one which take about 8 qts in one run right now...don't like the idea of having to do a mid-suction oil dump; esp. on one which doesn't shut off when full...

Looks like the MV 7400 has some quality issues...
Considering the MightyVac 7201 or the Topsider, which is about $30 cheaper than the mighty vac, but I do like the pump out feature of the MV...

[danewilson77]

Leaning towards one which take about 8 qts in one run right now...don't like the idea of having to do a mid-suction oil dump; esp. on one which doesn't shut off when full...

Looks like the MV 7400 has some quality issues...
Considering the MightyVac 7201 or the Topsider, which is about $30 cheaper than the mighty vac, but I do like the pump out feature of the MV...

Ok. Sounds good. The one I have can hold at least 7 quarts.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[WOLFN8TR]

Ya just snug that oil filter cap down, check for leaks and retighten slightly if leaking.

Washburn the extractor sure will come in handy when changing you tranny oil. I just did mine and used a hand pump 1 quart at a time, what a PITA! Fill pump, fill pump, fill pump, fill pump, fill pump, fill, pump, fill pump. Ugh....

[danewilson77]

So....I did my first before and after test today on the Motive Power Extractor. Oil was sucked out as far as I could go.....I let it go until I heard "gurgles"....and let pressure come down to zero.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/123012oilchange.jpg

Then I jacked up the drivers side of car, and did a complete drain. I figured leaning it in the direction of the oil drain plug would give me the best possible drain.

Caught oil in a small tuperware....and let it drain until I was only getting maybe 5 DPM (15 minutes or so).

Then I transferred "caught" oil to an empty quart bottle that was good and drained.

Looks like <1/2 quart. I'm impressed. Marked to emphasize oil line due to low light and celly pic.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/ExtractorAfterlevel.jpg

[kayger12]

Great data, DW.

So what are your thoughts?

Best to do a plug drain every other change?

[danewilson77]

I think you could get by with three sucks then a drain. There just wasn't that much gunk in it.....

[kayger12]

Roger that. Sounds good.

I'll drain plug it next time and go three and one from there.

[danewilson77]

Now....with all of that said.....I additionally made sure to do the filter during the suck process so that whatever didn't get sucked, got drained.

So....It looks like I had a drain of 6 quarts in the extractor and 3/8 quarts from the drain....so that leaves about 1/2 quart left in the system piping, and maybe being a tad low....but who knows. I've never gotten 6.9 quarts of oil back outta my car.

Sound normal to everyone?

[kayger12]

Sounds right to me.

Sent from my kick-A Galaxy S3

[BCS_ZHP]

My two bits on top level oil extractors. I used to be into boats, most of which use this method for oil changes (jump in here Brett). I ate a valve on one engine so pulled the engine to rebuild it. Found a nice layer of sludge & sediment in the bottom of the oil pan because your top extractor can't get this out. It concerned me enough that I pulled the other engine and sure enough it had the same sludge/silt in the pan problem. Though it was a PITA, from that day on I drained my engine oil into a pan in the bilge then cleaned it out of the bilge and at least had peace of mind.

[kayger12]

My two bits on top level oil extractors. I used to be into boats, most of which use this method for oil changes (jump in here Brett). I ate a valve on one engine so pulled the engine to rebuild it. Found a nice layer of sludge &amp; sediment in the bottom of the oil pan because your top extractor can't get this out. It concerned me enough that I pulled the other engine and sure enough it had the same sludge/silt in the pan problem. Though it was a PITA, from that day on I drained my engine oil into a pan in the bilge then cleaned it out of the bilge and at least had peace of mind.

Valuable info. Might just be going to the drain plug on every other change.

Sent from my kick-A Galaxy S3

[danewilson77]

I occasionally have genius idea's.

Why don't I send off a sample to Blackstone containing that last 3/8 quart I got from the bottom of the oil pan.

Would that not tell us what's "Left over" after a suck operation?

[kayger12]

Freakin genius. Me like. I'll split the Bstone cost with you.

[danewilson77]

Freakin genius. Me like. I'll split the Bstone cost with you.

Done. I'll bottle it up and send it off.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[kayger12]

Good deal. I'll Ppal you half. Total is around $22, correct?

[danewilson77]

Good deal. I'll Ppal you half. Total is around $22, correct?

KG... No worries. I'll pick it up. I think its around $35 with the additional test. Might as well get a full run.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[kayger12]

All good. Consider it beer money . Ppal sent.

Happy New Year, bro.

[danewilson77]

All good. Consider it beer money . Ppal sent.

Happy New Year, bro.

You're killin me Smalls!

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[kayger12]

You're killin me Smalls!

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

Lol. I gotta be me!

Sent from my kick-A Galaxy S3

[danewilson77]

Shook up the remaining 3/8 quart really good and filled the bottle tonight. Figured it was best way to get a representative sample. Labeled and ready to mail tomorrow.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[kayger12]

Cool. Looking forward to results.

[danewilson77]

I occasionally have genius idea's.

Why don't I send off a sample to Blackstone containing that last 3/8 quart I got from the bottom of the oil pan.

Would that not tell us what's "Left over" after a suck operation?


Freakin genius. Me like. I'll split the Bstone cost with you.


Done. I'll bottle it up and send it off.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA


Good deal. I'll Ppal you half. Total is around $22, correct?


KG... No worries. I'll pick it up. I think its around $35 with the additional test. Might as well get a full run.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA


All good. Consider it beer money . Ppal sent.

Happy New Year, bro.


Shook up the remaining 3/8 quart really good and filled the bottle tonight. Figured it was best way to get a representative sample. Labeled and ready to mail tomorrow.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA


Cool. Looking forward to results.

Sample results are in. Great news.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/173kmiles_zps953734df.png
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/2-11_zps0ac8a9b9.png

[kayger12]

Nice!!

Sent from my kick-A Galaxy S3

[Torxuvin]

Nice. Great idea getting it tested. And now we all know where Dane lives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=j45x9ranFH0

[johnrando]

Of course we know, that's where the family reunion is. :thumbsup

[Torxuvin]

Of course we know, that's where the family reunion is. :thumbsup

... :facepalm

[Washburn]

So this means one CAN rest assured that power extraction does a good job, and may only need very occasional pan drops, for peace of mind...
THANKS for doing this guys!

[danewilson77]

So this means one CAN rest assured that power extraction does a good job, and may only need very occasional pan drops, for peace of mind...
THANKS for doing this guys!

Agree. I still think a full drain every 4th change is a sound plan.

Another test we could do.....is go three changes with the extractor, then run a sample, though I don't think it would alter the results.

[Mtnman]

It also is showing that a 10k interval is ok, and maybe a 12k would be ok too.......can we make these assumptions?

[Washburn]

technically judging by the report for THAT engine - yes, BUT the thing is, each car is different, and the engine might be in a different condition, state, etc. depending on maintenance in the past, driving conditions/style, miles on engine etc etc...
SO, considering that, I'd say it's best to be cautious and stay in the middle sort of, and not exceed 10k miles for an OCI. (unless otherwise recommended using a UOA for EACH particular car/engine)

So, in my case for example, I am conservative I guess, and will stick to 8k oil changes, as my driving includes a lot of stop/go, occasionally with a 800 miles hwy trip or two per year, when we visit fam. in Knoxville, TN. ( I am hoping to do a UOA as soon as I can decide on an oil to use long-term, and this 8k thing might change depending on its results - right now I am seduced by different LL01 exotic oils and can't make up my mind :)

[danewilson77]

It also is showing that a 10k interval is ok, and maybe a 12k would be ok too.......can we make these assumptions?

Based on the condition of my engine only. What I'm saying, is each cars recommendation would be different.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Mtnman]

Interesting. I do 100% city driving. I need to send a sample in close to 10k and see what they say. I have a maintenance plan paid change in 6k that might be really an 8k oil change. Maybe ill grab a sample from the dealer during the change.

[danewilson77]

Sample results are in. Great news.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/173kmiles_zps953734df.png
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/2-11_zps0ac8a9b9.png



This is a comparison...127,000 miles......full drain....mid stream sample with no extraction. Sample above was at 173,000 miles.

Regardless of what homey says the tells for me are:

Al went up by 1
Fe went up by double
Cu went up by 2
Moly went up by 38
Boron went up by 72
TBN is the same.

Some could be attributed to engine life.....some to sucking from bottom, though they say it doesn't typically matter. Who knows.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/127kmiles_zps54fd2822.jpg

[Washburn]

NM

[danewilson77]

NM

Ok

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Marcus-SanDiego]

You're killin me Smalls!

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

He always does that!

[wsmeyer]

I decided to buy one a couple weeks ago based on Dane's review. At the time Amazon was out of stock on the Motiv unit he bought so after reading other reviews on Amazon I ended up buying the MityVac 7201:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SR7TC/ref=oh_details_o02_s02_i00

This is the only extractor I have ever used so I can't really compare but the MityVac worked flawlessly. It's quite sturdy by itself but also has a metal arm that slides out of the bottom to step on so you don't have to worry at all when pumping it with one hand.

I didn't time it but it was done sucking the old oil out by the time I was done changing the filter so it wasn't an issue.

It took roughly 6 1/2 quarts to fill the engine but I hadn't checked the level in a few weeks so not exactly sure how much I extracted.

While I was sucking I also opened up the master cylinder and sucked that dry and replaced with fresh brake fluid. Not sure if this does much but it was quick and easy.

[danewilson77]

Great feedback. Thanks.

Williamsburg, VA, Droid DNA, Tapatalk

[wsmeyer]

7212

So easy a 3 year old could do.

Starting her off right taking care of her future car.

[ryankokesh]

While I was sucking I also opened up the master cylinder and sucked that dry and replaced with fresh brake fluid. Not sure if this does much but it was quick and easy.

I could definitely be wrong, but I believe the master cylinder shouldn't be sucked all the way dry. Something to do with air getting in the system...?

[johnrando]

7212

So easy a 3 year old could do.

Starting her off right taking care of her future car.

Awesome William, great pic!

[WOLFN8TR]

I would of loved having one during my Auto Tranny fluid change.

[wsmeyer]

I could definitely be wrong, but I believe the master cylinder shouldn't be sucked all the way dry. Something to do with air getting in the system...?

When you bleed the lines the fluid is pushed down through the lines and out through the bleed screw on the calipers. If you notice the reservoir has emptied then you have inadvertently pushed air down into the lines and you have to start all over again. Just sucking fluid out the reservoir and replacing it won't cause air to get in the lines.

Essentially what I did was replace approx 1/4 - 1/5 (?) of the fluid in the brake/clutch system with fresh fluid. This wouldn't ever be the same as flushing the system but considering it maybe took 2 minutes to suck it out and pour new fluid in I think it was worth it and plan on doing it every time I change my oil.

[Oli77]

Everybody is still happy with the top level oil extractors?

Can you guys comment on the ease of use and cleanliness when it comes time to empty the receptacle?

Thinking about them.

[danewilson77]

Very easy to use and empty....

I use a funnel and empty contents to a 5 gallon jug (I have three of them). I take to Walmart recycle place when full.

[quikryptonite]

Looks like BavAuto has their "own" extractor (PE30899) on sale for 20% off right now, it's only $72. 7 liter capacity is almost 7.5 quarts so that is not an issue. I have their brake bleeder and that thing works great. After reading this thread I am really, really considering pulling the trigger on buying one.