Oil Extractor
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Morganton NC
Oil Extractor
Inquiring to see if anyone has used or has information on the merits of using an oil extractor through the dipstick tube to change the oil on a c-5. Given that one still has to change the filter, it would appear easier to remove the oil using this method than the ramps and jack I use in my home garage. However I don't want to compromise the process and end up with partial dirty and new oil together. Experiences, thoughts? Thanks. vetteboy
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
So,you extract the oil through the dipstick tube(which can't possibly get all the old oil out)THEN,you jack it up and change the filter?
Yeah,I'm not understanding how that's easier,unless you're not planning on changing the filter,but if you're not doing the filter,why bother changing oil at all?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,996
Likes: 77
From: Louisville KY
Never ever would I use that. Jack it up, pull drain plug, let it drip for an hour, take filter off, wipe area clean, put on new filter, clean drain plug area, put plug back, put in new oil.
The life of an engine is its new oil and filter. Do not cheat on this two important areas of any care engine!!!!!
The life of an engine is its new oil and filter. Do not cheat on this two important areas of any care engine!!!!!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,284
Likes: 24,571
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Jack it up, pull drain plug, let it drip for an hour, take filter off, wipe area clean, put on new filter, clean drain plug area, put plug back, put in new oil.
The life of an engine is its new oil and filter. Do not cheat on this two important areas of any care engine!!!!!
The life of an engine is its new oil and filter. Do not cheat on this two important areas of any care engine!!!!!
It's not really that difficult to just do it this way.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
FYI, oil extractors cannot be used on C5's because of the batwing oil pan design but they are the recommended method of changing the oil on a multitude of exotic sports cars and the only way to change the oil on most speed boats. I actually tested them on several cars by extracting the oil from the dip stick hole and then verifying what was left in the oil pan by removing the drain plug. There wasn't a drop left.
So, they do work well. Just not for our Vettes.
So, they do work well. Just not for our Vettes.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Having changed the oil on my boat using an extractor, I'd say the 10 minutes it takes using the conventional method is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy the best option.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 23,220
Likes: 3
From: HOUSTON
St. Jude Donor '06 thru '15, '19
FYI, oil extractors cannot be used on C5's because of the batwing oil pan design but they are the recommended method of changing the oil on a multitude of exotic sports cars and the only way to change the oil on most speed boats. I actually tested them on several cars by extracting the oil from the dip stick hole and then verifying what was left in the oil pan by removing the drain plug. There wasn't a drop left.
So, they do work well. Just not for our Vettes.
So, they do work well. Just not for our Vettes.
My wifes car has the filter on the top, I used the extractor to change her oil, tried it once on the vette and the tube will not get to the oil pan thru the dipstick. I just jack car up one side, slide a stand under it remove plug and filter, drop it back down for a few minutes then back up and replace , much quicker for we than ramps.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Morganton NC
Thanks to all for the advice, ie skip the oil extractor. Noted that in the description on changing the oil on a c-5, no one mentioned using ramps, drain, THEN JACK UP BACK HIGHER THAN FRONT AND DRAIN SOME MORE. Read a couple of articles a few years back that said that is the proper way. I have been doing it. Thoughts??? ebm
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 508
Likes: 3
From: Tallahassee, FL
I jack it up front and rear level onto stands. While oil is draining, is a good time to slide around underneath and just eyeball all is OK, or nut and bolt a few key components. Then raise the rear about 1-2" with jack to be sure all the gunk is out. Return to stand and finish up.
