Hi, new here. Wanting to change the oil of the new-to-us 2010 Grd Caravan 3.8L V6 using a Topsider 5060 Oil Extractor that I just got. I inserted the probe end down the dipstick tube but it won't go in all the way. It hits "bottom" and when compared with the dipstick, it's stopping just above the high oil mark, as if either the tube necks down or there's an obstruction of some kind. Airpower America (manufacturer) will send out a smaller probe end tube but wanted me to find out if it's even possible to use an oil extractor on this engine. Engine is in great shape otherwise so I don't suspect an abnormal obstruction is the problem.

So, anybody use one on a 3.8L (or, I assume, a 3.3L), or perhaps know what the end of the dipstick tube really looks like (I looked briefly online but haven't seen a good parts pic yet)?

Yes, I can always just drive up on ramps and do it the "old-fashioned way" but I'd like to see if I can make this work.

TIA

 

I think like many other 1 millions shops done it by removing the screw and draining to a pan will get out all the oil vs this method which u have no garranty also are you changing the filter or leaving that too?

 

Don't you still have to change the oil filter the old fashioned way? Not sure of any advantage. Get the smaller one and try it.

 

That's a little presumptuous on your part. I may be new to this board but I'm not the least bit new to automobiles, engines or to changing oil in them (and then some). Maybe most noobs on this board have never done anything mechanical, so I'll give you the benefit of that doubt.

Of course I'll be changing the filter (duh). I was just asking if anyone had any experience with using an oil extractor on that particular engine. I plan to use that extractor to change the gearbox oil in my Triumph Spitfire because since I rebuilt that transmission last summer and added an overdrive to it, I know it will work and make the job easier. Just wanted to see where else I might use it with some success.

I've asked the manufacturer for the thinner tube so I'll let you know if it works. If it doesn't....I know where the oil pan bolt is and I know how to use it.

 

As promised - a follow up.:

Airpower America, the manufacturer of the Topsider, sent the smaller diameter hose and I finally had a chance this weekend to try it out. Good news is it went past the restriction in the dipstick tube with no trouble at all. And it worked as advertised - easy, clean removal of *almost* all of the oil.

I couldn't really tell when the tube was all the way down but figured I got out everything that was coming out when it was sucking air no matter how far in or out the tube was pushed or pulled. It turns out it left about 1/2 pint in the oil pan and I had to drain what was left through the usual means so the filter could come off without gushing what was left all over the ground.

Maybe one could fish better than I did to find that last 1/2 pint - I may try again next time. I expect this extractor will help more with changing the gear oil in my Spitfire's differential and also the gearbox (and possibly the engine as well) so I'll be keeping the tool. It sure makes for a clean can to transport the oil in for recycling!

 

For anyone else finding this thread - In July 2020 I called tech support, the company has now been acquired by another firm. They promised to send me the hose. When it arrived it was the same size that came with the topsider. Though glad to have a spare, it did not help. I did not want to bother them again. They already took the time to send me a hose parts Fedex for free - but cost them about $10. So for a $50 device I wasn't going to complain more. after visits to Lowes and home depot looking for narrower tubes I settled on buying Nylaflow thin walled tubing from an aircraft supply website. The nylaflow tube that works is 0.187 (3/16) inch outer diameter and 0.138 inner diameter. I ordered 4 feet. It is cheap at about $1.56 for 4 feet of hose, from Wicks Aircraft Supply but with handling $4 and shipping $6 I was out about $12. It fits inside the normal narrow tube that came with my topsider. It shouldn't since that tube is about 0.17 inner diameter, but it flexes just a bit for a tight seal. As far as I could tell I got all or almost all the oil out of my 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan with the 3.8 liter engine.

My recommendation is that the manufacturer of the Topsider starts selling a 4-5 foot length of NylaFlow tubing on Amazon as an add-on option for the device. They could make it work with Amazon's efficiency and make money selling it for $7 or $8 amazon prime free shipping.

To answer the question as to why this is so much better than driving on ramps and changing the oil. I can reach the oil filter just past the front bumper with no jacks or ramps. This lets me change oil without much hassle and I don't have to worry about the drain plug. I am able to now change the oil on all three of my cars much more easily with the Topsider.

To answer the question as to why this is so much better than driving on ramps and changing the oil. I can reach the oil filter just past the front bumper with no jacks or ramps. This lets me change oil without much hassle and I don't have to worry about the drain plug. I am able to now change the oil on all three of my cars much more easily with the topsider.