View Full Version : Length of hose for dipstick tube oil extraction? (3.0T)
coop3422
09-08-2020, 02:57 PM
Hey all,
Has anyone measured how far to put a fluid extractor tube down the dipstick tube, to ensure all oil is sucked up? I'm looking to change the oil in my A6 before the buyer picks it up Friday, and then will probably also do an oil change on my 6MT S4 that I got to replace it. Figure after those 2 oil changes, the cost of the extractor will be covered.
Thanks,
Never really measured it...just put it down until it stops and maybe back off a millimeter. Just don't shove it hard. It never forms a perfect seal when it bottoms out like a straw on a paper cup causing you to lose suction...
Personally I wait a bit after driving, for it to drain down to the pan then allow it to suck as much as possible, wait a bit more run the suction again and it damn near gets all of it on both the 3.0T and 4.0T. I don't even go under the 3.0T, but on the 4.0T no more than a couple ounces come out of the drain plug with this method.
coop3422
09-08-2020, 03:13 PM
Never really measured it...just put it down until it stops and maybe back off a millimeter. Just don't shove it hard. It never forms a perfect seal when it bottoms out like a straw on a paper cup causing you to lose suction...
Personally I wait a bit after driving, for it to drain down to the pan then allow it to suck as much as possible, wait a bit more run the suction again and it damn near gets all of it on both the 3.0T and 4.0T. I don't even go under the 3.0T, but on the 4.0T no more than a couple ounces come out of the drain plug with this method.
Good to know, thanks. I've seen some horror stories from people who had it get stuck, and nearly tear the end off which would have resulted in removing the oil pan. I've never used this method before, so thought I'd ask before doing it.
Hey all,
Has anyone measured how far to put a fluid extractor tube down the dipstick tube, to ensure all oil is sucked up? I'm looking to change the oil in my A6 before the buyer picks it up Friday, and then will probably also do an oil change on my 6MT S4 that I got to replace it. Figure after those 2 oil changes, the cost of the extractor will be covered.
Thanks,
Mine is 17.5" from tip to the top flange. My tube is marked for 1/2" longer, an even 18". I wrapped a round or two of black electrical tape around my extraction tube with the bottom edge of the tape at 18". I just insert the tube until the tape touches the top of tbe dipstick tube. Works great.
I have a '17 3.0T Q5. I don't know if pan depth varies on other 3.0T engines.
This comes up regularly, I've posted this before, but our "search" function sucks.
https://i.postimg.cc/qMvpmnwL/A6-BDA81-A-A780-406-E-AAAC-1-A1793382-B1-E.jpg
coop3422
09-08-2020, 05:15 PM
Mine is 17.5" from tip to the top flange. My tube is marked for 1/2" longer, an even 18". I wrapped a round or two of black electrical tape around my extraction tube with the bottom edge of the tape at 18". I just insert the tube until the tape touches the top of tbe dipstick tube. Works great.
I have a '17 3.0T Q5. I don't know if pan depth varies on other 3.0T engines.
This comes up regularly, I've posted this before, but our "search" function sucks.
https://i.postimg.cc/qMvpmnwL/A6-BDA81-A-A780-406-E-AAAC-1-A1793382-B1-E.jpgThis is perfect, thank you! I'll use this as a guide, and fiddle to see if the oil pan is different. Or give Mr Google a quick check.
Sent from my SM-G973W using Audizine mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)
Valpo A7
09-08-2020, 05:51 PM
My syphon tube is cut at an angle so I just jam it in until it bottoms out. I had an Audi tech tell me that extraction will actually suck out a bit more oil than pulling the bottom plug because of the pan design where it protrudes up a bit to get more surface for the plug to catch threads
coop3422
09-08-2020, 08:12 PM
My syphon tube is cut at an angle so I just jam it in until it bottoms out. I had an Audi tech tell me that extraction will actually suck out a bit more oil than pulling the bottom plug because of the pan design where it protrudes up a bit to get more surface for the plug to catch threads
Good to know. Do you park yours down a slight incline to move all the oil to the front? My last oil change the crush washer failed (so they say, I think the old one was reused), and it leaked on my driveway. Only at an incline though. Took it back after a couple days and a half quart, and the whole under tray was covered.
I haven't looked yet, but I need to see where the oil filter is. From a video I watched months ago I seem to recall it was fairly easily accessible from the engine bay, but I wasn't really paying attention at the time.
Edit: LOL the filter is at the back of the engine on top. I love it, so much better than all my old Japanese cars. My wife's old Chrysler 200S had a top mount, if I had a fluid extractor back then oil changes would have been a joke.
Valpo A7
09-09-2020, 05:03 AM
No angle. Flat in my garage.
5000S
09-09-2020, 05:15 PM
You don't need to know the length of hose needed to extract the oil, because you have extra hose to allow the pump to sit any where it needs to be.
That may mean on the garage floor, etc. so you can use a short length or maybe 4 ft. whatever suits you.
Don't overthink this. And make sure you get a dipstick so you can check your own oil level.
You don't need to know the length of hose needed to extract the oil, because you have extra hose to allow the pump to sit any where it needs to be.
That may mean on the garage floor, etc. so you can use a short length or maybe 4 ft. whatever suits you.
Don't overthink this. And make sure you get a dipstick so you can check your own oil level.
Sir, you are missing the point. If you shove too much of the extraction tube down the dipstick tube you will likely get it stuck. Then you have a big problem on your hands. I know first hand because it happened to me. Took considerable difficulty to get it out. I mean a lot of difficulty.
Stop too short and you leave a lot of oil behind. Your "hose" can be be 20 feet long or 4 feet long. We are discussing getting the length inside the dipstick tube to reach the bottom.
daytona rs7
09-10-2020, 07:59 AM
slide the semi rigid plastic extraction hose into the dipstick until you feel it bottom out.
pull back slightly and then push it back down again, just to make sure you are at the bottom, and not caught on any "snag". you do not need to use significant force.
the only way to get it stuck would be to use the wrong (too flexible) hose that would twist up under the dipstick outlet and by using too much force.
coop3422
09-10-2020, 08:12 AM
Sir, you are missing the point. If you shove too much of the extraction tube down the dipstick tube you will likely get it stuck. Then you have a big problem on your hands. I know first hand because it happened to me. Took considerable difficulty to get it out. I mean a lot of difficulty.
Stop too short and you leave a lot of oil behind. Your "hose" can be be 20 feet long or 4 feet long. We are discussing getting the length inside the dipstick tube to reach the bottom.
Thank you, this is what I'm looking to avoid. Your picture and info above was exactly what I was looking for.
I never got around to ordering a dipstick for the A6, but I'll be ordering one for my Dr for sure.
Rob4.2
09-10-2020, 08:26 AM
has anyone done the suction method on an inclined driveway? any extra pointers?
Valpo A7
09-10-2020, 08:34 AM
has anyone done the suction method on an inclined driveway? any extra pointers?
Flat or nose down would be best. The suction pickup will be to the front of the engine. You wont get an accurate level reading when you refill unless you are checking when flat.
Rob4.2
09-10-2020, 08:44 AM
Flat or nose down would be best. The suction pickup will be to the front of the engine. You wont get an accurate level reading when you refill unless you are checking when flat.
got it. figured decline would be best. thanks
and yes, always check oil level on flat....
coop3422
09-10-2020, 09:03 AM
Flat or nose down would be best. The suction pickup will be to the front of the engine. You wont get an accurate level reading when you refill unless you are checking when flat.
I read that extracting is best nose down on an incline as it moves the oil to the front. I know that won't give you an accurate reading when filling, but if you put the same amount of new oil in as what came out and then start and drive to flat, that should be fine? My driveway is an incline so it's that, or did it on the street where it's flat.
daytona rs7
09-10-2020, 09:12 AM
..........but if you put the same amount of new oil in as what came out and then start and drive to flat, that should be fine?.............
not if your car burns oil.
don't make the assumption your car was at the proper level before oil change.
saadcee
09-10-2020, 09:48 AM
Edit: LOL the filter is at the back of the engine on top. I love it, so much better than all my old Japanese cars. My wife's old Chrysler 200S had a top mount, if I had a fluid extractor back then oil changes would have been a joke.
Oil changes in these cars are such a breeze with an extractor and the filter location, makes it a no-brainer to do the extra 5k change between the 10k audi services.
coop3422
09-10-2020, 10:32 AM
not if your car burns oil.
don't make the assumption your car was at the proper level before oil change.
Well if I checked the MMI before starting, it was within the range, extracted, filled with same amount of oil as extracted, what's the issue? Of course I'd check MMI before starting, I do every couple weeks having owned an S2000 and a couple turbo EJ's before lol.
the only way to get it stuck would be to use the wrong (too flexible) hose that would twist up under the dipstick outlet and by using too much force.
So, what is the "right" stiffness, and how would you know what is the "wrong" stiffness unless you made the mistake, or just got lucky? If you are caught on a snag, its a bit too late to adjust your technique. Sounds like you've gotten stuck, too.
There are sharp edges on the oil windage baffle tray that the dipstick and your extractor tube must pass through. That can snag any tube if you are not careful. My problem was not the extractor tube size or its stiffness. It was that it was slightly curved - bowed. Came that way from Schwaben - very rigid, but bowed. Probably due to a "set" in the packaging and storage prior to shipment. I had to get a different one that was straight. If the extraction tube is straight and you get the depth right there should be no problem.
I read that extracting is best nose down on an incline as it moves the oil to the front. I know that won't give you an accurate reading when filling, but if you put the same amount of new oil in as what came out and then start and drive to flat, that should be fine? My driveway is an incline so it's that, or did it on the street where it's flat.
The only way to know if you got the fill right afterward is on a level surface and to use a real dipstick. MMI is notorious for being inaccurate. Just move to a level surface to verify.
coop3422
09-10-2020, 10:52 AM
The only way to know if you got the fill right afterward is on a level surface and to use a real dipstick. MMI is notorious for being inaccurate. Just move to a level surface to verify.
Makes sense, I'll just do it in the street. We move later this month and then I'll finally be able to do this in a full sized garage. God I can't wait to have a place to put my tools lol.