Oil extractor tube stuck

[jbain2]

So I spent yesterday doing brakes all around. I have to do this in the street so I had a bunch of fun as you can imagine. Was going to change my oil today. Drove the car up on lifts and remembered I purchased an oil extractor. Pulled it down off the ramps and proceeded to extract the oil. Was going fine until I went to pull the extractor tube out. It seems somehow that it managed to end up in a knot and won't come out through the dipstick (I have a C6.5 A6 but same motor). I thought I could remove the dipstick and bring the extractor tube out with it. Got the bolt out from the dipstick tube and was able to loosen it from the base but it just won't seem to come all the way out. I really don't want to take the front end off to get access to this. Was hoping for some advice on how to go about getting the dipstick tube out as well as the extractor tubing. Thanks.

[hellovaras]

Did you put the extractor tube in while your dipstick was still in? Maybe I read that wrong.

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[ShelbyM3]

This has happened to me and many others. Worst case scenario it breaks off in the pan and you can pull the pan and fish it out from the bottom. I think another member drove around with the tube in his pan for a bit. I was using the cheap TopSide extractor for marine use. Worked for 3 years just fine.

Things I noted after I’d avoided a crisis:
1.)my tube got too hot from the oil and collapsed on itself while extracting.
2.)I was so angry and upset I left it for an hour and ate dinner. I think this actually saved me. The tube had cooled and was no longer super stretchy and pliable.
3.) I was able to rotate the tube while pulling up or pushing down on it slightly and it dislodged itself. Pics of my tube once it came out below.

224809

224810

Since then, I’ve upgraded to a better unit with steel braided extraction tubes so I don’t have this panic again.

224811

Best of luck. I hope for your sake you’re as lucky as myself, but with all the good karma you have coming your way from the community, I’m hopeful you’ll get it out.


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[Rodizzle]

Since then, I’ve upgraded to a better unit with steel braided extraction tubes so I don’t have this panic again.

224811

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Which model is that ?
-Ro


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[jbain2]

Did you put the extractor tube in while your dipstick was still in? Maybe I read that wrong.

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No, it was out.


This has happened to me and many others. Worst case scenario it breaks off in the pan and you can pull the pan and fish it out from the bottom. I think another member drove around with the tube in his pan for a bit. I was using the cheap TopSide extractor for marine use. Worked for 3 years just fine.

Things I noted after I’d avoided a crisis:
1.)my tube got too hot from the oil and collapsed on itself while extracting.
2.)I was so angry and upset I left it for an hour and ate dinner. I think this actually saved me. The tube had cooled and was no longer super stretchy and pliable.
3.) I was able to rotate the tube while pulling up or pushing down on it slightly and it dislodged itself. Pics of my tube once it came out below.

224809

224810

Since then, I’ve upgraded to a better unit with steel braided extraction tubes so I don’t have this panic again.

224811

Best of luck. I hope for your sake you’re as lucky as myself, but with all the good karma you have coming your way from the community, I’m hopeful you’ll get it out.


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Thanks. I left it. Will try and tackle it tomorrow. I'm using a cheapo one as well. Have used it before. I've heard of this happening. Kicking myself for the added head ache and aggravation.

[ShelbyM3]

Which model is that ?
-Ro


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Bav Auto Tools, I got it off ECS. Totally worth the extra money. You can hook it up to air, also.


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[ShelbyM3]

Thanks. I left it. Will try and tackle it tomorrow. I'm using a cheapo one as well. Have used it before. I've heard of this happening. Kicking myself for the added head ache and aggravation.

It could be worse, it hasn’t broken off yet. I’m still staying positive you’ll get it out. In the mean time, maybe shop for a better extractor. A little retail therapy never hurt nobody [emoji23]


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[BEight SFour]

Or you can go to home depot and find a rigid line that fits inside the tube to try and free it up with a little wiggling inside the tube?

[Coderedpl]

Bav Auto Tools, I got it off ECS. Totally worth the extra money. You can hook it up to air, also.


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Saving this, I might buy this one. I have an el cheapo harbor freight one that is painfully slow, I feel like I pump it a million times, and just recently when I did an oil change on my wifes car it didn't pull out enough and I ended up overfilling like an idiot.

I though I read somewhere though that you need to kind of wiggle the tube to get it lower, to get all the fluid out, but it sort of makes more sense to measure the dipstick in comparison to the tube you're putting in and compare that way.

[jbain2]

I think the best thing to do if I can’t get it out will be to unfortunately drop the oil pan. A whole lot of headache just for a damn oil change. I do all the work in my street which adds to the pain in the ass factor.

I also can’t figure out why I can’t get the plastic dipstick housing all the way out. Is there some kind of trick?

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[vwgtivr6]

This also happened to me. Let the tube and oil cool and then twist it as you try to pull it out.
There's a stop of some type at the bottom of the dipstick hole that keeps the tube from going too far. Hot oil makes the extractor tube pliable and bends around the stop.

[B7TitaniumA4]

I think the best thing to do if I can’t get it out will be to unfortunately drop the oil pan. A whole lot of headache just for a damn oil change. I do all the work in my street which adds to the pain in the ass factor.

I also can’t figure out why I can’t get the plastic dipstick housing all the way out. Is there some kind of trick?

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A shot in the dark here, I happen to have my motor out right now and looking at pics, Audi has a zip tie holding a wire to the tube, this may be your issue... Also the dipstick tube goes into the pan at 90*, not at an angle, you would need to pull straight up, not out at all... and there is an O-ring at the bottom as well.

Tapatalk saying I’ve reached my maximum picture uploads for the month... ugh!
I’ll dry DMing you pics.

I also recommend the Bavarian motor sports extractor, it has been essential for me during my engine removal. [emoji1360] the compressed air hookup is the best part!

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[jbain2]

A shot in the dark here, I happen to have my motor out right now and looking at pics, Audi has a zip tie holding a wire to the tube, this may be your issue... Also the dipstick tube goes into the pan at 90*, not at an angle, you would need to pull straight up, not out at all... and there is an O-ring at the bottom as well.

Tapatalk saying I’ve reached my maximum picture uploads for the month... ugh!
I’ll dry DMing you pics.

I also recommend the Bavarian motor sports extractor, it has been essential for me during my engine removal. [emoji1360] the compressed air hookup is the best part!

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Thanks. Sent you a text. I’ve seen a picture of what the dipstick tube looks like. I did also see the little tubing zip tied to the tube.


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[BrokeBichB8]

Theres a 12v gear oil pump on amazon and it works like a charm. You can pump straight into old bottles. and wayyyy less setup than that behemoth. The extraction tube is thin and vinyl so it has never+ gotten stuck one me once. oil changes in 15 minutes or less.
search up:
Oil Change Pump Extractor, 12v 60w Marine Oil Change Pump Electric Oil Pump, Diesel/Engine Oil

[Thugmeet]

This happened to me. After I sat down and stopped freaking out I started slowly twisting it as I pulled and it came out.

[Nelson G]

This is the extractor I use: https://www.tooldiscounter.com/product/mityvac-fluid-evacuator-plus-23-gal-88-l-mit7201
I also have found you don't need to put the tube all the way down. On my C300 I had a stopper with a nipple that turned the dipstick tube into the extractor tube. So what I do with my S4 is I have taped the tube in a tapered manner so that when I put the tube in it creates a seal. With the extractor, it works great and gets every drop out.

[jbain2]

Tried again today to get it out. No luck. I’m working nights this week so it will likely have to wait until the weekend but I think I’m going to have to pull the front end out enough to get to the dipstick tube to remove.


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[Neil F]

wayyyy less setup than that behemoth. The extraction tube is thin and vinyl so it has never+ gotten stuck one me once. oil changes in 15 minutes or less.
search up:
Oil Change Pump Extractor, 12v 60w Marine Oil Change Pump Electric Oil Pump, Diesel/Engine Oil

I have the schwaben oil extractor There is no set up. connect one hose up to the tank. Stick the other end down the dipstick tube. Pump the handle maybe 10 times (there is no resistance so it is very easy pumps) and walk away. The vaccum will continue and drain the pan. Pump it a few more times to the the last little amount. Hold the hose up so it drains into the tank. The tank has a spout, and just pour into an oil container

[Neil F]

This also happened to me. Let the tube and oil cool and then twist it as you try to pull it out.
There's a stop of some type at the bottom of the dipstick hole that keeps the tube from going too far. Hot oil makes the extractor tube pliable and bends around the stop.

I guess that is one difference with the schwaben oil extractor. It has a fairly ridged vinyl suction tube that is not going to collapse like I guess that one did. Because it is ridged it is easy to get straight down the dipstick tube and firmly hit the bottom of the pan. The thin flexible hose may bend at the bottom and therefore may not get everything. Mine does not soften. I just did my oil a couple weeks ago. Just came in from a drive popped the hood and did the oil. It was hot and up to normal temp.

[BrokeBichB8]

I have the schwaben oil extractor There is no set up. connect one hose up to the tank. Stick the other end down the dipstick tube. Pump the handle maybe 10 times (there is no resistance so it is very easy pumps) and walk away. The vaccum will continue and drain the pan. Pump it a few more times to the the last little amount. Hold the hose up so it drains into the tank. The tank has a spout, and just pour into an oil container

I just plug it in and pump into my waste container. There is no pouring after, no holding up, no hand pumping. Clearly you're sold on yours but, mine fits in a grocery bag by my spare wheel....... Germans made a great vehicle, the chinese made the better oil extractor pump lol

[Neil F]

I just plug it in and pump into my waste container. There is no pouring after, no holding up, no hand pumping. Clearly you're sold on yours but, mine fits in a grocery bag by my spare wheel....... Germans made a great vehicle, the chinese made the better oil extractor pump lol

Electric pump is easy. I was just clarifying that the manual pump is also easy after you said "wayyyy less setup than that behemoth." I admit the one pictured looks complicated. Schwaben only has one hose coming out of it.

(what is the need to carry it around with you)

[ShelbyM3]

Electric pump is easy. I was just clarifying that the manual pump is also easy after you said "wayyyy less setup than that behemoth." I admit the one pictured looks complicated. Schwaben only has one hose coming out of it.

(what is the need to carry it around with you)

My Bav Auto Tools extractor is a large unit, but I can change both my S4 and Alltrack without emptying the extractor, I can store used oil in it if I don’t have readily available containers, it comes with 5 extractor tubes ranging in size and support for a multitude of uses that are stored in the unit to prevent a mess, and doesn’t have mechanical pieces that will fail. The addition of air to really draw vacuum is also a positive, although I don’t use it currently. To each their own. I had to laugh, personally, at the dramatic language used to describe its size and sheer complexity of the setup, haha.

Jay, any luck with pulling the dipstick? I’m very curious if you can get it that way.


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[jbain2]

My Bav Auto Tools extractor is a large unit, but I can change both my S4 and Alltrack without emptying the extractor, I can store used oil in it if I don’t have readily available containers, it comes with 5 extractor tubes ranging in size and support for a multitude of uses that are stored in the unit to prevent a mess, and doesn’t have mechanical pieces that will fail. The addition of air to really draw vacuum is also a positive, although I don’t use it currently. To each their own. I had to laugh, personally, at the dramatic language used to describe its size and sheer complexity of the setup, haha.

Jay, any luck with pulling the dipstick? I’m very curious if you can get it that way.


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I’m honestly at a crossroads. I’m not sure I can get to the tubing. At the very least I have to put the car in service position which I can do in my street to gain enough access. If I can’t get it out even after doing that I’m going to need to get it towed to a shop to have the oil pan dropped. I’m trying to decide if it’s worth the time and effort on my end with the uncertainty of it even working.


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[coop3422]

Since then, I’ve upgraded to a better unit with steel braided extraction tubes so I don’t have this panic again.

224811

Best of luck. I hope for your sake you’re as lucky as myself, but with all the good karma you have coming your way from the community, I’m hopeful you’ll get it out.


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I'm using a cheap one which has been fine, but would hate to be in this situation. Is there somewhere to buy just the rigid section that fits down the dipstick tube? I'm fine with manually pumping the extractor, just want to eliminate the plastic tube component.

Hope you're able to get it out OP!

[sacandagaD]

I been using a Miytvac extractor with the plastic tubing for a couple of years now without any issues. I change the oil when it's warm enough to not be viscous, but yet not super hot. I marked a line on the extractor tube that is level with the dipstick tube, after letting it bottom out, so I know not to go any further. I also find that for some reason, that after extracting a couple of quarts, I actually have to pull the tube up slightly in order to get all the oil out.

[BrokeBichB8]

I’m honestly at a crossroads. I’m not sure I can get to the tubing. At the very least I have to put the car in service position which I can do in my street to gain enough access. If I can’t get it out even after doing that I’m going to need to get it towed to a shop to have the oil pan dropped. I’m trying to decide if it’s worth the time and effort on my end with the uncertainty of it even working.


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Have you tried to pour some oil back in through the dipstick/port to lube up the tube as you pull it? If its high up in the engine it may not be lubed regularly. That and maybe running the engine hot and then when off, using some keyboard cleaner to cool the tube and pull it out?? This is is tough one. I've felt the tube on my electric pump catch but after that first instance pre-lube it and its a thin smooth vinyl tube and is very spaghetti-noodly when hot.

Goodluck.


In response to the need to carry.
Wasn't about the need to carry, just more of that I can change oil with a compact unit and exchange containers at the point of purchase if I should so choose to be so ghetto lol. Pouring oil is a hassle. I don't have a garage to work and apartment storage is limited. Plus amazon has that Schwaben pump at two feet tall, so its pretty big.

[jbain2]

Have you tried to pour some oil back in through the dipstick/port to lube up the tube as you pull it? If its high up in the engine it may not be lubed regularly. That and maybe running the engine hot and then when off, using some keyboard cleaner to cool the tube and pull it out?? This is is tough one. I've felt the tube on my electric pump catch but after that first instance pre-lube it and its a thin smooth vinyl tube and is very spaghetti-noodly when hot.

Goodluck.

Problem is I was able to dislodge the dipstick tube but I can't remove it completely. The only thing that I can see that would be holding it up is a zip tie to some wiring. Otherwise, I expected it to come out fairly easily but it just won't. So if I pour anything down the tubing it will just end up all over the base where the tube inserts.

[Neil F]

I'm using a cheap one which has been fine, but would hate to be in this situation. Is there somewhere to buy just the rigid section that fits down the dipstick tube? I'm fine with manually pumping the extractor, just want to eliminate the plastic tube component.

Hope you're able to get it out OP!


https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/schwaben-dipstick-oil-change-tube-set/013810sch01a/?gclid=CjwKCAjw6fCCBhBNEiwAem5SO_OTxJwSxdOSzYezoSf vY56bnhJHSNFEEisKJRodQ-CGNmnK4__EnBoCOnEQAvD_BwE

[Neil F]

You may need to figure out or buy something to adapt the tubes to yours

[MSq5]

Problem is I was able to dislodge the dipstick tube but I can't remove it completely. The only thing that I can see that would be holding it up is a zip tie to some wiring. Otherwise, I expected it to come out fairly easily but it just won't. So if I pour anything down the tubing it will just end up all over the base where the tube inserts.

I had this happen with a Topsider extractor. I ended up trying to get the oil dipstick tube out, like you. Didn't work. I reattached it. I decided to drive the car with the extractor tube. Just heated it up good by driving for a few miles rather than just idling. The fit was tight enough that no oil escaped the top. I parked the car, raised the hood and the extractor tube, now sufficiently softened, pulled right out.

Now, I use the Schwaben tube kit, but with an air compressor driven extractor made by EWK. No problems whatsoever. I have a manual dipstick, so I wrap some black tape around the tube 1/2" longer than the dipstick. That way when I insert the tube, I stop when the tape strip meets the dipstick tube top.

Try getting the extractor tube heated a bit and softened. It might pull right out.

[jbain2]

I had this happen with a Topsider extractor. I ended up trying to get the oil dipstick tube out, like you. Didn't work. I reattached it. I decided to drive the car with the extractor tube. Just heated it up good by driving for a few miles rather than just idling. The fit was tight enough that no oil escaped the top. I parked the car, raised the hood and the extractor tube, now sufficiently softened, pulled right out.

Now, I use the Schwaben tube kit, but with an air compressor driven extractor made by EWK. No problems whatsoever. I have a manual dipstick, so I wrap some black tape around the tube 1/2" longer than the dipstick. That way when I insert the tube, I stop when the tape strip meets the dipstick tube top.

Try getting the extractor tube heated a bit and softened. It might pull right out.

In theory the tube should just be at the bottom of the pan. Probably stuck in some of the baffles somehow. I’ve read several threads on this. Some folks say to do what you did. Others say prepare for catastrophic engine failure.


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[ShelbyM3]

You are probably correct. I don’t imagine the dipstick tube enters the block/pan anywhere near the rotating assembly. And, obviously the extraction tube is stuck in the dipstick tube so it shouldn’t move farther into the pan. You could probably clamp is somewhere to ensure it didn’t move.
Note my collapse that caused the issue. There’s a decent amount in the pan, or at least below the pinch point. It seems like a gamble I’d not want to risk the odds on. All the twisting force of my extraction tube caused damage where my hands could grab it at the top of the dipstick tube. I’d be worried about any twisting damage like I had, but farther down the tube, more specifically at the pinch point, that could cause it to breakaway as it heated and oil began moving around it. Over the years my extraction tube became almost brittle feeling. It definitely lost some elasticity most likely from the heat cycling, I’d like to think. My $0.02.
225095


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[jbain2]

Dropped the oil pan today. Got the hose out. Was stuck up in the baffles. Guess I overshot when inserting. Will clean everything up and get the pan resealed tomorrow. All in all, not a bad job.

[MSq5]

Dropped the oil pan today. Got the hose out. Was stuck up in the baffles. Guess I overshot when inserting. Will clean everything up and get the pan resealed tomorrow. All in all, not a bad job.

Glad you got it out. FWIW, if you want to mark the depth of your extraction tube so you don't overshoot. Mark it for 18", that's 1/2" more than the dipstick length. That will get you very close to the bottom without going too far.

https://i.postimg.cc/qMvpmnwL/A6-BDA81-A-A780-406-E-AAAC-1-A1793382-B1-E.jpg

[Thugmeet]

Glad you got it out. I thought the oil extractor would make the job easier and less chance of a leak developing. Just created a new pain in the ass [headbang]

[ShelbyM3]

Glad you got it out and nothing major happened. It’s can be the simplest of things sometimes.


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[Neil F]

Glad you got it out.

This REALLY makes me glad I spent the money and got the Schwaben. What it does come with is a ridged suction tube and it is not going to hit the bottom and bend or collapse. The end of the hard tube is flat and will firmly meet flush with the bottom of the pan. Using a flimsy tube runs the risk of what happened here and or simply not doing the job of getting all the oil out.

[coop3422]

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/schwaben-dipstick-oil-change-tube-set/013810sch01a/?gclid=CjwKCAjw6fCCBhBNEiwAem5SO_OTxJwSxdOSzYezoSf vY56bnhJHSNFEEisKJRodQ-CGNmnK4__EnBoCOnEQAvD_BwE

Thanks. I see the tip is metal, but the tube looks to be similar plastic. Is that not an issue with these because of the tip being metal?

[Neil F]

Thanks. I see the tip is metal, but the tube looks to be similar plastic. Is that not an issue with these because of the tip being metal?

That is the main tube. Metal end goes to the tank.

The main 41" tube couples directly into the main 6-Liter tank coupling.

There are two 35" tubes to be inserted into the dipstick tube and have a slide coupler to connect to main tube..

[MSq5]

Thanks. I see the tip is metal, but the tube looks to be similar plastic. Is that not an issue with these because of the tip being metal?

i have that kit. That metal "tip" is not a tip. It is a male half of a quick attach/detach coupler on the other end. It attached to the extractor or an extension hose/line.

[jbain2]

Got it all buttoned up. Re-sealed the pan. Replaced the oil cooler gasket. No leaks.

Worst oil change ever. From now on all I’m using is a box wrench.


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[crimson773]

This just happened to me. I guess I'm going to wait to see if it cools and releases. Hopefully I don't have to drop the pan and fish it out.

[Nillious]

The extractor I have is pretty hard plastic line. I don't even think it would be possible to do this unless you really rammed it in there. Is your line soft? Maybe take a tape and measure from tube to pan and put some tape on it so you know how far to go.

[jbain2]

If you put the tubing in when the engine is still hot it makes the tube malleable and it can then cool hardened in that position. That was my mistake. I learned the hard way. I have since put a mark on the tubing at the depth the dipstick goes in to. But most of the new cars don’t even have a dipstick for reference.


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[crimson773]

I was able to dislodge the tube without it breaking. It took a lot of maneuvering after I let it sit for about 2 hours. The tube was kinked in two places so that probably made it more difficult to remove. I cut the tube to shorten it and remove the kinked pieces. I'm going to mark it so I don't do that again! Lesson learned!!

[A4Qwattro]

Make sure you are using a nylon tube. Those are heat resistant at higher temperatures. I've had a tube that came with my Topsider oil extractor which I purchased 7 or 8 years ago and I don't have any problem doing warm oil changes (around 170F according to DIS). Tube never collapsed or kinked. According to my research it is a nylon material. Make sure you do not use any PVC based tubing if you are doing hot oil changes as those are not as heat resistance and you'll end up with a plastic pretzel in your oil pan.