I'm done with Mityvac permanently now - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ps2cho · #1 07-15-2017, 10:18 AM

This is the third Mityvac oil suction unit that has failed me in 3 years.

First one exploded, literally.

Second one (free replacement, at least I'll give them that) had constant vacuum issues where it was basically useless because I had to manually pump.
No warranty obviously since it was already a replacement one.

So I purchased a third as I figured it has 4.5 stars on amazon, I must have just got unlucky.
This one burst its seal at the part where you switch between suction/pump. Blew transmission fluid all over the ground. The unit was purchased in January and I only used it a few times. I contacted Mity Vac tech support and they just said and I quote:

Quote:

Greetings,

Not sure why it is doing that other than fluid entering the pump. All warranty issues should be handled through place of purchase

Utterly useless and a waste of time bothering to ask them if there is a fix or solution. If I knew why it was doing it I wouldn't have asked.
I contacted Amazon and they offered a full refund or replacement since its under warranty. I'm opting for a refund and I'll use that money to buy the Schwaben Oil Extractor unit.

Am I just the unluckiest guy with this unit, or are the reviews over-rated?

t walgamuth · #2 07-15-2017, 11:57 AM

I've never had much luck with them either.

compress ignite · #3 07-15-2017, 07:51 PM

"Usually ships within 1 to 2 months."

__________________________________________________________

I've got the "Stupid"version of the Mityvac (#7400) [It only Sucks]
But, no trouble from it YET.

Of course,the usage levels it's exposed to are nothing like Y'alls...

__________________________________________________________
"Wrench (s)" I know down here who have the MV units have the compressed
air powered versions AND they Roundly Curse them before each day's work
begins...

tyl604 · #4 07-15-2017, 08:20 PM

Seems to work oK with just vac and no fluid.

compress ignite · #5 07-15-2017, 09:13 PM

Tyler's post just lit a bulb.

Is the MV's entire purpose on the Planet to Move Fluids Around?

Whether or not Air/Tranny Fluid/Oil ?

So apparently the Untermenschen @ Mityvac are following GM's
attempt at advice to their customers...

"Mr. Smith If you'd just Left that Vessel in Liverpool the Iceberg would
Never have had the opportunity to breach the Hull..."

Or in MV's case "If you'd NEVER exposed the pump to FLUID it would still be
working Today"

KarTek · #6 07-15-2017, 10:48 PM

Not sure if it applies to what you're doing but my Mity Vac has a reservoir made out of a Mason jar to keep fluid separate from the vacuum.

It came with the plastic adapter plate, I just provided the jar.

ps2cho · #7 07-16-2017, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

"Usually ships within 1 to 2 months."

__________________________________________________________

I've got the "Stupid"version of the Mityvac (#7400) [It only Sucks]
But, no trouble from it YET.

Of course,the usage levels it's exposed to are nothing like Y'alls...

__________________________________________________________
"Wrench (s)" I know down here who have the MV units have the compressed
air powered versions AND they Roundly Curse them before each day's work
begins...

Amazon doesn't have the unit I want -- there is a better one on ECS Tuning that includes a bunch of adapters etc.

The Schwaben brake bleeder is a lot better than the Motive bleeder and I've been very happy with it.
The oil extractor has many of the same features the bleeder has and that's why it looks really good.

Delibes · #8 07-16-2017, 04:26 AM

Get the metal-bodied one by Craftsman. Mine has been rock solid.

compress ignite · #9 07-16-2017, 10:38 PM

A. Mity Vac makes the "Fingers and Thumb" operated Hand Suction device that
we're all familiar with for testing (And Other Purposes)

B. They also make Fluid Removal [Oil/ATF/Whatever] suction devices with a
reservoir (3 Gal to 5 gal) that are powered by either a hand pump or Air
Pressure [compressor]
Some of these can also be used to pump fluids Back into Vehicle
reservoirs.

What we're talking about is the B Version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLQROKWizb4

JamesDean · #10 07-18-2017, 12:36 PM

I'm sorry that you've had bad luck with yours.

I've had mine..MITYVAC 7201 Fluid Evacuator with 2.3 Gallon Capacity...since 2012 and haven't had any problems with it.

I've only done engine oil with it though.

sunedog · #11 07-18-2017, 05:10 PM

Just checked my Amazon order history. I bought the model 7201 (sucks and pumps) in 2008. Had some problems with it so I replaced it in 2012 with the sucks only model 7400. The 7400 is less complicated and does a better job. But it only holds 7.7 US liquid quarts, so I have to empty the 9 quart sump in my ML 350 in two stages.

It seems I always have issues with the seal in the rubber connector that joins the main tube to the dipstick tube. The vacuum fails at that point and the thing doesn't suck. Which frankly sucks.

Just last month I finally added two hose clamps around the rubber connector to squeeze tightly on the tubes. Did this in frustration after I could not get much oil out of my vehicle.

One other observation -- don't initiate a pump out while the container is half (or more) full of old oil from a previous job. It really won't start sucking for some reason.

I use mine every few months to maintain 3 vehicles.

jcyuhn · #12 07-18-2017, 05:21 PM

I have a Liquivac topsider, I think it is model 5060. The blue metal one. Have had it for probably 15 years without any problems. It only holds 8 quarts, so need to stop and empty it when changing oil in a Benz with a larger sump. But no complaints, it has served it's purpose well.

tbomachines · #13 07-18-2017, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcyuhn

I have a Liquivac topsider, I think it is model 5060. The blue metal one. Have had it for probably 15 years without any problems. It only holds 8 quarts, so need to stop and empty it when changing oil in a Benz with a larger sump. But no complaints, it has served it's purpose well.

I had that one that broke it's vacuum valve (and T handle had come off twice). My mityvac brand one is going strong. YMMV.

DMarble · #14 07-18-2017, 08:12 PM

I bought one of Harbor Freights Oil Extractors a few years ago and have had really good luck with it. It requires compressed air to operate it but it holds 6 gallons and doesn't mind high temps. I added a drain valve to make it easier to empty. Watch for a sale and it can be had for about $80. It seems to be much better quality than most of the Harbor Freight stuff.

ps2cho · #15 07-20-2017, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMarble

I bought one of Harbor Freights Oil Extractors a few years ago and have had really good luck with it. It requires compressed air to operate it but it holds 6 gallons and doesn't mind high temps. I added a drain valve to make it easier to empty. Watch for a sale and it can be had for about $80. It seems to be much better quality than most of the Harbor Freight stuff.

Nice maybe this is the way to go because I really don't need the pump action because fluid gets contaminated anyway. I have a compressor and if for some reason I need to changed fluids away from my house I have the Small topsider - the capacity is just small on it.

I'll keep my eyes open on it.