PhxBill

I’ve used oil extractors on boat engines, but cannot speak for their use on our Lexus engines. In general, though, I don’t choose to use an oil extractor if direct draining through the plug is reasonably convenient. Since getting under the RX is easy, why use an extractor that a) leaves a significant amount of dirty oil in the pan and b) runs the risk of damaging sensors or emission components?

SoCalRX

It is vehicle dependent on the amount of oil remaining (which is another that will also determine whether to use an oil extractor), but I always remove the engine oil drain plug, and replace the gasket as well. Sensors can be determined via an engine breakdown diagram. When, and if, I start doing our RX engine oil changes, I will also replace the engine oil drain plug with a magnetic one.

SoCalRX

I glanced over your post and now note that you have a MityVac. May I ask whether you are using your MityVac for engine oil extraction, and if so, are you extracting the engine while level or on wheel ramps? Also, how much oil remains after oil extraction when you remove the engine oil drain plug? Thanks.