Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
George Miller photo
1 Level
762 Review
60 Karma

Review on πŸ”§ Mityvac MVA6851 Fluid Extractor: A Manual Tool for Efficient Extraction, 7-1/2 in. L, White and Black by George Miller

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Big! Except. Best in Garage & Shop

I couldn't decide how to rate this unit. This is probably the best vacuum gun I've used as an auto mechanic. I've had many and all had problems. You either blew off the end of the hose while you were filling, or poured the fluid backwards for easy draining into your armpit, or they just hooked up after you sprayed the brake fluid to rinse it out before changing fluid . This device does neither of those things. Although all the usual problems with suction guns from the last 80 years have been eliminated, it has 2 new problems that the old devices didn't have. Problem #1 is the end of the tube. It is cast in such a way that the threaded area is higher than its surroundings. Squeezing the plunger all the way will leave some liquid in the gun. You may think it's ok, I just open it up and clean it after each use. Great idea and very easy to do. The design allows you to remove and clean the back cover and plunger! Problem #2 The lip seals on the piston are in rectangular grooves and the seals appear to be proprietary. They face the opposite direction for better suction and pressure control and have a very thin lip. After the 7th or 8th time the cleaner is disassembled after use, the very thin edge of the first in edge of the lip seal will begin to pinch or buckle. At this point the days are numbered and you will probably need new gaskets (from the manufacturer). It's a hassle as I sometimes use this thing 3-4 times a day. The first set of seals took me about 4 days. I was able to use the o-ring combo from the service kit to replace the front (pressure) seal. The rear seal (suction) is still there and looks great because you don't have to deform it when cleaning. I think anyone buying this should be aware of the design issues and the reason for the 3 stars. Knowing all this I would still buy it and I can get 1 or 2 more so I don't have to change fluids or clean them at all. for other things or the desire to keep buying replacement seals. look elsewhere

Pros
  • Great for me
Cons
  • Not performing