Abstract: A rotary compressor having a sealed case containing a motor and a compressing device has a vertically extending rotor shaft that extends from the top of the case to the bottom. The bottom of the case forms a lubricating oil sump and the rotor shaft has a longitudinally extending through opening which defines a path from the sump to the upper end of the case. An access opening, having a removable plug therein, is provided in the upper end of the case in axial alignment with the opening in the rotor shaft. Removal of lubricating oil from the sump is accomplished by removing the removable access opening plug and inserting an oil extraction tube through the opening access opening and through the opening in the rotor shaft and in to the oil sump. A vacuum is applied to the end of the tube exterior of the compressor which withdraws the lubricating oil from the compressor sump.