I have never seen the oil sucked out of the dipstick tube.
Is there an inexspensive pump that does this? How good does it get the oil out?
Is there some special way this is done?
Sounds like some thing I'd like to try, getting too old to crawl under in the winter.

__________________
Ricali

03 C240 4matic wagon
95 300E 234,000
7 prior 240;s 5 still going
81 300sd gone
65 230sl gone
49 Studebaker Champion
90BMW convert.167,000
60 Dodge D-100

There are three type of oil sucking devices that I have seen.

1. Hand - vacuum operated. The original Topsider and the newly re-designed LiquiVac belong to this type. I have the LiquiVac and it is good and convenient but a little slow. The hoses coming with it are too soft if you want to suck the oil hot so I used some different fittings and hoses. These run about $40 - $50.

2. Small 12-V electric pumps. I have also used this (about $20). Very effective and not too slow. But I do not like the battery connection so I prefer the LiquiVac.

3. Heavy duty pump. I have seen one mounted on a 5-gal bucket. Reversible. Do not know if it is an overkill for personal use. Would like to have one someday to try it out. They go for about $140.

During the Michigan winter, oil sucking is the only method I use to change oil.

Loubapache

thanks for your reply. where can I get # 1 or 2??

the 140 is not in my budget.

__________________
Ricali

03 C240 4matic wagon
95 300E 234,000
7 prior 240;s 5 still going
81 300sd gone
65 230sl gone
49 Studebaker Champion
90BMW convert.167,000
60 Dodge D-100

1. You can actually get the LiquiVac from here.

Before I found this place, I got mine from

http://www.cal-products.com/liquivac.html

2. You can get the small pump from many auto parts store like Pep Boys.

I like the LiquiVac better because it also serves as a storage container.

ricali,

I understand your desire to use this in the Winter or bad situations. However, I would recommend that when possible, you get the car hot and give it a good long drain to get the real gunk out of the pan occasionally. The other good thing about the old fashion drain is that you get to inspect everything underneath to see what's leaking or falling off.

Enjoy your topside oil changes,

LarryBible

thanks for your reply. I just started on this forum and am quite impressed with yours and everyones knowledge.
I have been a real oil nut since the dinos roamed the earth.
having done the amsoil since late 70,s I,m willing to try anything. I think your right about the drain plug. I only intend to suck it out in jan. or feb.. I,m such a nut (yes total) about oil changes I was considering putting an aircraft drian plug in, the kind you just pull down on to drain and then push it back after.

Too young to retire too old to work

__________________
Ricali

03 C240 4matic wagon
95 300E 234,000
7 prior 240;s 5 still going
81 300sd gone
65 230sl gone
49 Studebaker Champion
90BMW convert.167,000
60 Dodge D-100

ricali,

Welcome to the forums!

Now I hope you're not going to challenge me as the resident oil nut!

I have had numerous people here on mshop, oppose my view on oil change frequency and method. I drain most of my cars on about a 3,333 mile interval. There are two new cars on my place now that I started out on Mobil One and change them at 5,000 mile intervals.

My method is; with the engine at operating temperature, which typically means a minimum of 17 miles driving, I pull the plug and filter and let it drain overnight. I can't always do this, but I try to do pull the plug on a Friday or Saturday night. This gets that last little bit of sludge, which is the dirtiest of the oil, out of the engine. Also by draining it hot, the contaminants are well churned up in the oil.

The frequent intervals prevent build up of microscopic particulate that cause wear that takes a few thousand, or tens of thousands of miles off the ultimate life of the engine.

I also use a magnetic drain plug in my engines for which one is available.

Have a great day,
"Change oil hot, and change oil often"

Larr Bible

I've died and gone to heaven. found someone who shares my oil theory.
I worked for S&W and one of my projects was oils and have been that way ever since. have you tried oil anaylisis yet??
I did but didn't really trust the company who did it. It seems everybody I talked to got the same report.
by the way I've been driving benzs since mid 70s and the only mechanical repair i have had besides brakes has been 1 alternator 1 starter and numerous batteries.
would like to see some pictures of your 550k 240 what about posting some??

__________________
Ricali

03 C240 4matic wagon
95 300E 234,000
7 prior 240;s 5 still going
81 300sd gone
65 230sl gone
49 Studebaker Champion
90BMW convert.167,000
60 Dodge D-100

ricali,

I've never had my oil analyzed.

Funny you should ask for pictures. If you read the Christmas in November thread, you'll see that I just got use of a digital camera. Although the car is currently out of action and sitting dirty next to the barn, I took a few pictures but could not make the serial port work on my wifes computer. I hope to download them to my laptop sometime tomorrow, it's on my desk at the office.

Have a great day,

Hey Larry

how about one of your smily face so

i can see what another oil nut looks like?

__________________
Ricali

03 C240 4matic wagon
95 300E 234,000
7 prior 240;s 5 still going
81 300sd gone
65 230sl gone
49 Studebaker Champion
90BMW convert.167,000
60 Dodge D-100