DIY oil change hint

[osmosis]

I just found a very simple product that I have found indespendsable for an ML oil change. Due to the crappy location of the oil drain plug, you cant get the oil out without using one of those down the dipstick (topsider) oil pumps. FRAM now makes drain kit ( for any vehicle- Make sure you get the correct drain bolt thread ). The kit consist of a permanently installed drain bolt with a valve. A brass cap, and a drain hose with a device that activates the valve. Very simple design. excellent quality, about $12.00 (at PEP BOYS). I did my first oil change by taking a 1 quart funnel and sliding it between the sway bar and the frame rail. Actually only spilled about 3 drops, even though reaching over the funnel to remove the drain plug by hand was a @#$%%. However with the FRAM kit installed, oil change takes <10 minutes, ZERO spillage, and the only tool required is the filter wrench.

[Gilly]

I found it on the web, it does look like it's be the "hot ticket" for ML oil changes and also W210 chassis with the 104 motor.

This is a link to the FRAM website, you'll see it on their homepage:

http://www.fram.com/

You'll see it on the left border, it's called the "Sure Drain".

Gilly

[Gilly]

OOPs, I went through their catalog and they don't have a part number for a ML320 OR a 97 E320! Osmosis, can you give the part number for the one that worked for you? Did it install without a problem (screwed in fine and sealed?). I'm sure that MOST MB's for the last 20+ years would use the same part (except maybe for the 116/117 motors and 61 series Diesels. The 107 chassis would definitely be something different!

Gilly

[osmosis]

I believe the part is the SD2. Its a 14MM x 1.5 thread. I believe the ML drain plug is a 14 x 1.5 MM thread. I purchased 3 of the FRAM SD kits at once and of course don't still have the packaging. Mine was a "plug and play" install. I noticed the web site doesn't state the thread size ( kinda stooopid on FRAM's part ) but, on the individual package they are nicely labled with the thread size. It looks like with the 5 or 6 sizes that FRAM makes it probably coverers 99.9% of all motors out there. I'm going to even install one on my home generator when I pull the plug to change the oil in preparation for hurricane season. It drains a little slow due to the valve assembly, but with the oil "hot" it's not really a problem. By the time I check all the other fluids, top up the washer fluid, check the tires, throw down a few wrenches and a beer, its drained.

Disclaimer:
The author claims no responsibility for your success with this operation. The act of changing oil and drinking beer is known to be hazardous. Never confuse a Fosters "oilcan" with a Mobile One "can of Oil"

[texasdanml430]

hey will that thing fit the v8 in my ml430? my 1st diy oil change made a mess of 'biblical proportions'......is the drain bolt the same as the ml 320? i do have a topsider for my mercruiser boat, but it will need longer hoses be a clean job on the truck, and i like to know i got most (or at least some) of the sludge off the bottom of the pan when i change oil.

[osmosis]

I'm no expert, but


I would bet that the oil drain plug is the same for the 430.
I would look at the fastlane parts catalog and if it's the same part number then I would "go for it"
As for draining the oil without the Sure drain. Here is what I did and quite frankly, I only spilled about 3 drops. I loosened the drain bolt with a wrench, but only 1 turn. Then I took a 1 quart plastic funnel and squuezed it together and inserted the large end up beween the sway bar. Then let go of the funnel and it "expanded" back to its original shape, but jammed between the oil pan and the sway bar. Then I reached over the funnel from the left side and unscrewed the drain plug by hand slowly. ( I had a drain pan under the funnel at this time). It worked fine. Then I re-assembled with the suredrain kit vice the original drain plug.

[ML320guy]

Gilly, is there any special procedure on the 2000 ML320 to insure that the oil drains completely? Also, with the Fram SureDrain plug, would you be worried that not all oil would drain out?
Thanks.

[Gilly]

It seems like the extractor can remove more oil than through the drainplug.
Make sure you get the engine to operating temp prior to changing, this at least makes it go faster, if not more complete.
I wouldn't be overly concerned about using the Fram quick-change system. The little bit left in the crankcase just isn't worth worrying about. Some people just make such a big deal over it.

Gilly

[texasdanml430]

how do I re-set the check engine light after an oil and filter change? I cant find it anywhere in the owners manual. will I need an obd II code scanner to do it?

[ML320guy]

Do you mean to reset the FSS indicator? This is the "wrench" that is displayed when an oil change is needed. The instructions are in the owners manual. It is a series of key-turn locations and pressing the dash reset button.