For oil change, any way to NOT remove front 1/2 of belly pan? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jbach36 · #1 10-22-2006, 09:58 AM

I have a '91 300d, and want to see if there's some way to NOT have to remove the front 1/2 of the belly pan. Putting the screws back in is always like an Easter egg hunt.

Additionally, I considered one of those oil drain plugs where all you have to do is attach a hose to the plug, without taking the plug out, turn a knob, and the oil comes out. If I could cut a small hole into the plastic belly pan to do that, that might be the way to go. Just have the cut out piece to plug the hole and open on an as-needed basis.

Thanks,

jeff

jhodg5ck · #2 10-22-2006, 12:22 PM

why not buy a topsider? The cars were designed to have their oil changed that way, it works, works well and no nasty diesel oil running down your arm!

Jonathan

manny · #3 10-22-2006, 12:58 PM

Here you go:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTELargeImageView?storeId=6970&catalogId=4006970&langId=-1&rfno=390306&zoomId=none&moreImages=none&fullTime=none&totalSounds=none&rotate=none
The price is in Canadian dollars.
Works great for engine oil, transm fluid, coolant, etc.

Hit Man X · #4 10-22-2006, 07:42 PM

Will the evac all the oil easily?

sixto · #5 10-22-2006, 07:58 PM

The dipstick tube in modern MBs goes about to the bottom of the sump for just this purpose. Dealerships have a professional duty extractor that uses the dipstick tube, rather than a home brew or boater unit that has its own smaller tube.

The downsides are you can't extract oil at operating temp unless you get some high temp tubing or use a metal tube, and you don't get to inspect the underside of the engine bay. Some say you don't get out as much oil but every time I've pulled the plug after letting the extractor do it's thing there wasn't more than a half a teaspoon more that dripped.

Sixto
93 300SD

Gilly · #6 10-22-2006, 08:25 PM

jbach, other than using a large holesaw to put a hole in the bottom of the belly pan, you need to remove the belly pan or use a topsider.
Gilly

Hatterasguy · #7 10-23-2006, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhodg5ck

why not buy a topsider? The cars were designed to have their oil changed that way, it works, works well and no nasty diesel oil running down your arm!

Jonathan

I second this, suck it out.

No one has yet produced an engine with an oil related failure because the oil was sucked out. It just doesn't happen.

sixto · #8 10-23-2006, 01:56 PM

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46149

At that price it'll either suck or suck.

Sixto
93 300SD

jhodg5ck · #9 10-23-2006, 03:12 PM

Typically I'll do a 1st round w/ the topsider, tend to everything else that needs tending on the car and usually w/ in a few hours fire it up once more. I always get some more out. Being able to such the remaining bit out of the housing is equally handy.

Lastly, when you do a tranny flush having a topsider around jic you over fill a touch is Beyond handy.

Jonathan