Oil Changes..Sucking or Draining ?
 

Decided to DYI my oil changes..MB shop wants 94.00
I just noticed the Plastic pan underneath the engine and transmission.
I can't imagine dropping this pan for every oil change. This raises the question of sucking the oil out w/ one of several devices mentioned in this forum.


1. Do you really get more oil out by sucking ?

2. I have a 1992 300D which is the best device to do the job (8 qt oil pan)


opinions/Facts appreciated


Wayne:confused:

Mikes response is exactly right as far as I'm concerned.

The first priority is that the oil is changed, and changed often.

You will not get more oil out by sucking it out. In some cases you MIGHT get as much. The belly pan is really no problem at all. Just get an 8mm nutdriver or some such and spin out four screws, no big deal at all.

Now for my personal preference. Anyone who has read more than about five of my posts probably knows that I am a total mental illness level fanatic when it comes to oil changes.

I only drain oil when the oil is at operating temperature, which is after about 17 miles of driving minimum. I do it on a Friday night, pull the plug and let it drain all night. The last few drops that you get are the nastiest of it all, the real sludge. By draining it hot, the contaminants are churned up in the oil rather than stuck to the innards of the engine. I also change filter with every oil change.

As Mike said, the underneath method gives you the chance to see if there are any leaks, and look for anything that might be about to fall off.

Good luck,
Change oil hot and change oil often,

You might want to lock this thread until after you do a search. There is must discussion and debate on this topic.

I wanted to change my own oil too from below but the air dam on the front of my'94 W124 was too low for the car ramp I had. The road shield is no problem - goes on and off easily. I bought a Liquivac topsider and has worked very well. I believe you do get more of the crude from the pan out but one has to becareful about how much tube from the vacuum pump is in the oil pan as it could end up jammed in the lower engine requiring removal of the oil pan to free it up.

There are two camps on this issue. The first or more traditional believes in bottom draining. Yes, pulling the pan may be a little more work, but you get to peek around underneath...see what's going on below. You might notice something that's about to become a problem. I don't mind pulling the pan.

The second group prefers using a "top sider" - device used to suction oil out the top. If your car has a top-mounted filter, you don't have to get on the ground. You stay clean. Many say they get more oil out this way and faster.

To me, it's irrevalent which way you go. Both drain oil. The main thing is to do it on a regular basis.

I suspect we'll see many posts on this issue.

sir larry.....
 

i would prefer to drain oil from the top.however,after reading you reply i have to wonder if your way is better and worth the extra effort.you say that draining gets the sludge.are you also saying that you can't get the sludge by sucking it?if you do indeed drain overnight,when it comes time to start in the morning (upon filling) are you worried about the engine having no oil for what must be several hours and then being started?i can understand that after a normal oil change there would be a film on all parts to start until oil pressure gets to normal.it seems to me you should prime the engine before starting.i'd be interested in trying your method but first i would need info on priming.:) :) :) :)

If one has been changing their oil reguarly, there shouldn't be any "sludge". With that said, I am in the camp that goes under the car. I don't follow the over night drain method, but I leave the drainplug out until the oil is at a very, very slow drip. Should there be any "sludge", I think the gravity and suction of oil pouring out of the pan is stronger than sucking it up through a tube. Also as mentioned, this gives you a chance to look around underneath.
For DTF, you can buy ramp extensions which would enable you to make use of your ramps. They are fairly common, and can be found at any Walmart or auto parts store.

I object to the overnight oil changes. By ridding the engine of 99% of its oil you are unnecessarily drying the seals of the engine. The seals are made out of plastic and with repeated instances of lack of oil they begin to crack and cause big problems. This is what the mechanic told me was the reason why oil seals become defective. He had just saw my 97 E320 with its front oil seal leak. Since the car only went 6000 miles a year, the periods of garaged rest actually destroyed the seal.

If I had just bought a car that had the infamous FSS 20k mile oil changes, I might tell the mechanic or service advisor to do this overnight oil changes but on normal cars, you dont have to worry about a couple drops of dirty oil. Remember, MB is not a "sludge" engine like Toyota Siennas.

As far as sucking or draining. If you have a jack at your house then just do it the normal way but if you are like me, you build up your biceps with the topsider.

I truly believe that cars need to be driven to ensure a long life. Sitting is BAD.

The people that drain their oil are right.

The people that LiquiVac/Topsider their oil are right.

The people that don't change their oil frequently are wrong.

Heh..well put, John and Mike. :)
 

Are there any more questions? ;)