"Lakelover" : If you check the Maintenance Manual and refer to the section on oil changes, there is a drawing of the special adaptor used by MB to suck the oil from the engine via the dipstick tube. That drawing shows that the adaptor and suction tube are only inserted into the top flare of the dipstick tube, about two inches. The dipstick tube evidently goes right to the bottom of the oil pan, or close enough, so suction applied at the top of the dipstick tube is enough to draw out all the hot, hot oil.

Rather than try to purchase the elegant adaptor used by MB, I purchased a length of 3/8 inch I.D. transparent, braided, PVC tube from Home Depot. The O.D. is about 1/2 inch and fits easily but snugly into the flared portion of the dipstick tube. I connected that back to the container for collecting the hot, hot oil and that container in turn is connected to a vacuum source. The oil filter cover is first removed, then the vacuum is applied. Yesterday was my fourth experience using this method and the measured volume of the oil removed was 7+ liters....I am satisfied that I removed all that was in there and it took about 15 minutes, with no mess.

DHA

Does this tubing you got from Home Depot simply jam into the dipstick tube or does it go all the way down into the bottom?

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

No need to get the extractor tube to the bottom of the pan. Save yourself the trouble, and seal to the dipstick tube instead.
It was designed for this.
DHA's method is right on track.

__________________
1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

Haasman: I confirm what csnow has already noted. The 1/2 inch OD, transparent, braided PVC tubing is inserted into the top flare of the dipstick tube. That O.D. will not allow the tube to enter beyond the flare and makes a tight seal. The transparent tube is apparently heat resistant enough and the internal braiding makes it strong enough to withstand temperature and vacuum. Its neat to watch the last few bubbles of oil pass along the tubing, signaling that the sump is dry.

DHA

DHA, Thanks for the tip. I'm going to try it. From your description it sounds as though you use a motorized vacuum source. I'm wonding if it'll work with a hand pump (Astro). Guess I'll find out.
Jerry

Lakelover:

Not to beat this thread to death, but the powered vacuum source is an old 1 HP ShopVac. The ShopVac pipe fits nicely to the pouring spout of an old 2.5 gal plastic gas can (holds 10 Liters). I drilled and enlarged the air vent on the gas can to accept a 2 inch long 1/4 inch brass nipple (Home Depot). The O.D. of that 1/4 inch brass nipple is 3/8 inch. That in turn fits the 3/8 inch ID, transparent, braided, PVC tubing. I used about 4-5 feet of that tubing and, as stated in my earlier reply, the tubing snugly fits into the top of the dipstick tube of my car. Its not Rube Goldberg...its more like Swis Family Robinson. The oil never reaches the ShopVac.

DHA, you're very resourceful. Too bad I don't have a shopvac. I picked up a 1/2" OD, PVC, this morning and found it a bit small for the flang on my dip-stick tub. Looks like I need a 5/8 or 11/16 for a snug fit. It'll be tomorrow before I can see what larger size is available. Anyway, the point is that one-size doesn't fit all models. Jerry.