1981 240D's engine oil capacity.
 

Dear 240D owners:

After draining the engine oil from my 1981 240D's oil pan (without draining oil from oil cooler), I put in 6 quarts of Delo 400 and the oil dipstick shows quite an overflow.

How much oil do you usually have to put in your 240D after draining oil from the oil pan (no draining from oil cooler)?

Thanks.

Eric

You need to start the engine, let it run a bit, then shut & down and check the level after 5-10 minutes. I believe the spec for your car is something like 6.9 quarts but I'd have to double-check. It is definitely more than 6 quarts! And Mercedes specifically states you should NOT drain the oil cooler. The system is designed to leave the old oil in the cooler & hoses during changes - this is normal. The filter holds about a quart, which is why you're seeing "overfull" right now. Don't forget to check on a level surface, too!

Note - you'll get a LOT more response to 240D questions over on the Diesel forum! :D :D

The rule of thumb is not to put more in than you took out. Measure what you drain before filling.

I changed the oil of my 300SD yesterday. The engine capacity is 8 quarts but since 8 quarts didn't come out, for whatever reason, I did not pour 8 quarts.

The other thing is that many MB gurus say to keep the oil level halfway between the add and full marks on the dipstick. That means a quart shy of capacity for my 617. Probably something close to that for your 616.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Sixto's advice is generally true, assuming the oil level was correct before draining, and you add in the quart that's held in the filter. And yes, it's a good idea to leave the level between the MAX and MIN marks - note they are not "FULL" and "ADD" marks! ;) Do not add oil until it reaches the "min" mark, and then only add 1 quart. Some engines (not all) tend to burn off the excess quickly if kept at the "MAX" mark.