1986 300SDL & the Topsider....
 

Today I changed the oil in my newly acquired 1986 300SDL using the Topsider. Gotta love that easily-accessed oil filter! Only thing is, it didn't seem to get all the oil out like it did the first time I used it. First time was on my 85 300D and the oil was very hot. This time, the oil was hot but not as hot as the 300D's. Now that may be the reason, but I also noticed the dipstick tubing was angled down towards the bottom. Anyknow one if there's something going on down there that would impede the Topsider's performance? TIA.

TONY . . . .
 

I also use the dipstick method on my '87 SDL. Here is my hint for you. Park the car with the front end on a slight down slope. Then you will get all the oil out. When I first changed the oil while in my garage, which I thought was level, I couldn't get all the oil out. Next time I turned the car "down hill", it worked well. How do I know? I offer two answers. 1. When I put the new oil in, it requires 8.5 qts., just like the book states. 2. When I run the engine for a short time, then turn it off and check the oil , it is nice and clean. In fact it stays "pretty" clean for a long time. I change the oil and filter every 3000 mi.. Also, I use Rotella-T 15-40 , because it has a great reputation in the commerical trucking industry where I've worked for 29 years. It cleans really well. If I lived farther north, I'd probably use syn. oil, if the car was left outside at night. Good luck.

I always do my changes on flat ground. You're pro'lly right in this case. I'll try it on the downward slope. Thanks Paul.