What's the best way to remove the oil filter on my '86 300E (M103 engine) without it leaking oil all over the side of the engine? I tried putting a hole in the top with a concrete nail a few changes ago and after waiting about 20-30 min. all it did was allow the oil to drain out on the side of the engine much faster as I was removing it. Is there something in either the filter or the mounting that prevents the oil from flowing back when the engine is off? (I'm using only the tall Mann filters) I only penetrated one layer of metal with the nail. Do I need to drive it in further?

Thanks

There are two things you can try.

1) Let the engine sit overnight and drain the oil cold. If you let it sit, the oil will usually drain out of the filter.

2) If you use an oil extration device like the Topsider, you'll have to run the engine to warm the oil and so you will have oil in the filter. The way I do it is to loosen the filter and unscrew it just enough to release the oil in the filter so it will drain back into the crankcase. This doesn't always work perfectly but you usually don't drip a lot of it. Put something under the area of the filter for a couple of days to catch any drips that might occur.

Drive the nail until you're certain that it penetrates the interior of the filter. I've never had a problem using this technique to drain the filter. I don't think you're penetrating far enough. I drive the nail from the high side of the filter end, so the hole is near the highest point of the filter.

I first rotate the filter slightly to ensure it will spin off. Then I drive the nail hole and proceed to removing the drain plug. After leaving the plug off for 10 to fifteen minutes and jacking up the right rear of the car so the drain hole is the low point once the flow is reduced to a drip, I let down the jack, swap the filter, then install the plug, pour in the proper quantity of fresh oil and start if for an oil pressure and leak test.

Duke

I have the same engine - different model. Uisng either a Mann, Hengst; Mahle-Knecht filter, I've never had any drain out when I remove it and I always do this hot.

My 2 cents.

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

I just stuff an old rag around the buttom of the filter and screw it off..
The rag soaks up the oil that WILL pour out of the filter before you can flip it upside down.

Freestyler

__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

Mike's post above nails it (no pun intended). I had same concern when doing first change when I got the car. Had correct filter with drainback valve inside, lost maybe a few drops. Same with all changes since. If oil gushes out when removing it, don't get that brand again.

__________________
Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon