I'm about to change my oil for the 1st time (by myself). I have a 1986 300sdl and would like to know "about how many quarts should use"?

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ez rider

Eight quarts.

The main thing is that you do not want to get too much oil into the crankcase... that would cause foaming and potential starvation to the bearings and also oxidation of the oil... taking its useful life to almost nothing...while you have no way of being warned of this while it is happening..

You put less than you know it needs, start the engine, stop the engine, let it sit a while, check the dipstick... then add a little at a time and check it again...

THANKS.
All i need to do is let all the old oil drain, then when it's finish just add 8 quarts...right?

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ez rider

Usually the MB manual says to open the oil filler cap so it will drain faster and better.... more flushing effect...

Are you not changing the filter .... ? That 8 qt quote may put you a quart OVER FILLED... I don't know about your car...

Like Larry B says.... change your oil when the engine is hot....you get better evacuation that way....

Will you be draining your oil cooler ?

That blanket statment of 8 quarts without asking these other questions is potentially dangerous to your car......

now that you put it that way i think i'll let a professional do it like i always do. it just seems so simple when i watch them do it. BUT I WOULD KILL MYSELF IF I F'ed UP MY RIDE. so............THANKS

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ez rider

It is not hard... you just have to use logic while you are addressing it....

It also has the advantage of getting you under the car so you can see if other things need to be addressed....

If you have a trusted mechanic.... great.... but if you are taking it to the fast change " professionals" who may have people whose first day on the job is the day you trust your baby to them... then you are better off learning to do it yourself..

i'm gonna search the threads. i just don't wan't to mess things up that will cost $$$$$$ to fix

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ez rider

Why don't you delete this thread by deleting the starting post...... repost with "300SDL oil change procedure?"
as the title... then that will attract people who know those answers... my books only go to 1985 ...
There might be something like " open the oil filter case" ... I don't know.. but that title will serve you better...

Hey,
You won't mess it up. Just follow everyone's advice and don't over fill.

The point is the manual says 8 quarts. Or I think mine says something like 1.8 gallons. But unless you drain the oil pan, oils cooler, oil filter, turbo unit, Injection Pump.. you will not get out 8 gallons of oil.

So don't just go and add 8 quarts. Add 5 or 6, run the engine, let it sit then top it off. You can safely run with 6 quarts of oil.
This is an easy job don't let those idiots at the JiffyLube screw up your ride.

Danny

P.S. your owners manual will tell you the correct amount of oil that you need.

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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Dmon,

An oil change isn't rocket science. It about the most basic maintanance procedure that can be done. The oil filter is simple too, open it first because the oil in the filter runs back to the crankcase and out with the oil there.

Just don't forget to replace the drain plug tightly, tighten the oil cooler nuts (don't remove them),replace the o-rings on the oil filter cover shaft and tighten the 2 nuts on the top of the oil filter.

Then start by adding 7 quarts of Mobil 1 Truck and SUV oil. Run the engine a minute and let the car sit an hour and check the dipstick. If the oil level is betweer the 2 marks on the dipstick, you have the correct amount of oil in the engine.

P E H

But don't be like the PO of mine and tighten it too tightly. A stripped plug can be a huge headache. Just tighten it firmly with a hand wrench and you will be okay (no big ratchets, breaker bars, etc. please).

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Keep everything as simple as possible-but no simpler--Albert Einstein

On the internet there are seemingly simple questions.....but there are no simple answers read the answers they contain the info you;ll need....and then some...

Good luck and kudos for taking something new on....As for taking it to a professional....If you hafta. at least know enough to check their work...They might be distracted, or in a hurry, or make an accidental mistake....cheers and TGIF!

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Rob M
Norwich, VT USA
1980 240D Euro delivery 4 speed manual silver/blue
~160K miles

Please follow the advise of PEH in post #11.

7 quarts is more than enough, unless you drain the oil cooler, which I do not advise you to do.

Don't take it to a "professional". You can do this yourself.