OK. I'm a complete novice at oil changes but I'm going to attempt my first this weekend on my 81 240D when the parts from Fastlane appear. I'm hoping I can find some kind of MityVac vacume type deal to just suck it all up out of the dipstick but if not I'll have to remove the Oil Pan drain nut. I just want to be sure that on the 240D the nut in question is the one I see on the side of the oil pan towards the bottom rather than actually on the underneath of the pan. Seems a bit silly to me as this would mean the oil will shoot out sideways will it not?

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

The correct drain plug is on the left rear corner of the oil pan, at an angle. The oil comes out at about a 45 degree angle when you remove the plug. I assume it was located there to protect it from being broken of, but I'm just guessing.

I assume you are also changing the filter. Make sure you get the o-ring in the proper place when you put the cover back on, if not it will leak (a lot). Also, put in about 6 quarts, start the engine until the oil pressure comes up, check the filter cover for leaks, then let it sit for about 10 minutes an check the level. It will probably only take about 6-1/2 quarts, don't overfill it. You will get more of the old oil out if you change it hot. One more thing, be careful not to break any vacuum lines when you are changing the filter, they can be brittle. It's not that hard, just go slow and double check everything.

.........and promptly covers your fingers in a black oily mess unless your right hand is fast as lightning............

I still have black fingernails from changing my oil yesterday.

Probably a good idea to change the two little rubber O rings in the filter cover stem too if you don't know when they were last changed. I also jack up the car on the side opposite the drain plug to get several more ounces of the old oil out.

Len
'83 240D 345,000 miles original owner

as i found out when i let red drip for an hour to get as much out as possible. the drive wind was as a spiral of blown oil. well oil was changed and the old corner worker in me proceeded with the oil dry shuffle w/o the help of 10 workers to clean the drive. lesson learned.

__________________
currently
[1981 300 td tdidi 165500 dark brown/palamino-Brownie-mine-3k miles of ownership
1983 240d 162+++ Anthricite grey w/ henna red interior and hella lights-wifes car-Red

the above two cars are for sale
and can be seen on the cars for sale thread here. pix also available.


240d-144+ Manilla Yellow w/ palmino interior-greasecar kit-Blondie-the college kids car

23" gt 21 speed still on original tires-still got the nubs
21" khs tandem

tip of the week

put a trash bag or wal mart bag over your hand when you remove the nut by hand to not get oil all over your hand

Google search: *fumoto oil valve*.... an excellent item that will save hassle in the future. Meanwhile dipstick pumps are okay if you dont mind leaving sludge in the engine. Also open the oil cap on the valve cover to help with flow when you crack the drain plug. Your 240D will take about 7 qts to fill. I usually free pour from couple of gallons just above the top mark on the stick - knowing when the cannister fills it will bring the level down.

Actually, I'm a primadonna now.........I use the nitrile gloves..........

...........until it encounters the first 6" curb or some 5" debris in the road.

Ummm, you'd have to install it upside down to have that sort of problem...... And has anybody ever heard of this happening?? Nah, i didnt think so - must be urban legend.

I should really get some, the other day I had my 15 year old moving my car around because my hands were too dirty to get inside... scary!

.......women really love that look..........two days later..........

I protrudes downward about 1.5" below the pan......does it not?

One good shot and your oil is gone before you know it.

old navy put one on red.

pro: yes it makes the process easier.
con: it takes too bloody long!! o n just put the car up and left it to drain for days while he drove his beetle tdi . i like the simplicity but have resorted to taking it off while wearing blue gloves .

__________________
currently
[1981 300 td tdidi 165500 dark brown/palamino-Brownie-mine-3k miles of ownership
1983 240d 162+++ Anthricite grey w/ henna red interior and hella lights-wifes car-Red

the above two cars are for sale
and can be seen on the cars for sale thread here. pix also available.


240d-144+ Manilla Yellow w/ palmino interior-greasecar kit-Blondie-the college kids car

23" gt 21 speed still on original tires-still got the nubs
21" khs tandem