well.. not the metal one.. but a pretty good plastic one... its tall and stuff.. My friend uses it for his ML320CDI and TDI

If I like it I am so getting one. I just need to degrease the inside some more so I can suck oil into it and pull a sample from it for Blackstone...

and maybe get a franz oil filter thing

I've got a MityVac topsider coming FedEx, possibly tomorrow actually.

I want to do my own fluid changes, but not from under the car, I'm lazy.

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1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D
Automatic, A/C, Power Sunroof, Power Right Side Mirror
231K Miles FOR SALE MAKE OFFER

I love my Tempo Oil boy, but would never consider using it for getting an oil sample.

I don't think you can keep one clean enough to avoid skewing your sample. It is much better to sample when you drain and catch it mid-stream...kinda like a urine sample

One thing I have learned in 25 years of laboratory chemistry and chemical industry work is the value of a good sample. I believe you will have a tough time getting a good sample out of a used oil extractor.


Tim

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2009 VW TDI Jetta Sportwagon 172k miles (rear-ended harder than Elton John on 8/4/13. Total loss)

1991 Volvo 240 142k miles (T-boned by a stop sign runner. Total loss)

I know he will. Your best bet, if you're serious about your oil samples, is to just install an in-line sample port right at a 90 degree bend ahead of the Frantz filter, so your sample hasn't already run through the toilet paper. I use this method for my Trabold bypass filter on my Saturn, and plan to use the same set-up on my 300D and the wife's Kia when I get around to installing Trabold filters on them.

The port is triple sealed with a cap and valve to keep the samples clean while they are taken, and the brass nipple that threads on to the port uses disposable nylon tubes. I use a new nylon tube every time I take a sample, and route it directly in to the Blackstone container, then clean the brass connector with brake cleaner and compressed air before sealing it in a bag so it's ready to go for the next sample. As a result, my samples are not only consistently free of contamination, they can be taken while the motor is running without need for a drain of the system, or the possibility of drawing oil from which particles have settled. The components for adding such a valve can be found for under $30, so it's cheap enough that there's no real reason not to do it, and have the peace of mind that only comes with knowing your sampling procedure isn't flawed, and providing false results.

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- K.C.Adams

'77 300D Euro Delivery
OM617 turbo / 4-speed swap
404 Milanbraun Metallic / 134 Dattel MB-Tex

Current status:
* Undergoing body work

My '77 300D progress thread

Don't you have better places to put your money than a topsider?

If I can still crawl underneath and remove the drain plug (no jacks required)..........you can certainly manage to do it with your bad back and old stiff joints.............

or I can just keep borrowing this topsider...

its a mity vac version

Brian?

Quote
If I can still crawl underneath and remove the drain plug (no jacks required)..........you can certainly manage to do it with your bad back and old stiff joints.............

Unquote:

Do you think that removing the drain plug removes more crud that would stay otherwise using the suction method?

Which might be harmful for the engine, if left there?

Thanks for your reply.

The Topsider actually removes more oil than the conventional drain method, so that's not an issue. If your oil has crud in it, you're either not using a diesel rated oil, or your engine has been poorly maintained.

__________________
'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

OK........I'll bite.........care to explain how a device that works against gravity can remove more fluid than a device that works with gravity?

I think either method is fine.........one just costs more..........

Do it.........don't waste your money.

I've used a Topsider on the diesel in our sailboat for many years and it works great. I'm going to start using it for the MB's because a couple of years ago I had skid plates made for both cars and now it's a pain in the butt to drop the oil.
Wonder why I had skid plates installed? Look at the oil pans of most old MB's.

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Houston, Texas
1984 300CD 235K miles, Elvira, one owner
1987 300TD 180K miles
1974 TR6 78K miles Sarah Jane, one owner
OBK #27

When I put the belly pans back on the SDL you can bet I'll be using a Topsider! I'm not removing a ton screws and playing with some big plastic pans everytime I need an oil change.


But right now the SDL is nice, I don't need to jack it up! Just reack under with a wrench!

On the newer cars removing the belly pans is a major PITA, more trouble than its worth.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

by crawling underneath you get the chance to inspect the under carriage of your car which is a good thing.


its really a personal thing... I know by using the old method I get a full 2 gallon pan of oil...

I duno but it worked pretty fine..

I did what the instructions said and let it suck all the fluid out... I accomplished much. changed the fuel filters, wiped down the engine, did some algebra homework, had lunch. and then refilled the oil and new filter..