As I was having a ball changing the IP gasket the other day, somewhere in the 9-hour operation, I thought to myself, "hmm, would it be at all helpful next time I change the oil to try to drain some out of the oil cooler?"

What do you think? Is there even any left in there, or does it sit high enough to drain?

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Paul
2004 E500 4matic; 72,000mi

Well, I don't see how you're going to drain the cooler, being that there isn't a drainplug for it. Or are you thinking of remove the lower oil line. According to the maintenance books the factory fill is higher than an oil change. So figure that there is some oil left in the cooler, when you drain the pan. I think the amount of oil in the cooler is very minor to the 2 gallons we put in at every oil change. From what I have read, you don't really want to mess with those oil line connectors unless you absolutely had to.

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

yeah, I was thinking you'd have to undo the line. Just trying to think through the best way to do the most thorough job possible. I already let it drain all night!!

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Paul
2004 E500 4matic; 72,000mi

Yea,

ANd if you break the fitting on the oil cooler-that will be an expensive way to get an extra 8 oz of oil out of the engine. THese MB diesel seem to have excelent life with following factory service recommendations. Why would you want to go to this effort? I've replaced oil cooler lines-not a fun job. Sure would think of many better ways to spending an afternoon.


Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E

I always drain the oil cooler. I think it takes a 27mm wrench but a Vise Grip will do in a pinch.

I don't take the oil line fitting off all the way, I just loosen it and let it drain overnight along with the oil pan plug removed. That way there is no chance of cross threading the oil line nut when tightening it.

I've been doing this for more than 10 years and never had any problems. I like to get as much of the old oil out a possible.

P E H

Thank you PEH ! I knew I wasnt totally insane. And the connection to the oil stand, once I acquired and ground down a 24mm, wasnt all too difficult. I just might give it a whirld soon!

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Paul
2004 E500 4matic; 72,000mi