Pump to siphon for oil change
 

Found some old threads discussing the top/under methods of changing oil.

For the 240D and the ford truck, underneath is no problem - lots of room.

But for the 300E, there is the cover you have to contend with, and not much space.

Am looking at getting a pump to be able to put down the dipstick, and siphon out.

Had one of the red/black 2 hose hand pump plastic ones - it was junk!

Can anyone suggest a better made pump that will work?

The cover obstructs the drain plug?

(Sorry I don't like siphons so I'll pass comment on that!)

Yes, it covers the drain plug.
It a pain to remove and - even worse to put back on.

this is what i use, but i still pull the plug. there's always a bit, never alot. more like good puddle.

Jabsco Flat Tank Oil Changer System, Model# 17860-1012 | Oil Extractors| Northern Tool + Equipment

fwiw, mb designed the oilpans in 74 and later cars for siphons. most mb dealer do it this way. good luck, chuck.

I use a manual vacuum device called a Topsider. It is inexpensive as long as you don't get it from a boat store. I first started using it on my boats, but now also use it on my Mercedes, lawn mowers, etc. The oil should be warm and you may need to replace the cheap hoses that come with it. I have seen it for less than $50. I run a small hose down the dip stick tube until I hit the pan, because my dip stick tube does not go all the way to the pan. I set the device on the ground so once the vacuum gets things going a siphon helps things along. It takes awhile so I get it going and then do other things until I hear it sucking air. There are faster devices if you are willing to get into the hundreds of dollars.

This is what I use

Amazon.com: MityVac MV7201 - 8.8 Liter Fluid Evacuator Plus: Automotive

Is that correct that my 1968 would not be designed for a siphon? I have been told by 2 indy shops that the siphon is the official, approved method for my older car. Is that documented somewhere in the FSM? I would love to have a reference for that fact. Thanks!

As an aside, I have tried two of those MityVac's (from Amazon.com) and both had irreparable problems out of the box. The reviews on Amazon are generally positive, so I think I just had bad luck. But I wanted to mention that they are not perfect.

As an aside, if you do head down this path, the link below has more reviews (and a lower price). Gotta love amazon these days.

Amazon.com: Mityvac 7201 Fluid Evacuator Plus: Automotive

Stupid design - even OM617 skid plates allow space for oil changes...

These great suggestions are just what I was looking for - thanks everyone.

Needed to know they would work for the intended purpose before purchasing - now I need to shop for the best deal due to shipping.

mbzr4ever, check out the Griot's Garage website. They sell a manual oil/liquid extractor that I have been using for oil changes for 15 years. Oil changes are much easier and cleaner. MB dealers suck old oil out of engines when they perform an oil change. I confirmed on my son's BMW M3 that the oil/liquid extractor removes as much, or more, oil than removing the drain plug ... as the typical drain plug is some small distance up the side of the oil pan.

I use the Topsider as well. It is working well for me so far. It makes the job so easy and quick that oil change procrastination is a thing of the past! :)

Amazon.com: Air Power America 5060 Topsider Multi-Purpose Fluid Removing System: Automotive

I have a little sphere shaped vacuum extractor from moto products. was about $50 or so. I've used it about 5 times and it can drain 8qts of warm oil in about 15-20 mins, worth every cent, makes the job so easy!! When it breaks I'll probably get a nicer one like that electric one.

So what about the sludge and the cleaning the magnet? How do you know that the hose is at the lowest point in the pan?

Later J

There should not be any "Sludge" if using synthetic oil and changing it regularly. Also at least with mine I can hear the tube hit the bottom of the pan when I feed it in, and you can gauge it by how much you suck out too....