Is there a hidden secret to using a topsider?
I tried it unsucessfully on my 1992 300SD(140) yesterday. Oil warm..not hot as stated in instructions. It would only pull out about 3 quarts or so. Topsider tube was pushed all the way into the depths of the engine..but still wouldn't pull anymore out.
Did I waste my money?....I went ahead and made an appointment at my local MB dealer just in case

Did you cut the tube at a 45 degree angle as suggested here on this web site? If not, the tube may be sealing against the bottom of the pan, restricting the outflow.

------------------
Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5

If you push the tube too far, the end of the tube may go back up inside the oil pan. When you start hearing the bubbling noise, pull the tube out slowly until the bubbling noise stops (the end of the tube is back into the oil bath again). When you hear the bubbling noise again the second time, push the tube in and out slightly to get a feel of the oil level in side the oil pan (by hearing the bubbling noise). After some practice, you should be able to insert the tube to the bottom of the oil pan without overshooting. When you have 3 to 4 qt. of oil out, empty the storage can and start all over again.

To clean the tube for storage, hang the tube at mid point and do not disconnect it from the storage can yet. Remove the pump and put the open end of the tube into the opening where the pump was. The purpose of doing it is to drain all the remaining oil inside the tube into the can (it takes a while).

David

The oil in a D has to be HOT. You must drive for a while to achive this. Thick oil will take a while to take out. Cut a small v in the bottom of the hose. Stick it in and turn it on. Walk away and come back in 15 or so min. Then see.

------------------
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

or.... just get it piping hot and pull the drain plug. You will have a much cleaner engine internally when you're done.

Good luck,
Change oil hot and change oil often,

------------------
Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

You may need to pump the Topsider more to maintain vacuum.

I have found that you initially have to pump about 40 strokes. After the Topsider has sucked oil for 5 minutes or so, pump the handle a few times and see if the resistance is about the same as when you started. If you feel less resistance then you need to pump 10 or 20 more times to keep vacuum.

You may have to do this 2 or 3 times during the 15 or 20 minutes it takes to drain out the oil.

------------------
Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

Actually, you would be amazed at what will come out of the bottom if you keep pumping while it gurgles. Then let it sit, pump, sit, pump.

Stop when you've had enough. Still beats getting dirty by a long shot, at least for me.

Let us know how it goes.

Ross


------------------
96 C280

UH guys,
I've haven't been under the car yet, but please tell me that there is a crankcase drain plug! I've been holding off doing an oil change myself because of this topsider stuff. I'm kinda used to going under the car and getting dirty-don't want to spoil the fun of hot oil dripping on my head.
Gary

------------------
http://clubs.snap.com/mercedesbenze55registry/index.lhtml
00 AMG E55
96 DCM Impala SS
94 ZR-1
81 Corvette Cpe