Changing Oil

[gravest]

My 122 has a 90 degree pipe fitting with a pipe cap. Works great and allows me to put that oil where ever I want it.

[Matt G.]

The 1872 I bought had a brass shutoff valve on it which worked good, but I removed it because I use my tractors for more than mowing, and I'm afraid something would knock it off or open it. If you just mow, you can probably use something like that and just connect a hose before draining it.

I use a piece of cardboard to make a trough to the pan. I also have a brass nipple that sticks out about 1.5" with a cap on it. Makes it pretty easy and clean.

Scott

Originally Posted by labrati

This is what they use on my MB (commercial version).. figure if it's good enough for them it's good enough for everything I drive...

We've had a 12v model for our big boat for years... never even dawned on me to use it in anything else till I walked (years ago) into the shop and noted thats how they were changing the oil... I asked the mechanic (who was changing it on a gelandewagen 550) if that was standard.. he said absolutely.. they didn't drain the pan unless something else was at issue...I asked on all of them, he said every single MB.. this was factory approved..

on my MB the oil filter is actually a pretty crazy contraption.. I do get some oil on my hands changing out the 5 O rings and sliding the filter on.. but the pump makes extracting the oil into a recycling container very, very simple..and very, very clean..



http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too..._390306_390306

http://lifehacker.com/189493/diy-topsider-oil-changer

I drain so I can clear the bottom of the pan.

Scott

[labrati]

Originally Posted by murphycc

I drain so I can clear the bottom of the pan.

Scott

Yeah, that is a concern. However this type of service is very common on boats. Our 7.4L mercruiser engine (1989, 700 hours) would have to be removed from the boot, or the oil would just spill into the bilge. I also figure that mercedes Benz wouldn't risk warantee claims on any engine.

I think this is a chicken & egg deal, there are pro's & cons on both sides that are valid. The vacume method is just one alternative to fighting with the drain plug. For me it works.

[ajgross]

I would think that if you warmed the engine up before changing the oil, all the dirt in the oil would be mixed up well enough that the little amount that settles to the bottom would be negligible.

AJ

[TEET]

I use the "burn and replace" method...eventually....over time....as the old oil is spit out the exhaust in a vibrant blue cloud, I simply add more. Pretty nifty huh??

On a serious note....I have tried all kinds of things from conduit to pvc to cut up funnels, and my newest contraption is one of my wifes old cookie sheets, the type with the raised edges. I drilled a hole in one bottom corner and position it over my catch pan. Works pretty well if the deck is on...but like others have said...its best to change your oil with the seasons, when your switching from plow to deck, or cleaning the deck in the fall...


Jeff (teet)

[jrob33]

Originally Posted by Matt G.

The 1872 I bought had a brass shutoff valve on it which worked good, but I removed it because I use my tractors for more than mowing, and I'm afraid something would knock it off or open it. If you just mow, you can probably use something like that and just connect a hose before draining it.

http://www.lakeandair.com/SAF-AIR-S1...-18-p/1977.htm
This is what we use on General Aviation aircraft. This may/may not be correct application, but is an idea I think of what Matt is referring to. This is super quick/clean for changing oil. You simply place a length of tubing over the nipple and open the drain. No mess. Again, with the application on a garden tractor, might accidentally open, but I think highly unlikely.

J Rob

[nikster]

$ 15.95 price,

Bought on sale @ Harbor Freight Tools $ 9.95

Been using this handy little pump for over 2 years, it will pump out a quart in about 15sec.. A cheapie unit but does a great job for very little cost.

Bought it for draining the oil mixture for my boat.
for Winter maintenance.

Nik,