Oil change hints- 3L I-6 gas
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 67
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1989 300 SE
Oil change hints- 3L I-6 gas
Changed oil for the first time in my '89 300SE, engine is the gas 3L inline 6.
Removed the plastic cowling from under the oil pan, screws took a 8mm socket.
I was very happy that the drain plug is in perfect condition, at the lowest level on the oilpan, drivers side. mine was a perfect fit with a 1/2 inch socket. Use a 6-sided socket, and be gentle when reinstalling- nudge tight just past fingertight a 16th of a turn- that all that needed.
Jumping ahead to filling oil:
The oil capacity of this engine is technically 6.3 quarts, but that is for a dry engine, not wet. Oil changes are wet capacity.
I put in 5 quarts and idled engine to fill the new filter. parked on level area and rechecked level after awhile and the oil was at 4/5 of full (well in safe area)
This is where I like to run the oil, so with 5 quarts it got me to where I like to be. So don't put in all 6 quarts, start with 5 and see how it levels-out for you.
Working on these older engines is really a treat, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Removed the plastic cowling from under the oil pan, screws took a 8mm socket.
I was very happy that the drain plug is in perfect condition, at the lowest level on the oilpan, drivers side. mine was a perfect fit with a 1/2 inch socket. Use a 6-sided socket, and be gentle when reinstalling- nudge tight just past fingertight a 16th of a turn- that all that needed.
Jumping ahead to filling oil:
The oil capacity of this engine is technically 6.3 quarts, but that is for a dry engine, not wet. Oil changes are wet capacity.
I put in 5 quarts and idled engine to fill the new filter. parked on level area and rechecked level after awhile and the oil was at 4/5 of full (well in safe area)
This is where I like to run the oil, so with 5 quarts it got me to where I like to be. So don't put in all 6 quarts, start with 5 and see how it levels-out for you.
Working on these older engines is really a treat, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Last edited by schurmann; Jun 12, 2010 at 07:00 PM. Reason: added
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Why run
it a over a quart low?
you are not racing it and don't need to worry about windage as an issue and the engine lasts longer with the proper amount of oil.
Can't figure out the foolish ideas people come up with
you are not racing it and don't need to worry about windage as an issue and the engine lasts longer with the proper amount of oil.
Can't figure out the foolish ideas people come up with
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From: Michigan
SL600 r230, SL600 r129, SL500 r230, ML320, C280 Sport, R170 450SL, 190e 2.3 16V (2)
Makes no sense in any way to run the oil at the bottom of the range. Talk about taking a risk!
Can you explain yourself?
Can you explain yourself?
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: South Ga.
300 mercedes
this came to me and i said nothing about runing an engine one quart low of oil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I said when changeing oil and filter if the filter screws on with the open end up it works better to fill the oil filter up before u put it on!
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1989 300 SE
No it is not over a quart low. As I said in my post 6.3 is DRY CAPACITY, as in a totally dry engine from the factory.
Wet capacity is much less, and seems to be alittle above 5 quarts. So no Ohlord, I am not running the engine at more than a quart low. I filled the engine to 4/5th of the Safe capacity, or if you like- 1/5 from maximum, which is completely fine. There is nothing wrong with doing this. And no Waybomb, I am not running the oil at the bottom of the range, I am running at 4/5th of the range, as i said in the post.
Also, Liveoak, my oilfilter is facing straight down, so filling it with oil before installing it will not work out well on this I-6, as it will pour out all over the engine.
Wet capacity is much less, and seems to be alittle above 5 quarts. So no Ohlord, I am not running the engine at more than a quart low. I filled the engine to 4/5th of the Safe capacity, or if you like- 1/5 from maximum, which is completely fine. There is nothing wrong with doing this. And no Waybomb, I am not running the oil at the bottom of the range, I am running at 4/5th of the range, as i said in the post.
Also, Liveoak, my oilfilter is facing straight down, so filling it with oil before installing it will not work out well on this I-6, as it will pour out all over the engine.
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 32
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From: South Ga.
300 mercedes
No it is not over a quart low. As I said in my post 6.3 is DRY CAPACITY, as in a totally dry engine from the factory.
Wet capacity is much less, and seems to be alittle above 5 quarts. So no Ohlord, I am not running the engine at more than a quart low. I filled the engine to 4/5th of the Safe capacity, or if you like- 1/5 from maximum, which is completely fine. There is nothing wrong with doing this. And no Waybomb, I am not running the oil at the bottom of the range, I am running at 4/5th of the range, as i said in the post.
Also, Liveoak, my oilfilter is facing straight down, so filling it with oil before installing it will not work out well on this I-6, as it will pour out all over the engine.
Wet capacity is much less, and seems to be alittle above 5 quarts. So no Ohlord, I am not running the engine at more than a quart low. I filled the engine to 4/5th of the Safe capacity, or if you like- 1/5 from maximum, which is completely fine. There is nothing wrong with doing this. And no Waybomb, I am not running the oil at the bottom of the range, I am running at 4/5th of the range, as i said in the post.
Also, Liveoak, my oilfilter is facing straight down, so filling it with oil before installing it will not work out well on this I-6, as it will pour out all over the engine.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 303
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From: Northern California
It changes all the time
This is the most bizarre thread I have ever seen in many years of posting. I try not to flaunt my bio, but I served my apprentice ship with Mercedes Benz 30 years ago and have continued my career as a professional mechanic. If someone really wants to know how to change oil, just ask, and I'll explain it.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 32
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From: South Ga.
300 mercedes
This is the most bizarre thread I have ever seen in many years of posting. I try not to flaunt my bio, but I served my apprentice ship with Mercedes Benz 30 years ago and have continued my career as a professional mechanic. If someone really wants to know how to change oil, just ask, and I'll explain it.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 303
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From: Northern California
It changes all the time
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1991 MB 300-SEL
Especially one that you must then turn over and point downward to install?
The oil will spill out as it has not been absorbed by the filtering material!
In order for this to work on an M103 motor - you would have to pickup the car and turn it over - then screw on the filter.
I wonder what that special MB tool costs?
In agreement - some really bad ideas put forth by the OP.
The oil will spill out as it has not been absorbed by the filtering material!
In order for this to work on an M103 motor - you would have to pickup the car and turn it over - then screw on the filter.
I wonder what that special MB tool costs?
In agreement - some really bad ideas put forth by the OP.
