Topsider - A success

[C-Class]

Hi all.

I thought I would just add to the topsider versus draining debate. As I always end up having hot oil running down my arm, and onto whatever surface I happen to be working on, I thought I would give the suction/topsider method a go. I have a 1999 C220 CDI.

I placed the suction device on the floor in front of the car, attached the two tubes, and ran the end down the dipstick tube until it reached the bottom of the sump. I then did two "pumps" on the handle, and off it went filling up quickly. My sump was dry in 10-ish minutes. While this was going on, I changed the filter, including the three o-rings. When it sounded like the sump was empty (a biy like sucking on a straw when the glass is empty) I pump the device and "wiggled" the tube around to pick up anything still down there.

I then refilled the oil with new (until I win the lottery it will have to be 10-40 part synthetic)

All this took approx 20-30 minutes. I was clean, the car was clean and amazingly, the floor was clean.

I honestly can't fault this system. The "topsider" device cost me £30.

I have read that all from the sump isn't removed, but it sounded empty to me, and surely the filter is there to pick up ant particles which could do harm?

Anyway, give it a go, it's worth it.

 

[Xtractorfan]

You would be surprised at how many of the main dealers use it to service your new pride and joy..best thing since sliced bread..well almost

 

[Silver Arrow]

I use one on my boat engine, where I can't get at the sump plug.

Wouldn't use one on my car.
The idea is to use the hot oil to swill out all the sludge in the bottom of the sump.
Next time you do it properly, leave it to drip for a while, then sample the stuff dripping at the end.

 

[Dec]

I’m with Silver Arrow, the trick is to loosen the bolt from underneath and then, leaning over the radiator, unscrew the bolt from above, employing a rubber glove and a spacious container underneath, no way do you get all the oil out with those contraptions.

Dec

 

[Rory]

I've seen reports from the US (where oil changing is like some kind of religious activity) where people have done tests and reckon these things get more oil out than draining - apparently many modern cars are designed to be drained like this, mainly due to health and safety reasons in handling used oil. Dealers attach a vacuum drainer to the dipstick tube.

 

[C-Class]

It seems like we are split here. I have to say that the sump seemed drained, in that what came out was what I put in.

I am always open to others owners opinions and advice though.

 

[panason1c]

The topsider draining method is an excellent way of draining the sump, i use one on my own car.....the argument that 'sludge' is left behind is outdated, today's oils dont leave any sludge residue behind.

 

[BlackC55]

I’m with Silver Arrow, the trick is to loosen the bolt from underneath and then, leaning over the radiator, unscrew the bolt from above, employing a rubber glove and a spacious container underneath, no way do you get all the oil out with those contraptions.

Dec

Yes you can.

I have experimented on many MB's by sucking the oil out first then undoing the sump bung to see how much comes out. In all cases nothing has.

 

[Dec]

Well I stand corrected, but I still wouldn’t be happy, wondering did I really get all the oil, with the nut, I am sure.

Dec

 

[titian]

You'll get more out of the auto-box in my 04 22CDi by sucking than by using the drain plug. The drain plug screws into a boss that stands ~3/8 proud. I just drained mine & when I took the bottom pan off, there was best part of a litre swilling around.

 

[roofless]

is it worth the cost if you only diy youre own car every 12mths