How can I change the oil filter in my 86 300e without oil spilling all over the place? I tried piercing the top of the shell without much luck. I think the check valve keeps the oil in the filter.

Paul
86 300e 190Kmi

Try unscrewing the filter a half-turn or so at the beginning of the oil change, then letting it drain w/ the rest of the oil before fully removing it. I also stuff a shop rag underneath it when I'm taking it out, and I can usually get it off without spilling too much oil.

I changed the oil in my 1988 300e for the first time this weekend...not a drip or drop anywhere...

I let the car warm up to operating temperature... brought it into the garage.

I opened up and assembled my oil extractor. Took the air cleaner off, and turned the filter about a half turn.

I guess 15 minutes had elapsed. I then put the tube down the dipstick and pumped the extractor. It took about 25 minutes to completely suck out the old oil. I then got some rags and put them around the oil filter. However, I was shocked when it didn't leak any oil. Put oil around the new Bosch filter and screwed it on.

Put the cleaner housing back on.

Put the 6 1/3 quarts in...and I was done..

I used Valvoline High Mileage 10w 30 (for the winter) There was a rebate offer. In the spring I will most likely use 20w 50. Service records indicate that was the oil of choice during hot months. Bought a case of Shell on sale at Pep Boys.

I've never had a problem with spillage after puncturing the filter, (maybe just a drip or two, but I take care of that by wrapping a rag or two around the filter base before spinning the filter off), but I puncture the filter at the very beginning of the oil change job - before I even remove the pan plug, and I usually leave the plug open for at least 15 minutes including jacking the right rear up to get the last bit of old oil out of the pan. After taking it off the jack I install the pan plug, then change the filter, and add the new oil.

You need to give the filter as much time as possible to drain down before you spin it off.

If a drip of two does get spilled and misses the rags I just spritz the area a few times with mineral spirits in a spray bottle, then wipe up the little puddle when it's finished dripping on the floor.

Duke