Where to put the oil & other fluids?

[denver123]

One challenge for me in doing my own maintenance is what to do with the oil and other fluids once they come out of the car. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm a driveway person so I have to dispose of these myself.

Also, I read somewhere, maybe here, that sucking the oil out of a 617 engine is better than draining it. Anyone have a cool design for fabricating the pump to do this with?

Thanks.

Will

1985 W123 300 TDT
1998 W210 E320 Wagon (spouse)

[Maxbumpo]

Our town has oil recycling receptacles, so I put the engine oil and ATF in there. They also have a coolant receptacle. The old brake fluid I mix into cat litter and put into the trash.

Cheap oil sucker:
1) Shop vacuum or vacuum that your wife will let you trash
2) heavy duty 5 gallon pail (strong so won't collapse under vacuum from v. cleaner)
3) stiff tubing of 5/8 outside diameter from hardware store (check that 5/8 OD - I think that will fit into the dipstick tube but not sure)

Cut one hole in side of pail cover just large enough for the stiff tubing to fit, push it down about 1/2 way into the pail

Cut another hole slightly smaller than the v. cleaner hose. When operating, you hold the hose against the pail cover over this hole. You need to get a good seal here and at the other hole for the tube to generate sufficient vacuum to get the oil out.

I loosen the top of the oil filter canister first, then apply suction, so that air enters the oil circuit via the filter canister and pulls out that oil.

Oil splashes and vapor will travel up the v. cleaner hose, so you'll need to wipe that out prior to storage or you get a mess.

[VLayton]

Now days many shops actually get paid for their old oil, they are glad to take it.

You can also buy an oil extraction system for under $100. (Look for George Murphy ;) )

I've never felt the need to use one though...maybe with synthetic....

[denver123]

Thank you both for another round of excellent information.

Best regards,

Will

1985 W123 300 TDT
1998 W210 E320 Wagon (spouse)

[dropnosky]

what are the benefits of sucking it out as opposed to draining it? This forum is the first place I have ever heard of this

[Don350SDL]

Primarily time and labor savings.

[dropnosky]

aha, well that makes sense. I seems like you would always have a cup or two of oil sitting down in the sump where the dipstick tube does not reach. That would be my only concern with it, otherwise, I think ill give it a try

[benzbum]

seems like you would always have a cup or two of oil sitting down in the sump where the dipstick tube does not reach
I, too, was a skeptic until I used the vacuum method on my 123 for the first time a few months ago. After suctioning out the oil late one afternoon, I placed a good-sized old dog food bowl under the drain plug and removed the drain plug. I let it sit overnight, fully expecting to find a pint or two in the bowl the next morning. I was totally shocked to find not a drop in the bowl the next morning. I am now a true convert.

[Highway Star]

Autopart stores like Checker will also take your old fluids

[Highway Star]

I, too, was a skeptic until I used the vacuum method on my 123 for the first time a few months ago.


After having changed the dipstick tube on my Ford, I noticed that the tube only goes into the engine block 1 inch. It'd be impossible to suck out anything but air. Same with the Riviera and Camry. Is the Mercedes dipstick tube a different style, or does the tube from the fluid-vac go all the way down to the bottom of the oil pan?

[Sokoloff]

You insert the tube until it bottoms out on the pan. A 45° cut on the end helps to keep it from sticking to the pan and lets the oil flow up the tube.

[Marshall Welch]

Now I have my fluid changes done by my independent shop. Previously I've taken my used oil to local auto parts store- Schuck's. They allow brake fluid to be disposed there also.

As you probably know, used (and new) ethylene glycol-based antifreeze is toxic to animals and humans, so shouldn't be dumped into the ground or storm sewers. However, I think I read that it can be poured into the toilet if serviced by municipal sewage systems- it gets degraded in sewage treatment plants.