So I decided that I should be able to change the oil on my 1988 560sl myself and save a little money and avoid the hassle of dropping the car off at the mechanic, etc. I purchased an oil extraction pump, bought the filters and oil and was ready to go this Saturday. Now the dumb question: where is the oil filter? I think I know, but I didn't want to take anything apart that I wasn't supposed to. SO, I changed the oil but not the filter. Second question: can I change the filter without draining the oil? (Since it's only 2 days old).
Thanks,
Steve

The filter is the cartridge type that is in a metal enclosure. You need to access it from under the car. It is near the oil pan on the passenger side. It hangs down and has a hex bolt in the center and is a bit smaller than a coffee can. You should be able to change it without draining the oil from the crankcase. When you buy the filter, it will come with the gaskets that are required.

Thanks - I'll crawl under there today and take a look. I was hoping to do eerything from the top, but oh well...

Youza!!!! Don't forget to fill the canister with oil before re-installing.

Why do you have to fill the canister when changing oil? Is it so you can spill a whole bunch of it all over the place and on your arm?


There's no real need to do that I'm aware of. It will fill up quickly as soon as the car starts. If you're really worried about a dry start ( and you shouldn't be ) then pull the coil wire off and spin the engine until you get oil pressure.

I changed my oil on my own for the first and all went well. But, now the oil pressure guage stays pegged at the top when I start the engine. Used to fluctuate some. Did I do something?

Michael,

The oil gauge should stay pegged at the top when you first start it could. It only drops down once it gets very warm...but more when hot AND when you are idling. When you you raise the engine rpm, the gauge will peg almost instantly.

That's outstanding. It's working good then!