The $2 Oil Sucker
Here is a device that can be used to suck oil out of a Benz engine through the dipstick tube, suck power steering fluid from a pump on most cars, and suck transmission fluid from the pan through the dipstick/filler tube. It cost $2, more or less, for a barb fitting and some 3/8" rigid polyethylene tubing from Home Depot. The barb fitting screws into the vent hole, and a shop vac powers it -- the hose fits in the pour hole. It collapses a bit ( a lot?) under vacuum, but that does not seem to affect its functionality. (Others report that using a couple of joint compound buckets, or an old propane tank, might work better in that regard but for me it is not a problem.) When it is filled just pour the oil into a container and take it to the recycler.
Note in the bottom picture an essential item (these come in many styles) for the process -- since it takes no effort you need something to pass the time while it does its thing.
The basic item: [Click on pics to see a bigger version]
Here it is pulling the power steering fluid out of the pump on the Sub -- the sucker hose goes down to the bottom of the pump and gets most of it out (except what is in the steering box, but a couple of changes gets most of the old stuff out). Worked well on the Eldo too. You can see the shop vac that powers it.
Here it is pulling the tranny fluid out of the Eldo, saving the usual trans fluid bath you get by dropping the pan. The hose goes all the way down to the pan and gets out all but a tiny bit. Gotta try it on the Benz and my truck too.
