On previous cars I've had, I've used a vacuum pump to suck the oil out of the sump, for oil changes.

Less mess and stress.

I can't really find any info'on here saying not to do this with the 3.6 engine, and my local Dealership says that's how they do it.

Any reasons for not using a vacuum pump?

I know there are 2 sump plugs, but I'm wondering if the vacuum method is approved.

Most JLR agents use the Vacuum method sir... In fact, if you have a 4.4 then thats the only approved way to change the engine oil...

Because of that, most use the same method on the 3.6’s sir...

Ok, thanks for that.

I guess I'm a bit worried about what I've read about possible links between not draining through both sump plugs and turbo failure.

So, the vacuum method gets all the oil out, or is there some left warranting the use of the sump plugs?

I did my last 3.6 using the vacuum method, then removed both plugs and got a very small amount out! Same with the 4.4 TDV8 i own now and again got a dribble out of both!

Neither car had any lumps or sludge from either of the plugs/bungs BUT! Im sure if the oil is regularly changed they wouldn’t anyways!

There will always be some left, the pipe won't sit on the bottom and suck the lot out, but I bet there is more oil stuck in nooks and crannies in the rest of the engine than left in the sump... really can't see any link with that small amount of old oil and turbo failure... Pete
I now have permission from the boss to use Y.O.L.O. Enjoy life
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2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Sold
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green (Fatty Offroader) Sold
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OK, thanks again, all sounds logical.

Vacuum method it is.

Does the sdV8 have two sump plugs?

The 4.4tdv8 sump plugs x 2 are (apparently) fragile and not designed to be removed often. Don't know about the SDV8. The pumped method came in due to health and safety and hazardous materials handling regulations so one would assume the method is capable of doing the job properly. I note Craig only has a dribble out of the sump plug so it seems like the pump method does the trick.

(and its so much cleaner and easier) 405 AB exec seats Baltic and Cirrus
93 RR Classic efi

Remember it's easier to get forgiveness than permission!

Gone in order:
4.4 TDV8 SE - gone to a good home
93 Classic hard dash Plymouth Blue
03 L322 Oslo Blue
2000 Disco TD5 ES Epsom Green
98 P38 Rioja Red
89 Classic Cairngorm Brown

Fragile?????

Which brain box designed a fragile sump plug that shouldn't be removed often??

Does the 4.4 actually have sump plugs? I thought it just had a push on connector for the scavenger pipe? There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

It does have a sump bang but it's under the subframe meaning you could not drain the sump as there would be oil jettisoned everywhere!!!

wealy wrote:

Fragile?????

Which brain box designed a fragile sump plug that shouldn't be removed often??

Welcome to the new age of servicing sir! Mercedes have had the same system for years!

top forethought and planning there...... is it by any chance blocked by the subframe on the 405 too? Didn't think there was a sump drain option :thumbs: There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

The 405 does not have a dipstick? So where do you put the vacuum pipe to suck it out?