Oil Cooler

[Robert_F]

I've been searching past posts on the oil cooler and I'm a little confused, apparently it was standard equipment on later models but not early ones.

I've seen some diagrams in the older posts but they seem to be conflicting in some of the posts from one to the next.

I have a 70 280 SL and I'm changing my oil for the first time and I think I'm supoposed to be draining the oil cooler but sadly I have to admit I don't know where my oil cooler is much less drain it.

Is it below the FI pump? how is it drained?

[glennard]

The flat one under the FIP has a drain plug. If you have one next to the water radiator, it has a drain plug, too.

[Cees Klumper]

The oil cooler is positioned vertically, next to the radiator (on the left side, looking forward i.e. away from the car). It's I would guess about 1/5th of the width of the radiator.

This being your first oil change, now would be the best time to check there's the 'garden-hose-style' rubber sealing ring that should be in the oil filter canister.

[ja17]

Hello Robert,

Yes, Cees is correct.  All 280SLs had the vertical oil cooler next to the radiator near the battery. On 230SLs, oil coolers were optional and were the flat style as glennard mentions and are located under the FIP (fuel injection pump).  These flat syle oil coolers were standard on all 250SLs.

[Robert_F]

Thank you Gentlemen, much appreciated! I love to read and learn here.

quote:Originally posted by ja17

Hello Robert,

Yes, Cees is correct.  All 280SLs had the vertical oil cooler next to the radiator near the battery. On 230SLs, oil coolers were optional and were the flat style as glennard mentions and are located under the FIP (fuel injection pump).  These flat syle oil coolers were standard on all 250SLs.

[rwmastel]

Robert,

This thread is required reading before changing your oil:
http://index.php?topic=2589

[glennard]

Right on Cees!  Sealing cylindrical rubber is about 3/4 inch high and 3/4 inch dia and fits on the center interior hollow stud.  No gasket -no filtering.

quote:Originally posted by cees klumper

The oil cooler is positioned vertically, next to the radiator (on the left side, looking forward i.e. away from the car). It's I would guess about 1/5th of the width of the radiator.

This being your first oil change, now would be the best time to check there's the 'garden-hose-style' rubber sealing ring that should be in the oil filter canister.

[glennard]

As a rookie SL owner, you came to the right place.  A long list of things to do to assure a happy trip.  Welcome.

[Raymond]

Robert,
Welcome to the Pagoda Adventure!

Be careful removing and re-torquing the plug on the bottom of the oil cooler.  If you manage to crack the brass in the oil cooler, your wallet will be aching for weeks.

[Benz Dr.]

The flat oil cooler under the fuel injection pump has a drain but I wouldn't open it unless you're draing the coolant. It's NOT an oil drain plug.

The metal oil cooler on a 280SL is made from steel. Not too much chance of stripping ther drain plug but you should always be carefull when it comes to fine threaded screws. They can cross thread easily.