"Daniel J. Stern" wrote in message
n.umich.edu...
On Tue, 2 Mar 2004, y_p_w wrote:

My opinion? I wouldn't do it. When properly done, an engine should
have the oil drained while hot, removing the drain plug, which should
be the lowest point in the pan. That way large particles of "dirt"
are flushed from the pan, making for a cleaner engine. On the other
hand, if you're unable to crawl under the vehicle to do it that way,
it's far better than not changing the oil. Most importantly, make
sure you change the filter each time so it doesn't pack off and start
bypassing.

Shouldn't any large particles of "dirt" be trapped by the filter?

Remove an oil pan from an engine that's had three or four of these
dipstick tube oil "changes" sometime, then ask your question again...if
you still have to.

As noted by another poster, marine engines routinely have the oil removed
via the dipstick. Another poster found that the dipstick method was just as
good as draining. And some models of Benz (and perhaps other makes) have no
drain plug.
You need to review your conclusions.

Chas Hurst