[mbvis]

Mercedes' 8-liter drain killed my driveway. The story:
I usually used 2 drip pans to catch the oil,, when the first pan is half filled,,, I pushed it over with the second pan for the second half.
The text message came during the first half.
Sorry, can't show the rest of the mess.

 

[picture this]

don't be a baby...show it!!

c'mon man...show the damn mess...we want to see it

 

[aardvark]

Bigger pan next time?

 

[G-AMG]

Sucky-Sucky, rather than Drainy-Drainy?

That way, you can text, AND chew gum at the same time... and NOT worry about a mess!!

 

[Kajtek1]

Can't happen with my MityVac

 

[aardvark]

Or if you know 8 liters go in, 8 liters come out.

 

[Kajtek1]

On the bright side, few years ago I was changing oil on my motorhome with 2.5 gallons pan. The Detroit engine holds 5 gallons. If you think you can slide heavy pan while laying under the engine with one hand and push second one with other hand easily -think again. But I knew the deal and did it over the dirt.

 

[Check Codes]

If you must drainy, drainy (I must) and can't bring yourself to acquire a proper-capacity pan, here is an idea that may help.

Get a strong piece of cardboard about 4-6 feet long, just a couple of feet wide. A piece cut from an old appliance box is ideal. Put your two pans near one end, running lengthwise. Slide it under the car so the front most pan is aligned with the plug and start the flow. (The other end of the cardboard will extend out to the front.)
Keep an eye on it, and at the proper time just pull the cardboard forward, sliding the fresh pan into position to catch the remainder. As an added bonus, if any slops out, the cardboard will absorb it.

I don't do that for oil changes as I have the correct-size container. However, I often slide a piece of cardboard under when I'm working on the car for insulation (cold concrete is no fun) as well as catching drops (fuel filter, trans connector, differential fluid, etc.). Then I just leave the tools laying on it and slide it all out at once.

As has been said before, YMMV; I just toss it out as an idea. Absent rocks in the way that would probably work for Kajtek1 on dirt, too.