Oil filter change is messy

[merc3065]

Anyone have tips on keeping the left over oil in the filter housing from getting everywhere during an oil change?

Can only stuff so many shop towels underneath to catch everything and I still end up missing some.

Any tips?

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[Mr._Bill]

Put down a tarp or big sheet of plastic. Drive over top of that to do the change, then just roll it up when you're done. Save the tarp for next time, or just wad up the plastic and throw it away.

 

[Vtur]

While the oil is draining. Remove filler cap. Unscrew the filter all the way then quickly turn it back 1 full turn. It will slowly drain down into the oil pan, approximately 5 mins. Place a ziplock bag over, pull and tilt it out.

 

[merc3065]

Put down a tarp or big sheet of plastic. Drive over top of that to do the change, then just roll it up when you're done. Save the tarp for next time, or just wad up the plastic and throw it away.

I use cardboard but that’s exactly what I do. Am trying to avoid the mess of the filter dribbling all over the frame rail and the foil coated lines when removing the filter.
Thanks for the tip!

 

[merc3065]

While the oil is draining. Remove filler cap. Unscrew the filter all the way then quickly turn it back 1 full turn. It will slowly drain down into the oil pan, approximately 5 mins. Place a ziplock bag over, pull and tilt it out.

Will try this next oil change in a couple months. I guess the oil gets trapped in the filter housing like a bit of a vacuum.

 

[Uparms]

As above, sounds like you are not giving the pan enough time to empty and have not opened the fill cap, to vent while doing so. I have never had any drops when undoing the top filter cover and removing the filter? Maybe I am wrong about your process or question??

 

[merc3065]

As above, sounds like you are not giving the pan enough time to empty and have not opened the fill cap, to vent while doing so. I have never had any drops when undoing the top filter cover and removing the filter? Maybe I am wrong about your process or question??

I take the oil filler cap off first thing and then go about my routine of cleaning and wiping things down before I pull the oil pan plug. I don’t crack the oil filter housing until last.

First oil change the oil level in the filter housing was almost level with the top lip and managed to get the shop towels to soak up the oil in there before it could make too much of a mess. So it’s likely that I am not waiting long enough for things to drain down.

 

[Jeep-A-Kneez]

I change the oil when the engine is cold, you might have to plan ahead, so usually I'll park in the shop the night before. Engine was already hot so oil was able to drain to pan and little to no mess when removing filter. My old 5.9 Cummins is the same and it has a vertical filter with the opening pointed up. If I change the oil when warm, I'll get overflow from the filter. When cold, filter is about 3/4 full and no mess.

 

[Uparms]

I take the oil filler cap off first thing and then go about my routine of cleaning and wiping things down before I pull the oil pan plug. I don’t crack the oil filter housing until last.

First oil change the oil level in the filter housing was almost level with the top lip and managed to get the shop towels to soak up the oil in there before it could make too much of a mess. So it’s likely that I am not waiting long enough for things to drain down.

wow, looks like someone's post above just confirmed vacuum created by not removing fill cap is enough to keep oil up in the filter housing. I almost want to try it just to see. Just did my oil change. Good Luck, we're getting there.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Here’s my routine and I’ve never spilled a drop. I like changing it when it’s very warm.

(I also do oil analysis on every change so I like the oil warm and everything in suspension when I take the sample.)

I first get underneath and pull the plug. Then get up top and crack the oil fill cap to break the vacuum. Then I take a rag and with a flat head screw driver I tuck it around the base of the oil filter housing In the off chance some oil wants to drip it hits the rag, not the engine block or on the alternator.

I then crack the oil filter housing loose and spin it till it’s almost off and leave it while the oil down below is draining. The oil filter housing is loose and you can wiggle it still in place.

By the time the oil down below is at a fast drip rate, you’re good to take off the filter housing and there’s no oil in there. It’s all drained down into the block.

Change out the filter, tighten back on 18 lbs torque and you’re golden.

This is the way.

 

[Lunentucker]

Similar to others.
Big piece of cardboard from some long since forgotten thing I bought. A picnic table maybe??

Loosen fill cap. Drain from plug. Break seal on filter and let it drain while I get the new oil and filter ready.

Usually not much mess at all.

 

[Vtur]

The key is to unscrew the filter enough to unseat the small oring, so that it can allow the dirty oil side down to the pan.

 

[fourfa]

How many of you 3.6L owners noticed that this post is in the turbo diesel section? Zero?

OP you’ll have to do some work to figure out which posts to ignore

 

[OHJeeper]

How many of you 3.6L owners noticed that this post is in the turbo diesel section? Zero?

OP you’ll have to do some work to figure out which posts to ignore

I don't see any except one pic of the 3.6L. The process is basically the same with the exception of the filter location. None of the advice is 3.6L specific.

 

[Vtur]

I don't see any except one pic of the 3.6L. The process is basically the same with the exception of the filter location. None of the advice is 3.6L specific.

This ^^^. It applies to both.

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