I've never actually thought about asking this until recently. Maybe I've been doing it wrong for 10 years. Is there a clean way to change an oil filter? I unscrew the filter until oil pours out, let the oil drip until it stops, and then remove it. I was thinking about drilling a hole in the bottom of it before unscrewing it.

 

Poke a hole in the bottom of the filter using whatever method you prefer. A screwdriver, hole punch, etc. That's really the only way to get the filter empty. Thing is, it's the oil in the oil cooler that's making the mess. It empties out when the filter is removed.

 

Ah, but the cooler doesn't drain; the oil inlet/outlet ports are oriented up.

 

I use a large 5 gallon drain pan that covers the area below the drain plug and the filter simultaneously. I have the Fumoto valve, so I open it and then punch a hole in the bottom of the filter with an awl. I usually do this when I just get home from work while the engine is still warm and let them drain while having dinner. Both are drained completely when I return. Hardly any mess at all.

 

Cool. Thanks for the replies. After 10 years, I don't know why I never thought of punching a hole in the filter.

 

I loosen the filter 1/2 turn or so then punch the hole. I have had problems with the filter being difficult to remove if I don't loosen it before punching the hole.

 

Where do you buy these Fumoto valves?

....nevermind, found it :-)

 

X2. It's always wise to at least loosen the filter enough to make sure it will turn before you poke a hole in the bottom of it.

 

I used to grab the filter with a plastic bag (after loosening) and unscrew it then flip the bag inside out, kind of tricky and the oil makes it hard to keep a grip on the filter, plus if the oil is pretty hot you end up dropping the whole mess anyway. Last time I did the hole punch trick, much better. In fact next time I am going to try plugging the hole with a screw so I don't have to wait a long time for the dribble to stop.

 

A great tip I learned was to cut the top off of a 2 liter bottle. Place it over the fliter, squeeze remove the filter. It is caught in the bottle. Mess free.

 

Good idea Trey. Reps sent.

 

A must!!

 

A step further, who else pours a quart of oil in their filter before installing it?

 

That's just common sense

 

every filter manufacture and every engine manufacture I have found information for say do NOT add oil to filter. I have never in all my years as a mechanic seen a filter or engine manufacture recommend putting oil in a filter before installing it.