So I went to change the oil in my pickup yesterday out at my brothers place..... I dumped the oil but when I went to change the filter I had forgot to bring the damn thing with me.

I have always changed the oil and filter at the same time but because I could not change the filter I just changed the oil.

My question is..... Can I replace the filter without dumping the oil and making a mess or is that oil filter housing going to be full of oil when I go to take the cap off? I'd prefer not to make a huge mess so thought I'd ask before trying.

 

You can change the filter with no problems to worry about .

 

When you remove the cap a drain valve opens in the bottom of the filter housing emptying it back to the crank case.

 

And once the filter has been changed and you start it up, the housing will be full again so your amount of oil on the dipstick will be back the same.