Dumb Question - Changing Oil Filter
#1
Dumb Question - Changing Oil Filter
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.
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#4
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Damon (South East Texas)
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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.
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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.
#9
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.
#10
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.
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chino Valley, Arizona
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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.