Did first oil change on 2024 F250 (7.3L Gas) today at 1350 miles, swapped out the oil pan drain bolt for a Fumoto so I'm excited that my next oil change will not involve erecting cardboard shields to protect downstream components from the initial oil stream. I still find the Oil Filter, however, to be a messy job. After draining the oil pan, I slowly unscrew with the oil filter wearing a long rubber glove on and the oil will start to run down the side of the oil filter and inevitably down my hand/arm.

Does anybody have a strategy or advice on how to remove the oil filter without making a big mess? I've seen some guy on YouTube use a bag around the oil filter when unscrewing. I attempted that initially but the bag got twisted up during the unscrewing and ended up catching a lot of the running oil and diverting it the outside of the bag and then everywhere else.

Thanks!

 

I puncture a hole in the bottom and let it drain into a bucket. I give it enough time that it is mess free by the time I unscrew it.

 

Try using an empty 2 liter soda bottle, cut off the top 1/3 and use the bottom section over the loosened filter, as you unscrew the filter the bottle will work as a cup to catch the oil and the filter. Or drill a hole in the bottom of the filter to empty most of its contents then unscrew with the plastic bottle method.

 

You didn't say which engine.
On my 6.7 PSD, I unscrew the filter 2-3 turns and let it sit until all the oil has run out down the side, then finish unscrewing it, tipping it into the drain pan.

 

I use this tool from my aircraft oil change days. Without it it was real messy with horizontally mounted spin on filters. https://www.aircraftspruce.eu/oil-filter-drain-tool.htm

A sharp punch at the bottom of a super duty filter an another at the top to let aif in to replace oil drained works well also.Just take your time and let it drain into a bucket.

 

I punch two holes in the bottom of mine. One in the bottom center and one on the bottom edge at its lowest point. Punch the lowest edge first. Let it drain until it barely drips. Oil filter should come off without a mess. Make sure you either loosen the oil fill cap or pull out the dip stick a bit to let it breathe.

 

Either punch a hole in the bottom or unscrew it until oil starts running out and then walk away until it stops dripping.

 

To "punch" a hole in the oil filter, are you all using a hammer and centerpunch ?

 

I use something thinner. I've used a sharp thin philips screw driver, a 16d nail, and now an awl.

 

You could always not complicate yourself and just use a bag once you unscrew it pratially, keep unscrewting it with the bag till it all flows out.

 

I use a cheap punch I had laying around, and sharpened it into a point on the bench grinder.

Even after punching the bottom and letting it drain, it still ran all over the filter when unscrewing. I just wear a glove and unscrew it quick.

 

You guys that punch a hole and say there is no mess, are you using a motorcraft filter? Reason I’m asking is there is always the oil left inside the filter housing that can’t drain into the filter, only comes out after you loosen it. I assume it’s a check valve in the filter? Maybe other brands don’t have them. I punch a hole and unscrew it a little til the oil starts draining from top, then leave it for minute. It’s an oil change, gonna be a little oily…diving 900 miles a week on average the oil changes come frequently.

 

I punch two holes in mine with an awl and let it drain until it stops dripping. As soon as I get it unscrewed one or two turns oil comes pouring out from above the filter. It runs all down the filter, making it incredibly difficult to hold on to. At least the Fumoto valve makes draining the pan a zero mess event.

 

I don't have patience. I just man up and deal with it.

I come in threw the wheel well, break it loose and spin it down and let it fall into a 4.5 gallon bucket (drywall mud) That's sitting on top of a piece of cardboard.

The important thing is to make sure the original gasket which often gets stuck to the base plate is removed.

 

i usually use my air chisel with a bit i sharpened, just ball up a rag around end to stop the splatter. I go right in the very bottom so it drains straight down into pan.