How to change oil filter without spilling oil in the bilge?

[DBreskin]

The oil filter on my Ford 351W block is mounted at a 45 degree angle. When I unscrew it from the block it leaks oil from the filter can into the bilge. It's a mess to clean up.

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to avoid the mess, other than laying a bunch of shop rags in the bilge?

 

[Don S]

Re: How to change oil filter without spilling oil in the bilge?

Couple of plastic bags opened up under the filter to put the filter in when you remove it.
Then have an oil absorbent pad under the filter housing to catch the drips as you put on a new filter element.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: How to change oil filter without spilling oil in the bilge?

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to avoid the mess, other than laying a bunch of shop rags in the bilge?

Tip the boat another 45? so it'll be vertical??

Or just crank the engine over a couple of times after the pan is empty to evacuate some of the oil in the filter...AND use the dreaded rags.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: How to change oil filter without spilling oil in the bilge?

relocate the filter to somewhere easy to get to and easy to put a pan under...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How to change oil filter without spilling oil in the bilge?

Go to your local dollar store and buy a pack of aluminum pie or baking pans. These are not very tall so the wider the better and they fit under the filter.

 

[PigPen4x4]

Re: How to change oil filter without spilling oil in the bilge?

Come up with a shallow pan that will fit under the filter, then pop a hole in it with a proper tool. (screwdriver?)
This is how I do the Powerstrokes in my Truck and Ex. Saves a lot of cussing.
PP4x4

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: How to change oil filter without spilling oil in the bilge?

Punch a hole in the bottom of the filter and let it drain in a cup for a few minutes. Then break the seal, but a plastic bag around it and finish unscrewing it.

 

[86 century]

Re: How to change oil filter without spilling oil in the bilge?

Large zip lock bag brake the filter loose with out braking the seal put the bag up over the filter spin it off inside the bag hold bag there for a few till it stops dripping seal the bag.