Oil Filter Change is Messy

[RidgeBoyRTL]

The location of the oil filter (passenger side, rear of front wheel) is very accessible. The only downside, when removing the filter, oil drips and spills all over the place (frame, and hard to clean places). Does anyone have an easy and clean way to change the filter?

One thought was to cut the bottom half of a soda or seltzer plastic bottle, slip it over the filter, unscrew the filter with the filter inside the bottle, and catch the oil in the bottle with the filter. Any remaining oil that drips off the oil filter housing can be caught with a rag.

I must have too much time on my hands to think about this stuff.

Any thoughts?

[Hotbox]

I just changed the oil in the RL last week and noticed the same thing. I was thinking about poking a hole in the bottom of the filter and letting it drain that way prior to unscrewing it. I did this in my Tahoe and it works great.

I know that someone else here suggested using a piece of cardboard folded into a 'v' underneath to keep the oil off of the frame, but it still oozes oil all over your hand when you unscrew it.

I would like to hear from those who have tried other ideas. BTW, I really do like the plastic bottle trick and I may have to give that a try next time.

[Tex's Ridge]

Going to try the "Fomoto" ...

check out this short cut

[Riley]

Originally Posted by Tex's Ridge

Going to try the "Fomoto" ...

check out this short cut

I didn't see anything about dealing with the oil filter in that thread, just the drain plug???

[Tex's Ridge]

Originally Posted by Riley

I didn't see anything about dealing with the oil filter in that thread, just the drain plug???

Sorry, you're right. That was for adding the Fumoto valve, in place of the drain plug, so when draining the oil, it does not make a mess.

[csimo]

Place a freezer bag around the filter and unscrew it inside the bag.

-Joe

[Webwader]

Great suggestion csimo. I've been thinking about going back to changing my own oil. I gotten lazy in my old age.

[5S Dude]

Originally Posted by csimo

Place a freezer bag around the filter and unscrew it inside the bag.

-Joe

It's the simple ideas that are the most awesome! Ya just go "Why did'nt I think of that!!" It's so great to have guys like you here csimo! Thanks..

Ron (5S Dude)

[shortspark]

My A1 service due notice came on today so I'll be changing oil soon. The bag over the filter is the best way to go. Speaking of the filter, I intend to pre-fill my new filter IF it looks like I can get it on without spilling the oil. I need to go under there and look real good before I do this however. Has anyone pre-filled their filter?

[NC Blue]

I have access to a bay, but haven't done first oil change yet. When I worked at Acura the techs made a homemade spill-pan that would rest on the undercarriage and allow any oil draining from the filter to go perfectly down to a catch basin and not make a mess. With it up in the air, I'll just liberally spray brake cleaner to get the oil out. Might have to make my own if it gets too messy.