OIL FILTER CHANGE

flyer · Post by **flyer** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 7:38 pm

How do I change the oil filter on my Lycoming 0-360 without dripping oil all over the engine? It does not take much time to change the filter but it does take a lot to get the spilled oil cleaned up. There must be some trick to this.

Thanks

Flyer

TomD · Post by **TomD** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:23 pm

I got one of those sorta semi-circular "spit" trays from the hospital and hold it under the filter while I spin it off.

That way I can catch most if not all the oil as it drips from the filter.

The only trick is to extract the tray without spilling it.

TD

a64pilot · Post by **a64pilot** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 7:54 am

If you have a rug rat running around the house, steal one of their (unused) diapers. It's designed to absorb water, but they will absorb oil, just not as well.
I admit I haven't used the diaper trick in a while, maybe if I can get the grandkids around more then I will have a supply again.

maules.com · Post by **maules.com** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 3:40 pm

I tear the longer closure strip of cardboard from the oil case, crease longtitudonally, and place on the fuel pump under the oil filter boss. This routes the oilout to the side where it falls in my drain bucket.
Another way to skin a cat.
Jeremy

flyer · Post by **flyer** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 4:58 pm

GENTLEMEN

Thank you for your replies. I will try each of them or maybe a combination. I hate dripping oil all over the engine.

Thanks

Flyer

taildragger · Post by **taildragger** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 9:15 am

Can you try just putting a garbage bag around the filter and unscrewing right into the bag and catching the draining oil into the bag as you remove the filter? Just a thought.

Scott

manatee · Post by **manatee** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:21 pm

I use a bread bag or some other small plastic bag. I'll loosen the filter just enough to be able to get it off with my hand, then slip the bag all the way around the filter, being careful not to put holes in it with the safety wire ends. Then, holding the filter, through the bag which is high enough to catch any and all spilled oil, I unsrew the filter. If all goes well, I can get it off without spilling a drop with the mess completely contained in the bag. It took a couple of times to perfect the technique, but now it works pretty slick - as long as I don't poke a hole in the bag with something.

flyer · Post by **flyer** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:31 pm

THANKS FOR THE IDEAS. THEY ARE ALL GOOD IDEAS.

FLYER

N6EA · Post by **N6EA** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:13 pm

Marine supply stores (such as West Marine) have absorbent mats for bilges that work very well for filter changes. They are about 2' square. Some Marina's even have a supply on hand, that they give away, so people will use them during oil changes and prevent oil in the bilge which eventually gets pumped over board.

Mark