Any convenient tools/methods for less spill when removing oil filter?

Hey guys, have owned my '17 Tacoma for a few months and the first oil change will be coming up in no time. I have always preferred to do my own work, even with free services being provided by Toyota.

I was a lube tech for over a year at a Toyota dealership and always hated doing the oil changes on the 4-cylinder engines due to the location of the oil filter and it always making a mess. The drain pan bolt doesn't cause any issues, as it's pointed at the ground.

Are there any tools or methods you would suggest to make removing the oil filter removal less messy? I plan on doing changes in the driveway and minimal or no spillage would be preferred.

 

I use a cut up 1 gallon water bottle to direct the spill.

 

I like to use a 1 gallon ziplock bag with paper towels in the bottom. First I loosen the filter just till it turns easy-ish. Then I slide my left hand in to the filter between the back of the UCA and the rubber splash guard. Then from right below the filter I pass the bag up to the left hand and use both to slip it up and around the filter. Spin it off by right hand while holding the bag up with the left. All the oil from the filter goes in the bag and the paper towels soak it up. What drips out can be caught with some paper towels on the ground or a catch basin. Sounds complicated but it's really easy after you get the system down.

 

There's a thread in the 2nd gen (or 4cyl) section with all kinds of ideas for clean oil changes. I can't find the thread for some reason, sorry.

The 4cyl in the 3rd gen is essentially the same so these ideas should apply to yours, for the most part.

 

^^^I like this idea, might give it a try^^^

I use a large funnel to catch the fluid and filter during the removal. The old oil passes through the funnel and into my catch pan. I don’t have any drips or spills.

 

I park my truck in the garage the night before I do an oil change. This gives the oil plenty of time to settle. When I spin the filter off the next morning, it doesn't spill a drop. Just be steady and don't tilt the filter on the way out.

 

i do this too, and i will add that i wouldnt attempt changing the oil on the truck if it were hot at operating temp cause you will burn the crap out of yourself on the exhaust and the oil at the same time, better to do it when the engine is cool sitting overnite like you say the oil settles in the filter then break the seal unscrewing it and let it drizzle into the catch pan until the filter is semi drained to where it wont spray on the engine, i usually get some unwanted spray but i have a ton of rags handy to mop up.

 

I spin it until it's close to leaking, then put the pan beneath it and let it leak out. I have the skids off so it doesn't pool on top of them

 

Make sure the cap is securely on a gallon milk jug then cut the bottom off. Loosen the filter just enough so that you can remove it the rest of the way with your fingers. Use one hand to hold the milk jug up over the filter and reach up around the milk jug with your other hand and spin the filter off with your fingers. It will fall into the milk jug which you can now carry away with its convenient handle. Make sure you have a rag handy so you can wipe or catch any drops that come from the filter area after you move the jug+filter out of the way.

 

I'm going to try your technique the next time. My 4X4 is a PIA. It sits high and I pretty much have to remove the skid plate to get at it without becoming a contortionist. It'll be another 4000 miles before I change it but I will let everyone know if you have discovered the proper technique.

 

Loosen the filter to the point you can unscrew it by hand, then put a ziplock bag around it and unscrew it the rest of the way. Mess free.

 

X2
I forgot to use the ziplock bag the last time I changed my oil because I was in a rush and regretted it. Using a ziplock bag makes a messy job so much easier and wish I thought about using one from day one.

 

I used a large plastic soda cup from a fast food place. I held it under the filter while unscrewing it with my other hand. The cup caught all of the oil drips, and the filter dropped right into the bottom portion of the cup. The narrow portion of the cup was the perfect size for the filter to drop in snuggly. I will be doing it this way from now on.

 

I've always just put a regular foam plate on the bottom of the frame directly below the filter so that all the oil falls on the plate and funnels into the same basin I use to hold all the oil from the oil drain plug. Luckily I haven't had any bad spills haha, and usually works like a charm once I get the plate positioned right (which is the hardest part).

That said the advice of using a plastic bag to catch the oil, or a big'ol plastic cup/milk jug sounds like a more safe bet haha, though it requires having to wait under the truck while the filter drips completely. Will have to give those a shot.

 

I put a few oil absorbing sheets around the filter. I am careful when I unscrew the filter. I found out the hard way.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/537963/

http://youtu.be/asOS1bSpElQ

 

I use the oil change place down the street. Totally mess free.

 

I laughed that this at first, then I pulled out the calculator...

I've done around 25 changes on my 4cyl (175,000 miles & counting), and save about $40 each time (always use synthetic..). That's a grand saved, before taxes.

So, plastic zip lock bag method for me, got it down pretty tight now!