bob1942

I just did another oil change on my honda civic 2003 EX . So far I have not been able to do it without spilling oil all over the place when I take the filter off ? When I took the old oil filter out Oil ran all over me and onto the tools and floor then I have a big mess to clean up and Me to clean up too . Does someone out there know a way to do this and not get oil running all over when you take the filter off ?

THANK YOU guys ! MERRY CHRISTMAS ! EVERYONE ! B0B1942

lowlife9

somtimes i use telekinesis.

MindBomber

I was pretty determined to find a way to change the filter without covering the subframe, floor and myself with oil, but I've pretty much given up. Now I just wrap a shop towel around the filter right before pulling it off and try to minimize the mess..

MelJ

Drain bucket from Wal-Mart? It gets most of it. A few drops here and there, but nothing major. Oil usually ends up on my exhaust pipe sadly.

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

I just have an oil catch pan under, twist the filter, while applying pressure towards the oil pan
and once I'm on the last thread of the filter, I just yank it out with one swift movement, I never get oil on myself or the floor. Till I have to put back the drain bolt though.
Sure, A little gets on the down pipe but that's about it

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

wait overnight and do it with the oil cold. very little will come out the filter. keep a drain pan held under just in case.

2002ExCivic

iTrader: (1)

teach your kids. or a neighborhood kid and have him do it xD

anibis

+1 on doing it after the car sits overnight.

lazlong

Uh, drain the oil first and it leaves very little in the filter. I still end up with about a tablespoon on my arm.

When buying a catch pan spend the extra money for a good one with a lid and good spout.

MelJ

The one I have has a cheesy spout but no lid. I have a huge container I use because I usually change the oil in 3 different cars. It usually depends on the location of the filter. Mine is in the absolute worst spot. My friend's Accord was cake and there was no mess. The Corolla isn't too bad when the filter wants to budge. I hope the mileage mark hits when school starts back up so I can just change it on the lift again. Haha.

bob1942

Lots of GREAT replies, you guys are the best . Looks like it is near impossible to change the oil filter on a 7th Gen Civic without spilling some oil. due to the location of the filter . I am going to get a bigger better oil drain pan per your suggestions AND I plan to remove the drain plug and let the engine oil drip over night I will try this on the next oil change to get as much oil out of the filter as possible . THANKS GUYS ! HAPPY HOLIDAYS

imdstrbd

The rag idea works great. I work in a garage and do the rag trick alot. I also were gloves when Im working. After I change the oil in my turd I always spray down the back of the block and exhaust with brake cleaner and wipe it off. I might have a stock engine but I keep it clean so if it ever develops a leak I know.

MelJ

Nothing wrong with that. I do the same exact thing.

genghis1

oil deflector for civics, scroll to middle of page:

http://www.handa-accessories.com/accmaint06.html

click on picture to see it in use.

lazlong

Ha! How long have they had that?

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

that has to be new. i was just on there looking at that section a week ago.

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

Huh, that's interesting

lollygagger

now see this is interesting, as a friend of mine swears by doing the oil change right after being driven to get as much of the the sediments out as possible.

In regards to the thread, I would loosen the filter as much as possible without removing it, and then yank it quickly as Kenny said. Also draining the pan removes most of the oil beforehand.

n8marsh

Definitely want some heat in the oil before draining. Flows better, more contaminants suspended in the oil.

Wanhhh I got some oil down the back of my engine.... crack the filter loose so it drains slowly, when its done draining yank it off. Wipe it down when you're done. (where have i heard that before...)

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

What I like to do, is engine warm, and leave it draining overnight, to catch most of everything, then fill in the morning

imdstrbd

I did see a guy one time take a screw driver and punch a hole in the back side of the filter near the bottom. Worked out good for him.

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

I'd see that causing more of a mess than anything

imdstrbd

Not really. Thats what I was expecting to see but the screw driver plugged the hole until he had the drain pan in place. Yeah it takes up some time making an oil change take longer than expected but if your not in a rush and can let it sit there for a while.....

MelJ

I've heard of a lot of people doing that, but don't you run the risk of damaging the seating surface or the threads? Unless the Incredible Hulk screwed on the filter, I see no reason to use a screwdriver. I do occasionally use some sandpaper though when I buy a filter with a less than grippy surface.

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

Hmm, if I don't let it drain overnight, I can typically have the oil change done within 15 mins, with nothing more than a few drips of oil on my forearm
A pair of nitro gloves helps too...

Not to step on anyone's toes, but I don't see why a 5 minute process should be dragged into a 30 minute process.
If you're going to work on your car, you expect to get dirty.

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

I think OP meant using the screwdriver to stick a hole to let out the contents of the filter, rather than using the hole as a prying leverage

MelJ

I think the OP was in regards to keeping the floor clean. It takes me about 10 minutes on a lift. Probably shouldn't but I torque my drain bolt, replace the washer, and clean everything up. At home probably 15 or 20 just due to the fact I have a small garage and lying on my back in that damn thing is a task itself. But any car work I expect to get messy. Hell. I changed a bulb and ended up covered in dirt. Lol.

MelJ

Yeah. That makes more sense than what I was thinking.

03civicexR

after working at jiffylube, sears, and now a lubetech at chrysler ive learned to just bite the bullet and wear junk clothes. gota figure its only oil, and as long as its not scorching hot it wont hurt for long, and it will wash right off. i usually drive the car and warm it up then let the car sit for a hour then change the oil. has been working for me for 3 years and with 76k my oil is still nice and gold just my $.02

imdstrbd

I usually just put on my gloves and get it done. The guy was wondering about a way to do it without getting oil on himself. If you are gonna try to stay clean doing an oil change than its gonna take awhile.