Hey all, I've searched a bunch of posts on oil changes, but I haven't seen a clear answer to this question: Is it possible to replace the oil filter without draining all the oil out of the car? Thanks!

 

you can try.. but as soon as u start to unscrew it your going to answer your own question with a huge mess! the answer is no you cant....
with this question... perhaps you should not be workin on your own car!

 

Why would you want to do this OP? Get some Mobil 1 from Costco or Walmart and replace the oil too.

 

I asked this question bc I just got my oil changed and according to my dipstick, there's too much oil in the engine. I've heard that you can just take the filter off and dump out some of the excess oil that comes out with the filter.

 

just unscrew the drain plug a little bit without completely taking it out and let the oil drain.

 

yup what Spool said.

 

exactly what spoolme said! The filter would be a PITA of a mess to try and manage!

 

+1 unscrew the plug small amount and drain, thats it!

 

Maverick -- just so you don't feel too foolish for asking the question...

On some cars (like my wife's Land Rover Discovery), you can remove the oil filter without all the oil draining out.

But don't try this on Evos!

RedAustinIX

 

you can, you will have to add close to 1/2 quart of oil.

may i ask why are you doing this, are you running some high end quality oil that has not reached its death time ???

 

its just a little that comes out and as mention maybe 1/2qt

 

Haha, see this is what I meant about not getting a clear answer, some say yes, some say no. I think I'll just try and unscrew the drain plug a little bit. Appreciate all the responses though!

 

Of course you can. Simply turn your car upside down and there you go. Easy peasy.

 

 

Removing the filter without draining the oil pan is no different than doing it after draining the pan. Physics people