4.7 Oil filter change- any ideas for reducing the mess?

[fbama73]

We have a '01 Durango with a 4.7

Changing the oil filter is such a PITA. I can't find a way to change it without pouring a bunch of oil into the plastic undertray, which then leaks out between it and the crossmember.

Anyone addressed this yet, or do I need to find the answer for the board?

If I can solve this, I'm going to start running the larger oil filter (Motorcraft FL-1A over the FL-300)

[BlackDak]

I had the exact same problem. I decided next time, I am going to pull the shields before I pull the filter.

[mopar rt]

I installed a remote filter on my R/T. I was tired of trying to change the darn filter and spilling oil all over the suspension.

[Jecht]

cut the end off a 2 liter pop bottle. and loosen your filter. then place the bottle over the filter and squeeze and turn. the bottle will hold all the oil that comes out and no more mess on your frame. saw this over on another dakota board a while back. :biggthump

[suffolk_mopar]

I installed a remote filter on my R/T. I was tired of trying to change the darn filter and spilling oil all over the suspension.



a remote filter? what is this? do tell.

[BlackDak]

A remote filter is a fitting that mounts in place of your oil filter. It has two long high pressure hoses that run to another mount that the oil filter mounts to. You can mount it anywhere the hoses will reach. It's a good idea.

[chris4x4]

I just use a heavy duty plastic bag, and after the filter is loose I out the bag around it and take it off. No mess.

[bakerlaw67]

Many people use the plastic bag that their newspaper comes in. Slide it on like a filter condom and unscrew. Don't get too many of those bags here in sunny AZ, but had tons back in IL.

[YAAAABUDDY03]

cut the end off a 2 liter pop bottle. and loosen your filter. then place the bottle over the filter and squeeze and turn. the bottle will hold all the oil that comes out and no more mess on your frame. saw this over on another dakota board a while back. :biggthump

That is a magnificant idea.... I'll be doing that from now on.... thanks!

Paul

[Anthony]

I've been using the 2L pop bottle idea for almost 6 yrs now. You'll never spill a single drop again!!!

[Alta Boy]

:biggthump The "pop bottle" idea works like a charm. I use it all the time on my 4X4 Dakota with a 4.7 Give it a shot.

[fbama73]

Thanks, Jecht and all for the pop bottle/ trash bag idea.

Just did the oil changes a couple of weeks ago, but I'll remember that when they come due again!!!!

[missMyLS1]

i always unscrew the the filter 1st before draining any oil.
when i did it the other way i would get oil all over.

[Kooopsd]

I usually dont get a mess when i take mine off....but i dont have the plastic undernegth anyways...just wipe alittle bit off the crross memeber and i'm finished

[SSRage]

I usually dont get a mess when i take mine off....but i dont have the plastic undernegth anyways...just wipe alittle bit off the crross memeber and i'm finished

Mine is the same way. Couple of drops on the cross member... wipe that off and I'm good to go.

[YAAAABUDDY03]

Mine is the same way,... nothing in the way of the filter, but it is a royal PITA to have oil all over you.... much easier to just use a 2 liter bottle....

Paul

[GOON'S D]

I removed that plastic barrier. I now use a bag over the filter and no mess!