sloppy oil filter change, is it me?

[MROLDV8]

OK...There's got to be a way to remove the oil filter from a 3S-FE without covering the lower half of the engine with oil, or am I dreaming? You have to remember that this is the first Toyota I've ever owned, and I'm learning a lot about them...and fast. I thought removing the oil filter on my F150 made a mess, but this thing's worse. I swear it dripped for two days. Next time should I put a rag around the filter, or do you guys know a trick?

MR

[toyomoho]

Don’t think there is any way to drain the oil from the filter. However, never had the filter leak oil out when it was removed. Always a clean oil free job, the filters check valve keeps it in place. If in doubt place oil catch pan under the engine.

[atobe]

i find if i let the car sit there for a few hrs when it's completely cold there's not oil dripping out when i remove the filter.. and when the car's warm oil comes out

[Tom 2000]

The trick is to wait 30 minutes before removing the filter.

I never had a problem. This trick also applies to the 5S-FE engine as well.

[dhamaka127]

Tom 2000, is right. One time I could not get my oil filter off so i had to wait about 20-30 minutes to take it off and it came of with no oil coming out.

Now, my question...

I have sort of the same problme as atobe with the oil leak. I am not sure where it is coming from. If i look at my engine from the top its quite clean. Under neath.....AHHH...its crazy....its just the oil leaking and then the dirt coming up and making it a mess....Does anyone else have a similar problem and know where it can be coming from.

Thanks

I have a 1990 Camry DX with 243k on it

[atobe]

i have an oil leak problem now ?

[Kep]

Oil leaks have way too many sources. Pop open your timing belt cover, is it clean? If not, main seals and oil pump seals. That was my problem. Is the top of the transmission oily? If so, distributor seals. Valve cover seals and spark plug tube seals can contribute. I understand that there is some sort of seal at the oil filter housing, mine never gave me a problem. I understand that there are some cases where a head gasket can allow oil to escape into the engine compartment.

Oil filter hint, I let it sit until most of the oil has drained from the pan (about 5 mins). Then I quickly unscrew the filter about 3/4 turn and quickly screw it back and wait another 5 mins or so. I figure that allowing a little air into the filter relieves any suction that might be holding oil in the filter (kind of like you can lift a glass submerged in water up almost all the way and the water stays in the glass until you break the surface of the water). I have also heard of poking a hole in the top of the filter (I never bothered) and poking a hole in the top and forcing air through the filter (I always worried that it might blow junk into the engine).

Kep

[Kingdom934]

Yep. If you do an oil change right after the car has been started, they will be oil dripping out of it (oil filter). I tried that and made a mess.

I normally do my oil changes when the car is cold. No problems with the 2SE.

[MROLDV8]

Thanks for the advise. Next time will be neater...I'm sure.

MR