First of all, I apologize if this thread belongs in the "fluids and lubricants" section, but I've already posted there and it's more likely to get a faster response here.

I've heard a number of people talk about how you can change your oil filter and, in a sense, "extend" the interval between oil changes. I don't plan on doing this, but I do wonder how it is possible to change the filter without changing the oil. I change my car's oil myself and based on what I've seen, I can't picture how this can be done. Wouldn't the oil spill out during the removal of the filter, or is there some trick I am missing? For example, keeping the oil cap on while you unscrew the filter to maintain a vacuum so that oil doesn't spill out or something? If anyone has any ideas or personal experience, I'd love to know more about this. Thanks!

 

i dont know why anyone would do this. . maybe they drain the old oil. replace the filter, then put the old oil back in.

 

Damn, as simplistic as that idea is - it didn't cross my mind. Seems like a pain in the ****, but some people do this as part of an Auto-RX application. In fact, that's what led me to post about this in the first place; I plan on doing it this weekend. Thanks for the reply!

 

i guess it might make sense if your using that synthetic 15k oil. in that cahse, changeing th filter is a good idea.

 

Typically, the oil filter is above the drain pan and requires pressure to send the pan oil to it. Thus, you will only lose the oil in the filter when you change the filter only. I have done this a couple times with a 1975 Celica I had for awhile cause that thing leaked oil like a sieve and just changed the filter every other oil change. In general, change the oil and filter together. If you want to do one or the other I would not recommend it, but imho I would change the filter.

 

the oil in the pan will not drain when the filter is removed. in fact, it is recommended to replace the filter when there is still oil in the pan (to prevent the pump from losing its "prime").

having said that, there is no reason to change the filter only. if anything, the filter will last longer than the oil.

if your filter gets clogged in less than 5k miles, you have problems and should not let your oil run longer than that anyway.

 

It is simple. The oil is in the oil pan, not available to run out where the filter connects. The oil is pumped through the filter. All that you will lose will be what's in the filter and the gallies right around it. The oil in the oil pan stays there.

That is exactly what users of long life synthetics do.

 

Thanks for all the replies - I will use the inherited knowledge this weekend!