I need to install my new drilled/tapped oil filter housing so I can connect up an oil pressure gauge -- can I remove the oil filter/housing without draining the oil from the engine, or will I end up with a quart of oil all over the floor.

Normally I would go ahead and drain/fill the oil at the same time, but I just had the oil changed about 500 miles ago and would rather not waste another 5 qts if I don't have to.

BTW, I asked this question in another thread but it's pretty buried in there and was a bit off topic for that thread -- I thought I should start a new one for this topic.

 

Yes you can remove the filter without draining the oil, tap the canister and put it all back together with nary a drop lost. Simply go through the motion of loosening (without removing) the canister enough to break the seal, allow the oil to drain back to the pan, then remove the filter/housing completely after about 5-10 minutes. Do this with a fairly warm engine. You should not spill a drop. Replace the filter and O-ring before putting the canister back, as the O-ring needs replacing anyhow (be sure to put some oil on the O-ring before threading the assembly back on). Make absolutely sure that all traces of metal chips are removed after your drilling/tapping process, as they will not be filtered out before heading back to the engine (the tapping point is 'post filter').

 

Thanks for the quick response -

I actually purchased a spare housing and had a machine shop drill and tap it, so I'm ready to go as soon as I get a spare hour or two.