No Mess Engine Oil Filter Change

Camdo

Original poster
Member
May 16, 2015
71
2005 GMC Envoy SLT 4.2 liter inline 6, . Last time I changed the oil filter, the oil ran down my arm and into my shirt and overalls and caused a mess. It took longer to clean up my clothes than to do the actual work of changing the filter. I have to work off the floor on my back with limited clearance. When the filter seal is loosened, oil pours out and there is not time to get my arm out of the access hole in the road shield, given the limited elbow room when working off the floor. There must be a way to change the filter without making a mess. Any suggestions? What works best for you?
 

flyboy2610

Member
Aug 24, 2021
460
Lincoln, Ne.
If you want it done with absolutely no mess, take it to a shop.
Otherwise, tie a rag around your wrist. That will minimize the mess, but I don't know of any way to totally eliminate it.
 

mrrsm

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Oct 22, 2015
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Tampa Bay Area
Yes... The Solution is a remarkably simple one.

(1) Obtain 11 Mil Nitrile Black Gloves,
(2) Pull the Glove onto your Right Hand to about Mid-Palm.
(3) Wrap some Scott "Blue" Shop Towels (three sections) around your Right Wrist.
(4) Finish pulling the Nitrile Glove OVER the Wrapped Towels.
(5) Fold the remainder of the towels UPWARDS at the Wrist into a 'Catch Pan'.
(6) The Oil WILL Drain down over your Hand...and get caught in the Towel Wrap.
(7) Wear the Gear throughout the installation of the Pre-filled New Oil Filter.
(8) Peel OFF the Paper Towels WITH the Glove.
(9) Dispose of it responsibly with the Old Oil & Old Oil Filter.
(10) Enjoy that Fresh, Non-Oily Outcome!
 
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Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,257
Ottawa, ON
Remove the whole skid plate. It's just 4 bolts. Gives you that little bit more room to get your arm out of the way. Later years, they removed the access door making you remove the plate anyway. You can also get to the filter from the wheel well. Once you loosen it from the bottom, you can spin it from the side.

But, hot oil down your arm is a rite of passage on these trucks. It gets better with experience :smile:
 

Sparky

Member
Dec 4, 2011
12,927
I learned how to bend my arm just right and spin it just fast enough to get it only down to my elbow and not beyond that.

I considered the oily mess all over the chassis around there as a form of rustproofing. Looking back, it probably was the least rusty place on it too...
 

Redbeard

Member
Jan 26, 2013
3,466
Once you get into the habit of using latex type gloves you will wonder how you kept your hands clean before. Whether it's for an oil change or painting around your house it sure makes it nice to take the gloves off, place them directly into the trash, and see clean fingers without any soap. :celebrate: I'll put the gloves on after breaking free the oil filter free so the gloves don't rip open trying to loosen it.
 

Reprise

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Jul 22, 2015
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I'll put the gloves on after breaking free the oil filter free so the gloves don't rip open trying to loosen it.
I use the HF 7mil nitrile gloves (darker blue); they hold up much better than the 5mil when gripping / turning. The 9mil (black) might even be better, but the 7mil gets this job done for me (one pair lasts the whole job).

I also bring an oil filter wrench with me, in case the filter's a little tight.

One thing that came to mind as I was getting ready to post this was... black opera gloves (they go to the elbow). And they're not really expensive -- between $10-20 USD / pair, depending on fabric. Yes, they *do* make men's / unisex sizes, if that matters to you. Wash & reuse.

I'm sure they have versions of those 'to-the-elbow' gloves for working near exhaust manifolds, etc. -- so that's an option, too (although more expensive, I'm sure). Plus they'll be thicker, so you'll lose dexterity.

If the filters I use don't have markings on them to show each 1/4 turn, I'll try and put them on with a marker to help gauge the proper 3/4 turn after the gasket contacts the filter boss. Adherence to that process pretty much guarantees you can get it off next time without trouble. And I've never had one loosen up because it wasn't secure enough, as a result. Oh, and smear some oil on the new filter's rubber gasket, if you're not doing this already.

If you want to be really anal about it, you can write a note on the bottom of the 'can' with date, mileage, oil brand, what have you.

With the long wheelbase V8, there's a thin crossmember *right* underneath the filter, so removing is actually a 'spin / slide' combo to get it out. Of course, this means some spillage, so I'm used to it. I don't mind it on my hands, but I *hate* when a lot spills on the crossmember (it's one of those thin ones with a brace and 2" holes end-to-end, so there's a lot of wiping if it gets soaked in oil, unless I want to see oil spots for a few weeks afterward).

The splash shield / rock guard was removed (missing) before I got the truck, but if it had been there, I'd probably have removed it and left it off, myself.

If I were keeping the vehicle, I'd trim the crossmember back , cut it out entirely, or rig up a removable section (it's really not structural, per se). But it's not worth the trouble at this point, tbh.
 

TollKeeper

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Dec 3, 2011
8,047
Brighton, CO

flyboy2610

Member
Aug 24, 2021
460
Lincoln, Ne.
I know its not the right glove.. But will work as long as the engine is cold/warm. Not HOT.


Thanks to Mike Rowe
I can see how those would work on a cow or a horse, but a chihuahua? 🤔
 

Beacon

Member
Mar 22, 2019
445
SouthWestern PA
I like this style filter wrench, with a 10 or 12 inch ratchet extension.

You could always relocate that filter, if you absolutely cannot tolerate a little spilled oil.
I used this kit once on a Ford escort, the filter was horizontal between the block and the firewall, and old lady always complained that she smelled oil in the car the next day.


 

Brian K

Member
Apr 5, 2012
32
Oil filter changes are PITA with this platform. I wish the designers had to actually work on what they come up with. I generally find I need to install and extra elbow on my arm and that works much better better LOL.
I've often used the plastic bag as mentioned above. Helps but oil still gets all over things. It's even more fun when the filter comes off then slips out of your hand and dumps out all over.
 
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Camdo

Original poster
Member
May 16, 2015
71
I was hoping to see some gadgets from the "Nation", but apparently there are none to be had. So I thought I would invent one. It's a long nose funnel with a filter socket glued to its interior. I ground some slots in the filter socket so oil would drain past it. The funnel end is plugged with a short piece of radiator hose and metal plug. I was quite proud of it, until I tried to use it on my 2005 Envoy 4.2 inline 6. Totally useless. I made my invention from memory, but reality is the oil filter is in a convoluted offset position, not a straight shot, and the rim of the funnel could not fit in the tight spaces. Oh well, live and learn. Look before you invent.DSC_0001.JPGDSC_0002.JPG
 

Camdo

Original poster
Member
May 16, 2015
71
I changed my oil and filter today, and spent some time and money to make the setup so the operation would be as "mess free" as possible. I quickly realized that "fast and easy" must be included. I purchased a pair of used car ramps and a large 16 quart specialty oil container. I also realized that you are not going to change the oil without greasing the ball joints and stabilizer links. Here is a picture of the setup so I can remember for the next time, to get everything in position for a pleasant experience.
DSC_0001_02.JPG

I forgot to put the oil filter and drain plug socket in the picture.

What worked really well was the car ramps, specialty oil container/drain board and 3 jaw spider filter wrench. Those items truly made the experience tolerable.

The 3 jaw spider wrench is for removing the old filter and the filter socket is for installing the new filter. The gauntlet gloves are chemical resistant and slip on and off easily. Grease the ball joints while waiting for the oil to drain out, which takes a remarkable long time. Paper towels are a must. The 16 quart oil container has a drainboard large enough to capture the spillage from removing the oil filter, and it was deep enough so splashing from the oil pan draining was not a problem. Having everything there at your side while lying on the ground is a tremendous labor and frustration saver.

The list:
car ramps
oil container/drainboard
filter spider wrench
filter socket
3/8 ratchet wrench
3/8 long extension 10 inch
gloves
grease gun loaded with grease
paper towels, roll
7 quarts oil
oil filter

Helpful side note: Grease zerks should point to the front of the vehicle.
 

TollKeeper

Supporting Donor
Member
Dec 3, 2011
8,047
Brighton, CO
I see something you forgot! A couple shop towels/rags!
 

mrrsm

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Oct 22, 2015
7,639
Tampa Bay Area
...and THIS "Thing" is a nice addition to any Grease Gun, It won't come loose until you decide to release it!


61J0QFPuKmL._AC_SL1500_.jpg


618A9XFBNIL._AC_SL1024_.jpg
 

northcreek

Member
Jan 15, 2012
3,310
WNY
Been using one for a few years and they work well. The trigger spring is strong and can be a challenge for a greasy hand. Also they are a little bulky for tight places, had to make an angle adapter for one spot. Still the best thing to come along in the messy world of Zerks.
>> Is that a stink bug in that picture ?
 

mrrsm

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Oct 22, 2015
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That is NOT one of MY Pictures...:>)

I memorialized the manual Bravex Grease Gun with the additional Lock-N-Lube attachment with LOTS of images showing its "How To" set up and in-action use in great detail.. :>)

...and MY Pictures are HERE... with NO "Stink" Bugs...


Available on Amazon here:

 
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mrrsm

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Oct 22, 2015
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Chemman

Member
Jul 13, 2013
35
Maryland
There is always the Oil Udder which you can slip over the oil filter right after you slightly loosen it so it will turn by hand easier.

 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,257
Ottawa, ON

Camdo

Original poster
Member
May 16, 2015
71
There is always the Oil Udder which you can slip over the oil filter right after you slightly loosen it so it will turn by hand easier.

I am skeptical if the Oil Udder will work on a 2005 Envoy 4.2L inline 6. As I recall, a cross member is a couple inches under the filter to its center line. The Udder has a funnel neck which would need to be cocked while spinning the filter off. It would also need to be very flexible to slip over the filter from an angled insertion position necessary to avoid the cross member. I tried my own invention using a PVC funnel with a filter socket glued inside. It was useless for the two reasons mentioned; insertion flexibility and funnel neck interference with the cross member. It is worthwhile to read the 1 star reviews of the Udder on Amazon before buying. If anyone does try it, please report your experience to us.

I think the best solution is a thick walled polybag of proper size with the zip-lock cut off and long enough to reach past the rim of the filter base.
 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,257
Ottawa, ON
Read that it's basically the same issue on 5.7L Hemis. A lot of complaints about that. Might still work on our platform. It sure would work on the Sierra but is it worth the $40CAD?
 

Chemman

Member
Jul 13, 2013
35
Maryland
I have to admit that I have not yet used one or purchased one. From what I have seen on their website the Oil Udder is extremely flexible.
 
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Daniel644

Member
Feb 27, 2015
573
Your first Mistake was using the "access hole", that thing is worthless, remove the whole shield, only 4 bolts, Drain the pan first, then crack the oil filter loose with a filter wrench and let it drain till it stops running then finish removing oil filter. it's not a no mess, there is still a bunch of oil that gets all over the frame and crap, but is easily cleaned with brake clean. Done many oil changes this way, never got oil past the elbow and usually not even that far.
 
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TollKeeper

Supporting Donor
Member
Dec 3, 2011
8,047
Brighton, CO
I don't even take all 4 bolts out. I found it easier to take 3 out, and just loosen the rear, passenger side bolt, then rotate the shield out of the way.
Thats what I do for both my rigs!
 
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