Any secrets to share in removing the vertical (tall) oil filter on a 496 Mag without incurring a huge oily mess ?????

Thanks

I always loosen and break the seal. Let the Filter drain over night. Next day plastic garbage bag next to engine, I take a towel , wrap it around the base of the oil filter housing, loosen up oil filter, drop everything in bag. Then I get it out of the bilge before I get the bag caught on a hose clamp or something.

Thanks, I've also heard to ice pick a hole in the top of the filter in several places, allow to drain overnight and remove, sounds like the same concept. Just wanted to see what the popular method. Thanks

Some guys poke holes in the filter, I am not a big fan, I could just see myself getting a piece of metal in the oil lines, or bending something or making a mess. If you break the seal, it will do the same thing. I try to stay away from self inflicting disasters as much as possible....lol

I've never poked a hole in an inverted filter. Break the seal, let it drain a bit, unscrew a tad more and lift, let it drain, etc. Be patient and it will drain back into the remote filter pad and you can remove it without spilling a drop. Usually takes just a few minutes for it to fully drain so you can remove it. If you get in a big hurry or unscrew it too far too soon then you will have a mess on your hands. I usually sit with a beer after I crack it open and occasionally lift up on the filter to ensure it is draining.

Great advice!

Totally get the message....., thanks

Post number 4 is correct. If you crack the filter just enough as the oil seeps out a tad then tighten back just a tad as the oil in the filter will drain down all by itself.

The next day there is basically no mess when removing the oil filter. I use oil absorbent towels (we call diapers) for all oil changes. the ones I use also picks up fuel and all types of oils, they are very good to have on hand for anyone who works on boats.

I have never poked any holes into oil filters to drain them period.

In your opinion, is it worth it to install remote oil filters? Years ago I had one on an older Ford pick up that had the stock filter located right over the front 4WD axle, (Ford 351 V8 in a pick-up) and it was a mess to change the filter. After I installed a remote filter, changes were a snap, and clean!

This whole thread has been about the remote filter on the 496 Mag. Mercury uses them on most motors now because they're so much less of a pain than the OEM filter location.