I have 1997 Mercury HP525SC motors. The oil filters are located on the back of the motors.

Removing the filters I spill oil into the bilge. I have tried rags and platic bags to catch the spill with minimal success.

Is there a better way?

Joel

Try unscrewing oil filter just enough to break the seal. Wait 20 min and remove... see if that helps.

And when you are done pour some Joy soap in the bilge to cut the oil

Presumably this would break a vacumm and allow the oil to drain back into the motor? Would oil also leak out into the bilge?

1. yes

2. only if it dribbles

I have the same problem. I have heavy real heavy plastic bags and have to take a few extra min to get the bag in place and this works ok for me. If some gets away ,I use the purple cleaner from walmart and hose it fast . Good luck.

Thank you for your response.

Kinda amazing that for the money these toys cost a bit more thought wasn't put into design!

Anybody thought of or installed remote oil filter kits. I have had them in a larger sportfish boat. They are then right where you want them.

do you have any pics of the set up your are talking about

If the filters are inverted, meaning pointing down...

Take a screwdriver that has a square shank about 3/8 in diameter, and pop a hole in the very top center of the filter with a hammer. Let the screwdriver insert a couple inches, but not far enough to extend out the bottom of the filter. Let the filter drain into the pain for about 20-30 minutes before you remove it. You will not spill a drop; guaranteed... as the filter will be empty.

I have a specific screwdriver that I cut and sharpened for this task. It works like a charm.