Oil filter query

[Roymondo]

Normally one removes/replaces the oil filter at the same time as changing the oil. But what if the filter was removed *without* first draining the oil? Would (some/most/all of) the oil drain out through the oil pump?

The reason I'm asking is because when I changed the oil the other week, I was unable to remove the filter (broke the spot-welds on my cup wrench) so decided to leave the filter in place while I sorted out repairing/replacing the wrench.

 

[Alan R]

Not a definitive answer, but you would probably lose a good deal of it before you got the replacement filter in place. I would be tempted to leave the filter alone and replace it in the normal way at the next oil change.
Alan R

 

[seahorse]

You will only lose what is contained in the filter itself, nothing more will come out.

 

[AustinW]

Try it and see. Have a very clean container to catch up to 4 litres underneath. Then let us know what happened .

 

[Bear]

The oil filter is presumably downstream of the oil pump so as long as you remove it with the engine stopped, I don't see why you'd lose much oil. I had to take a Triumph filter out a few years ago when I found a clamp washer in the drain tray and all I lost was the volume in the filter chamber.

 

[Roymondo]

Thanks all - I think that's covered just about all possible outcomes

 

[Bendy toy]

Clean the filter case and the sump case and use a clean catch tray. Then you can pour the spilt oil back into the engine and no worries.

With the Beemer you might be better with bike on centre stand than on side stand or you could support the bike so it leans to the right. That way the oil level is lower at the filter side of the engine.