Ryan360

I'm changing oil on my 964. I've read two different ways to get most of the oil out of the filter and filter housing.

Question: Which is really better?
1.Punching a hole in the filter?
OR
2.Loosening the vent on the backside of the oil filter housing?

Oracle

Neither?
Once I punched the hole and what a mess, never again..
the trick is to drain the tank and case then undo the filter, my theory and not scientific but "feels better" this way

ThomasC2

Punch a little hole on upper side of the filter, then undo the plugs on the case and the tank. This will "suck" most of the oil out of the filter/filter house. Finally put a piece of tape over the hole and undo the filter. It's easier than getting a good grip of the bolt inside the rear fender where it's dark and dirty.

Thomas

tbennett017

I have done both... when I punch a hole in the filter, I also do it first, thus causing more of the oil to be drawn out. Then I take a piece of tape and cover the hole before pulling off the filter. I actually like undoing the bolt in the filter console, but it takes a little more time as you really need to clean around the bolt before loosening it - keeps the dirt out of the threads so you get a clean seal when re-assembling.

When I do the bolt, there seems to be less oil in the console... and it is recommended in all the manuals.

BTW, if you spin the filter off using a plastic bag, it can capture all the drips. I have done oil changes where I don't lose a drop- victory! ...and others that were total nightmares when I didn't get the filter back on tight enough.. big big mess. I believe it has as much to do with karma as anything else...

Geoffrey

You can also use compressed air from a blow gun to blow into the hole in the filter which eliminates the mess. Do it after the tank has been drained though.

DWS964

I have not found it necessary to punch a hole in the filter, if I remove the plug on the filter console. Just be sure to clean the area around the plug before removing. I have no problems with drips/gushes when removing the filter.
YMMV

Ken D

Keep in mind not all cars have the vent plug on the filter console. Some of the early cars did not - my
'90 doesn't. YMMV.
It's probably not documented as to when Porsche used up the non-vented console inventory.

Bearclaw

+1
I use a few layers of paper towels under the filter, let everything drain first, then spin the filter off. I've drooled a few drops a couple times, but I've got the hang of it now and I generally don't spill a drop.

DWS964

Very interesting - I did not know that. My MY92 (build date mid/late '91) and MY93 have the vent plug on the filter console.
So, with that in mind - yes, I agree that punching a hole in the filter will have glorious results in reducing oil spillage from the filter, if you do not have a vent plug in the filter console.

Ken D

I don't believe it's mentioned in Adrian's book; I also have the factory manuals and the manuals only refer to the vent plug.
So you can imagine how confused I was when changing the oil for the first time and I couldn't find the damn plug. I had a new crush ring and everything.
So now I just do the same as Oracle & Bearclaw.

Dsqr964

Just did mine a few weeks ago and used the Small hole in the oil filter method. Worked great no oil was spilled. Tape though is a must over the hole. I used a nail to punch the hole about 4mm wide. Not large at all just enough to let the air in and the oil flow. -D²

Ryan360

thanks for the info.

Richard Curtis

x2. I've used both methods and this one works best for me and is less time consuming.

Ryan360

If using compressed air, wouldn't the sediments from the filter itself go back in the engine if dirty oil is blown back??

SKM

"Just did mine a few weeks ago and used the Small hole in the oil filter method. Worked great no oil was spilled. Tape though is a must over the hole. I used a nail to punch the hole about 4mm wide. Not large at all just enough to let the air in and the oil flow. -D²"

This is the method I use and not a drop of oil is leaked into the engine compartment.