L8 APXR

There has got to be a better solution! Every time I change the oil I am being contacted by the mitigation attorneys from Exxon and BP due to the environmental damage under my car. As soon as I remove the drain plug the oil bounces off of the drain pan and manages to cover a four foot radius - and me. If I quickly line the oil flow up with the interior drain on the pan it does (mostly) stay in the pan.

I am using Rhino Ramps so don't have a lot of clearance under the car. Also using this cheapazz pan from Autozone:

Any recommendations for a better drain pan?

Cbst09

use a jigsaw or box cutter and cut out the top section of that drain pan you have so that it doesn't splash.

L8 APXR

That would work but I do like being able to seal up the pan and take the oil to a recycler.

Thanks

speedracerf4i

Maybe you should try draining the oil without lifting the car. get the 8 quart low-profile pan from the Dollar Store. Drain the oil first, then lift the car up to change the filter. I have a steep inclined driveway so I can easily change the oil without lifting the car. And the filter is accessible in the top engine compartment that is a breeze to get to. Don't forget to choke the wheel with a sturdy wheel choke. Safety first.

Bruce In Philly

I have a catch system very similar to yours..... I finally had it!!! So....... I took a razor and cut out a big hole in the catch basin........ Now the oil shoots down to the lowest level and doesn't splash nearly as much.

Should have done it years ago.

I then transfer to empty oil jugs I have......

Peace
Bruce in Philly

Bruce In Philly

+1 aggressive action is required. Cuss at it while you cut.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

L8 APXR

Looks like it's time to cut. I can always get a second pan or cheap Jerry jug to transfer the oil to for disposal.

Thanks for the suggestions.

dgjks6

Try this, unlossen the bolt until oil comes out but the bolt is still in. It drains slowly but no splash, no mess.

The only problem is patience. You see the oil coming out slowly and know its going to take 20 min to get the oil out and you think one more little twist to speed it up a little and BAM, oil all over. So if you have self control and some extra time this system works.

Petza914

Though most of my oil changes are now done on the lift, prior, I had a drain pan with a very large (like 6") circular opening and in that opening was a mostly open plastic screen. Holes were small enough to catch a drain plug and washer, but large enough to allow the high volume of oil during the initial release to go into the pan without splashing.

Also, make sure you keep the fill cap closed when you initially release the plug, Not allowing a free ingress of air through the fill hole will cause the oil to drain out just a little bit slower.

997.1 vs 997.2 have a different oil filter setup - you can't reach the filter of a 997.1 from above the car.

rellim

maybe some type of oil drain valve

L8 APXR

Thanks for the tips. Yes, the filter in the 997.1 is exactly the same as my 996 M96 - just in front of the sump pan.
I will look for a large capacity pan with the big, screen covered opening (I seem to recall using one of those on a previous car). Good idea so I won't drop the plug and washer in the black abyss.

Iceter

You can lay or rivet a piece of metal window screen over the hole you cut. Eliminates the splash and keeps you from dropping parts down into the oil.

The screen also helps prevent oil from sloshing out of the hole when you slide the pan out from under the car.

slicky rick

I have this low profile drain pan...will take a pic later. Walmart has it cheap. Lay it flat there is a big cap you remove to expose the side. It has a screen to catch the plug. When done close the big cap and it's ready for transport! To drain there is a small cap on top. Simply unscrew to empty contents. Clean. Just don't accidentally tighten the small cap too much when your catching hot oil, otherwise it loosens up and might fall off... Ask me how I know...

wc11

You need something with a mesh type top vs a solid surface top like this.
https://www.otctools.com/products/lo...fluid-receiver

Edgy01

Solution is simple. Take a 5-gallon container (a la Home Depot if you can tolerate orange) and fill it with water--figure on enough that simulates the oil capacity of your Carrera. make it on the side (inside) and then take a sharp razor blade and cut the container down to a bit over that mark. You can even reinstall the handle if you are **** like me. It will still require you to jack up the back of the car a bit but at least you're not creating a hazardous waste site overtime you do an oil change. As Porsche 911 owners have discovered over the decades, when you pull the plug, you get a lot of oil (hot, no less) and in a hurry!