Car Talk

July 1996

Dear Tom and Ray:

In my Toyota Camry, the oil filter is mounted "upside down," meaning that the open end of the filter is face-down to the ground. This creates a tremendous problem when I go to change the filter. No matter what I do, when I loosen the filter for removal, some of the old engine oil runs out and down, all over the engine block and pan -- even after I've emptied the pan and let all of the old oil drain out. I've even tried punching holes in the old filter with a screwdriver to help drain the oil, but to no avail. WHY on earth does Toyota mount the oil filters like that in the first place, and can you or your readers suggest any method I can use to remove the old filter without experiencing the mess? -- Lynn

Tom: Sure, I can suggest something: "Quicky Lube." [redtruck.gif]

Ray: The reason it's in there that way is because space is tight (I assume you have the V6 engine) and that's where the filter fit. They weren't about to design the whole engine around the placement and angle of the oil filter. It serves its purpose there, it's reachable and removable, and most people don't think it's that big a deal.

Tom: When I change these filters, I wrap an oil rag around the top as I unscrew it and let the filter drip into the rag. Then I throw the rag and the filter away, and that pretty much eliminates the mess.

Ray: Of course, "mess" is a relative term. And if you saw the back seat of my brother's car -- with the cans of transmission fluid and empty pizza boxes -- you'd know to take his comment with a grain of salt. However, his suggestion about the rag is a good one, and if our readers offer any others, we'll pass them along to you, Lynn.

It's NEVER cheaper in the long run to buy a new car. Want proof? Order Tom and Ray's pamphlet How to Buy a Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

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