Changing your Oil Filter *WITHOUT* changing your oil...

[Mr. Flibble]

I just got my oil changed in the states - and it was more expensive than I would have liked due to the change to synthetic. (L400 4m40 engine)

Unfortunately, my Boshi filter that I planned to have installed with the oil change was leaking right out of the gate. I could not use it at all. :(

My only option was to continue along on my Mitsubishi ME228898 filter - which I had left on from a previous oil change. If I leave that filter on, it it will have been on for about 15,000 KM. And, given that I have not yet installed my Frantz bypass filter, I am a bit uncomfortable with the distance on the filter.

What I am wondering is, is how the oil sits in the 4M40 in relation to the filter. I believe that the filter should be above the sump - and yes, I know it has oil in it when sitting.

I don't really want to have to drain the brand new oil in order to change my filter as I would need a new oil catch pan to keep the brand new oil clean.

I am wondering if I can just detach the oil filter, pour some of the oil in the old filter into the new, lube the seal and re-attach without causing a huge mess.

Of course if the oil filter sits below sump level, then a whole heck of a lot of oil would pour out when I removed the filter from my engine.... But I don't think that is the case.

[salmostrom]

Not to hijack, but I need the same info for an L300. Just changed my oil to Rotella full synthetic, and put a new Baldwin filter, and it leaks!! I would like to try a new Napa gold filter without losing 60 bucks work of oil. Just ordered new Sakura filters from Max Overdrive....
BTW, love this site and all the great info!
Thanks!

[lopar]

Just get a clean container, spin off the filter, let it drain, install new filter and poor oil back in. Should not lose more than a cup if you are careful

[Firesong]

I know on the L300 you can take the filter off and just have
the oil in the filter to deal with.

Done that. I imagine the L400 is the same but who knows.

FS

[salmostrom]

Many thanks! This should tell me for sure if it is indeed the filter, and not a damaged vacuum pump line from my wobbly alternator...
Sucks that the napa filter is 50 bucks, but I can't destroy anymore driveways...
Cheers!

[nvanadm]

Many thanks! This should tell me for sure if it is indeed the filter, and not a damaged vacuum pump line from my wobbly alternator...
Sucks that the napa filter is 50 bucks, but I can't destroy anymore driveways...
Cheers!

Not too sure about the L400 either.

Salmostrom, yeah the napa filter is quite expensive and from what I've read not the greatest. I was desperate for an oil change cause I was waiting for parts from BC so I went to Jiffy Lube. They told me it was $50 for the filter and I said that they normally provide a filter with a change. We settled on $20. might be worth it to try something like that or stock up on filters from BC after you figure this one out.

[mararmeisto]

Mr. Flibble - if your 4M40 in your L400 is the same as the 4M40 in my Pajero, you're going to have more than a cupful of oil coming out when you spin off that oil filter: the oil cooler is ABOVE the filter, and it contains about one litre.

Still, it won't be the whole 6.5 litres.

[Mr. Flibble]

Many thanks! This should tell me for sure if it is indeed the filter, and not a damaged vacuum pump line from my wobbly alternator...
Sucks that the napa filter is 50 bucks, but I can't destroy anymore driveways...
Cheers!

Not too sure about the L400 either.

Salmostrom, yeah the napa filter is quite expensive and from what I've read not the greatest. I was desperate for an oil change cause I was waiting for parts from BC so I went to Jiffy Lube. They told me it was $50 for the filter and I said that they normally provide a filter with a change. We settled on $20. might be worth it to try something like that or stock up on filters from BC after you figure this one out.

I just bought 3 genuine Mitsubishi filters from a Fuso dealer in Saanich for $28 each. :)

Now to change the filter...

[Mr. Flibble]

Mr. Flibble - if your 4M40 in your L400 is the same as the 4M40 in my Pajero, you're going to have more than a cupful of oil coming out when you spin off that oil filter: the oil cooler is ABOVE the filter, and it contains about one litre.

Still, it won't be the whole 6.5 litres.

!!!

Good info to know!!!

[92pajero]

Gentlemen I have heard the woes of high price filters I have a list of numerous filters that will fit the 2.5l 4d56 engine and trust me fleetguard in AB is only 22.34 for an oil filter and 11.92 for a fuel filter. I get them from a supplier called Greggs, I priced out a ph 6355 at lordco while I was visiting BC and WOW 50.35 what a rip. If any one needs anything I can do a bulk buy a bulk ship and then you guys can divide up the filters. Its your choice but I am sure I will get them a lil cheaper or if someone is visiting Edm I can meet them and pass on the deal. No mark up just buy me a coffee for meeting up and taking you over to them. (I have to be there to use the Acct # for the discount)


Kelly

[Aciled]

Many thanks! This should tell me for sure if it is indeed the filter, and not a damaged vacuum pump line from my wobbly alternator...
Sucks that the napa filter is 50 bucks, but I can't destroy anymore driveways...
Cheers!

Not too sure about the L400 either.

Salmostrom, yeah the napa filter is quite expensive and from what I've read not the greatest. I was desperate for an oil change cause I was waiting for parts from BC so I went to Jiffy Lube. They told me it was $50 for the filter and I said that they normally provide a filter with a change. We settled on $20. might be worth it to try something like that or stock up on filters from BC after you figure this one out.

FYI
For my 94 SWB L400...

I just bought a Donaldson P-Series Lube Filter
P502008. from NAPA here in Coquitlam last week for 19.00 plus HST. Donaldson filters are top level ( Preferred Customer)
filters (better than OEM filters). You can order it from any NAPA outlet. Then I added my 8 litres of Amsoil 15W-40 HD diesel synthetic oil.... Combined with a CVI injector tune...purrs like a kitten.