Oil change tip for 3.0L engine

[termite]

Whenever I replaced the oil filter on my '03 AWD Vue, the oil would drip down the filter housing and get on the engine and frame which made more for me to clean off. :xeye:

So I tried using an old filter "O" ring and put it around the housing about a half inch from where the cap screws on before loosening it. The "O" ring stops the oil from running along the housing and it falls straight down to my drip pan. :)

[fdryer]

Simply GENIUS!

[termite]

There's one thing I forgot to mention, it's easier on your hands if you put the "O" ring around the housing while the engine is cold. It gets pretty hot.;)

[wlhawk]

good idea- I'll give it a try next weekend :D

[1saxman]

Good tip, and I can see how you could have that problem if you jack up the front end to change oil or the car is on a slope with the front higher. On our two VUEs, I've never had the oil run along the bottom of the canister toward the engine. I have a fairly level spot to work on them, and I just squeeze under without jacking. Another tip on the 3.0L is to use a small strap wrench on the canister to keep it from trying to turn when you put the wrench on the cap. If it spins on you, it will leak and will have to be replaced. To help keep the cap from seizing and causing this problem, I coat the threads and new O-ring with special oil (FP-10 gun oil). I also use this on the drain plug O-ring which tends to stick to the oil pan without special treatment.