Change oil not filter
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 309
Likes: 2
From: Jackson, WYoming
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
I just changed my oil. Kind of. So I drained my old oil and started searching through my tool's and my Oil filter wrench is gone! The old oil was out and I have no way of getting the filter off. So I just added new oil. Tell me is this bad or am I good until the next oil change. Around 4000 miles. Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: grand rapids
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I just changed my oil. Kind of. So I drained my old oil and started searching through my tool's and my Oil filter wrench is gone! The old oil was out and I have no way of getting the filter off. So I just added new oil. Tell me is this bad or am I good until the next oil change. Around 4000 miles. Thanks.
Actually, if you have the choice of changing oil or filter, always change the filter.
Of course, it's not as if you had the choice. Whether you can do another 4000 miles depends. Was the filter changed last time? If not, or if you're not sure, I wouldn't take the risk. At worst, you will have to add some more oil, but that's cheaper than ruining the engine.
And the standard operating procedure for any oil filter that wont budge is indeed just ram a big screwdriver through it and twist it off.
Jeroen
Of course, it's not as if you had the choice. Whether you can do another 4000 miles depends. Was the filter changed last time? If not, or if you're not sure, I wouldn't take the risk. At worst, you will have to add some more oil, but that's cheaper than ruining the engine.
And the standard operating procedure for any oil filter that wont budge is indeed just ram a big screwdriver through it and twist it off.
Jeroen
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Get a new filter on there. Buy or borrow a filter wrench and change it when you have a few minutes.
At the price of a filter, it just doesn't make much sense to leave it on until your next oil change.
At the price of a filter, it just doesn't make much sense to leave it on until your next oil change.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,433
Likes: 6
From: Northern MN
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Renix 4.0
Last time I had this problem I went to the store and got one, but before I make an *** of myself, the filter was still stuck and I didn't want to stab it and deal with the mess. So I tightened it to break the seal, then it came right off. And I'm also with the other guys, and on top of it make sure you use a quality filter like Wix or Napa Gold, definitely worth the extra bucks.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Change JUST the filter first chance you get and add for lost oil if needed . What brand of filter is on there now?
Use Wix, Mopar, or Napa Gold. Always apply some clean oil to the oil filter seal upon installation.
Use Wix, Mopar, or Napa Gold. Always apply some clean oil to the oil filter seal upon installation.
Trending Topics
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I think some folks either don't lube the seal, or use a wrench to tighten the filter, or both.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 6
From: York, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I wonder where Wix, and Napa Gold is made..
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,357
Likes: 103
From: Canton, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Many years ago when I didn't have a pot to **** in I used to do Hillbilly oil changes. Just change the oil filter and add some bulk oil (25 cents/quart) to make up the loss from the filter change. Engines only lasted about 50,000 miles back then so WTF.


