Just out of curiosity: can you change just the oil filter without draining the oil first (want to get rid om my filter (AC Delco Duraguard which turns out to be actually one that is NOT recommended, and just changed the oil only 500 km's ago)?
Or will things get very messy...?

 

You sure can. Just make sure you let it sit for like 15 or 20 mins so that the oil can drain back down to the pan. You will spill a tad bit since there is always oil in the filter but you won't have 6 quarts coming out

 

^ Like he said. Just be sure the engine is cool and act fast. You might lose a 1/2 quart at most.

 

You'll lose a whole oil filter full if you've got a good quality filter with a good anti-drainback valve. If the filter has a crappy anti-drainback valve, you won't lose much cuz it will all have drained back into the oil pan.

Good idea to do what you're doing. Let us know how much oil comes out please.

 

Thanks once again guys, will def let you know.

For a good filter here in Oz, I'll try to read through the (many) posts on that, but there is a wide variety of oil filters available in the US thats not available here. And the dealer here asks about 400-600% for ány Jeep part/OEM item on what you guys might pay for it (for an oil filter thats relatively do-able but still..)