Was changing oil and filter the other day, when I discovered that I downsized my car stuff to the point that I didn't have a filter wrench small enough to fit the filter.

In the past, when I have removed filters on the engine, very little oil comes out. I see the filter is located quite a bit higher than the oil sump. So, the question for someone who knows for sure is: "will I lose much-- if any--oil by removing and replacing the filter while the engine has four quarts in the sump?

Thanks, Jim

 

Shouldn't make any difference whether the sump is empty, or full.

If the filter itself has not drained out, oil will empty out of the filter when it is loosened, that's all. Best to try after the truck has laid overnight and is cold.

The filter is sure to be full when just shut down. It will often drain out after resting because the anti-back flow devices in them are crap.

 

I agree with Millball. It should not make a difference as the resting oil level is below the oil filter.

 

Agree ^^^
It does not matter.
You drain the oil, remove and replace filter, fill up so dipstick reads full, run engine maybe a minute or so, turn off and let rest, check level again. Top off.

I also downsized (I work, live, play LEAN) so I just bought cap filter wrench (like below) that exactly fits OEM filter. No time wasted looking, driving, buying another wrench to fit off-brand filter, and no time wasted questioning whether I should trust them or not.
When we got a 2016 Corolla, I also got exact tool for the filter.

 

One of these days, I will buy the correct sized oil filter wrench for the OEM filter, but I have been able to remove and install the filters with a little muscle and a good grip. I do have a 2WD Truck though, so I can just reach in from the top and unscrew with my hands fairly easily.