Oil filter location

[Dwb62]

I recently purchased an M20G without an oil filter. I want to install an oil filter, I am looking for advice if I should do a remote air wolf on the firewall or a direct to engine looking for pros and cons of both. Thanks in advance for your input.

[Hank]

On my C (same engine as your G), the filter is mounted on the back of the engine. There's about an inch of clearance when changing it.

I have no experience with the firewall-mounted version. But I have a presentation in the Download section showing how I change my oil, it may have a good photo of the filter in place. 

[Utah20Gflyer]

I have the rear engine case mounted oil filter as well.  I find it to be easy to access for oil changes.  One downside of a remote filter is oil lines that must be maintained and are a potential catastrophic failure point.  My Mooney came to me with the current arrangement but if I were to choose again I would go with rear case mounted again.  

[47U]

1 hour ago, Dwb62 said:

I am looking for advice

I think the simplest solution is the best option.  Mount the oil filter on the back of the engine.  You will learn to not make a mess changing the oil filter.  It can be done.  Mounting the filter on the firewall makes oil changes much easier, but the added complexity of additional hoses and routing and further complicating access to the back of the engine is not worth the benefit.  My friend has a G model with the firewall mounted oil filter.  He’s not particularly mechanically inclined, so he likes it.  I haven’t changed the oil on his airplane… I’m wondering how difficult is it to get to the suction screen in the sump.  It’s bad enough on my C (I have the old-style throttle support bracket that limits access to the plug).  

Someone with personal knowledge will be along shortly…

[Dwb62]

Thanks for your reply.

[Utah20Gflyer]

3 hours ago, 47U said:

I think the simplest solution is the best option.  Mount the oil filter on the back of the engine.  You will learn to not make a mess changing the oil filter.  It can be done.  Mounting the filter on the firewall makes oil changes much easier, but the added complexity of additional hoses and routing and further complicating access to the back of the engine is not worth the benefit.  My friend has a G model with the firewall mounted oil filter.  He’s not particularly mechanically inclined, so he likes it.  I haven’t changed the oil on his airplane… I’m wondering how difficult is it to get to the suction screen in the sump.  It’s bad enough on my C (I have the old-style throttle support bracket that limits access to the plug).  

Someone with personal knowledge will be along shortly…

If you rip a piece of pvc in half and slide it in under the filter it catches all the oil and there is no mess.   I really don’t see any downsides to the rear case mount.   

[Yetti]

I tried all sorts of drains.   Now I just go get all the old blue rags that I wipe bugs off and stuff them below it.    Then just move fast.     I let other people change my truck oil since it started looking like a murder scene after I was done.