>Am I missing something or shouldn't I expect the filter to be hung from the fitting making clean oil changes easy and the potential for the filter not holding oil when the engine isn't running nearly impossible. Oil filters, at least most of them, have anti-drainback valves in them for this very reason. So the oil does not drain out of the filter when the engine is not running. Keep in mind that most marine diesels are marinized automotive or industrial diesels. A consideration the folks who design the marinization system have to keep in mind is how engines are mounted in boats. There is usually not several feet of clear space under the engine. Instead, there are big stringers alongside either side of the engine to support the engine mounts. So it's often the case--- as it is for the old Ford Lehman 120, for example--- that the oil filter cannot be mounted "rightside up" in it's normal automotive position because the engine stringers prevent this. The solution is to mount the filter upside down so it will clear the stringer. The filter itself doesn't care which way it's mounted. So the only drawback is the fact that unscrewing the filter lets the oil out all over the place. The cure is simple--- after the engine has been run to warm up the oil and shut down, punch one or two holes in the bottom (aka top) of the filter. Then go about the task of draining or pumping out the oil from the engine sump. By the time you've finished doing this, almost all the oil will have drained out of the filter back into the sump. Wrap a rag around the top (aka bottom or base) of the filter and unscrew it. The rag should catch the bit of oil that will still be in the filter. Put the filter into a plastic bag immediately. Do not turn it rightside up--- remember those holes you punched in the other end? Oil will continue to seep out of the filter element so you want to get the thing into a garbage bag right away because this oil will start escaping from one end or the other. But with this method, changing an upside-down oil filter can be done with no mess whatsoever. ______________________________ C. Marin Faure GB36-403 "La Perouse" Bellingham, Washington