oil drain level to replace oil filter housing

[keithyo88]

Please let me know if you have ever replaced the oil filter housing without draining all the oil. I have 2013 s5 3.0t b8.5 and changed the oil a month ago, but need to replace housing to chase oil leak. Since car holds 7.2qt=6.8L, I am hoping to take out about 3L from on top without doing the drain plug. I know plug is not much trouble, but since supercharger will be out I am trying to avoid lifting car. Thanks.

[hahnmgh63]

Not 100% sure of your question but to remove the Oil filter housing you don't need to drain the oil. The housing sits at the back/top of the engine and when the engine isn't running 85% of the oil is sitting in the Oil pan. You will get some loss of oil in what is soaked into the Oil filter in the housing, You will probably need to add about a 1/2qt of Oil for what is in the Oil filter & housing.

[keithyo88]

Thank you sir. Been studying pictures of the engine, and as you note there cannot be oil up that high. Will proceed, and likely post that it only took me 15 minutes, instead of the 3 hours it will actually take :)