I did something stupid and changed the engine oil but forgot to change the oil filter, which I understand is normally done together. Is it possible to change the filter without draining the engine?
Gee, I think you should change the filter, even if it leaks some. Get a qt of oil, and a drain pan and a rag and change it, would be my recommendation.
On a related note, in sterndrives, the oil filter casing is often steel. If it gets a nick in the paint, they will rust thru over a season, leaking oil into the bilge. I do not know if OB oil filter casings are steel, but if so, changing it is a real good idea, at least here in the salt water.
You sure can change the filter without draining oil . I think its generally accepted that a filter can be changed every 2nd oil change as long as that oil change is done in time . Having said that I usually put a filter on every oil change . $125 bucks worth of oil .... another 25 for a filter is OK
It varies by manufacturer. Mercury recommends oil and filter together on the ones I take care of. Suzuki is the only one that comes to mind as being different but I do both regardless.