* Oil Filter Location: The oil filter's position on the engine significantly impacts how much oil drains from it. If it's located high on the engine, gravity alone won't drain much oil. The oil may be mostly contained within the filter itself.
* The Oil Filter Itself: Some oil remains trapped inside the filter's media and construction, regardless of location. This is especially true if the engine wasn't run immediately before the filter change.
* Recent Oil Change: If an oil change was recently performed, significantly less oil will be in the filter.
* Oil Level: A low oil level in the engine itself means less oil will be present in the filter. This could be due to a leak, excessive oil consumption, or simply needing an oil change.
* Engine Orientation: The angle of the engine might also affect drainage.
* Filter Design: Some filter designs are more efficient at retaining oil even after removal.
In short, a small amount of oil draining from the filter isn't necessarily a problem. It's expected to some degree. However, if you're consistently seeing *very* little oil drain and suspect low oil levels, it's important to check your engine's oil level using the dipstick to ensure you're not running low on oil. Always refer to your owner's manual for proper oil change procedures.
