I've just changed my heater hoses and the heater hose on the driver's side almost failed due to oil saturation. From the looks of it, I think I have a leak where the oil filter meets the block of the engine. I just wanted to know if I could remove the oil filter without draining the oil because I recently changed both a couple weeks ago. I just don't want a big mess. It looks like I can do it because its located at the top, but I'd rather ask you guys first.

 

Yeah, you can remove it. You'll be more likely to make a small oil mess, but you can do it. Pack some paper towels/rags around the area.

 

Should be fine. Oil will probably have drained from those passages so they are probably dry. Brake cleaner quickly cleans up oil spills.