well after quite a bit of web surfing it appears that these little engines don't work like the big ones and all the oil filter and pump does is circulate the oil from the pan thru the filter then right back into the pan so it doesn't go thru the engine by being pumped by the oil pump thru the filter. that's why some engines have oil filters and some don't, they don't use a pressurized oiling system.
this means if you change oil regularly then it truly is useless to replace the oil filter since it does nothing to lubricate and protect the engine bearings and is just there to clean the oil in the pan.
so
sniper3726 was indeed correct to say forget about it and you never have to change the filter, just change oil regularly.
I don't like taking short cuts or not doing suggested maint on engines but in this case its the best solution and if I feel the need once every few years I just have to put up with the spilled oil everywhere.
thanks for your input guys
