1st Oil change - Cleaner/easier oil filter replace

So did the first oil change 2nite, cold out there! 38 F. Talked with the guy @ Carquest & he said that I should be using 5W-20 instead of the 5W-30 that I read in the manual. I'd get better mileage and easier with winter coming on us. Going to MT for Christmas (1000 mi one-way) so I thought K, sounds good. What's with that?

Found that Banshee had written this up about the reset procedure. Thanks Banshee!
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...s-reset-maint-reqd-light-post528.html#post528

Oh yeah, I found a quick way to keep things a bit cleaner with the oil filter deal too. Tried to fish a hose down to the oil pan, no go.

Got to thinkin about the BBQ drain can & BLAMO!

I used a spice jar the 4" tall ones. (Chilli Powder - if anyone cares) and wrapped about 12" of wire around the rim, twisted the wire so you have 6-8" of wire loose. Bend the wire into the jar so it looks like so...

Then take off the rubber cap under where the filter screws on, & run the wire up from the bottom, bend it over to keep it in place, then trim extra off so you don't have to reach so far. Replace filter, unbend wire, pull the jar down & out, done. Hang it next to the funnel.

 

38 deg cold! HAHAHAH yeh... its gonna be in the negatives here soon.

 

I know 38 isn't all that cold, but first cold here.

 

nice idea with the jar..

when i did my oil change all i did was cut the top off of one of the 1qt. plastic oil containers and held it under the little drain sprout thingy as i took off the filter. worked like a charm!