Oil filter cover broke

Doing an oil change this evening and while trying to remove the filter cap. Two of the splits the filter wrench attaches to broke. I was able to get the cap off.

I have two options. The kragen near me has a replacement or should I order direct from Toyota? The one at Kragen is metal.

Also any recommendations on a cheap skid plate with the cutout for the oil filter? Thinking it’s time to upgrade, removing the whole skid while easy is still a pain.

Also where does this vent go underneath the hood? Just wondering as a bunch of pine needles/debris have been making it down there

 

There is a correct tool for removing the filter housing, l use the TOY-640 and never have any issues. You should be able to find a replacement housing pretty easily as i believe they use it on several different models. You can get a TRD Pro skid plate as it has an access panel to make changes a little easier.

 

I have the oem metal one.

$19 Toyota Oil Filter Cap - 15620-31060

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008BHP68A?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Amazon may not work for you as I assume you need it a little faster, but thought it might help.

 

Plastic caps are junk. I’ve seen several break. The metal cap should be standard but I don’t know why Toyota insists on using plastic ones.

 

Or change over to a spin on style filter. Just throwing out another option. Good luck op.

 

Probably to prevent the risk of metal on metal galling, to reduce the chance that people cross thread the cap and mess up the block, and plastic doesn't conduct heat as much as metal, so oil changes can be done quicker without burning your hands on a hot cap.

 

I don't know why Toyota insists on using the Cartridge type oil filter like everyone else except Jeep. It's fun watching my Jeep friend pretend he actually likes playing around with dirty oil cartridge parts, I think he just likes it because it makes the oil change take longer and gives him time to smoke another Cigarette.

 

4 cylinder guys just don't get it.

 

That and the fact that the gas tank door has no lock...

 

I know you probably want a replacement ASAP, but if you can wait (currently out of stock), these are big and beefy, and the valve makes
draining and changing the filter a 98% mess free affair:

https://jowettperformance.com/products/coming-soon-billet-oil-cap-for-filter

More info. from an old group buy that happened on the forum:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...lter-housing-with-fuomoto-drain-valve.522739/

 

I ended up just reusing the filter cap as it still can be turned, I was just working on it in the dark so finished this morning.

I will purchase the new cap for the next change. Still debating plastic vs metal.

I can see the issues with metal, ruining the threads, being hot when changing the oil, etc.

Also is this leaking typical? This was my first change since the free changes from Toyota ugh.

 

Typically when you're doing an oil change, the filter housing and the part of the engine block that the filter screws onto becomes covered in oil so when you go to screw on the filter again it provides for some nice lubrication so I don't see how galling could ever become an issue. I've had the metal filter housing on my truck since it's first oil change and have never noticed anything. As for cross threading the cap, you've got to be a real idiot to do that. Like, I feel like I would actually have to intentionally try to cross thread the cap to get it to cross thread. And as for the cap being hot and burning your hands, you basically have to use a filter wrench to remove this style of filter so you really don't even touch the filter in the first place, so again, no issue there.

 

Just giving some reasons other than cost for why Toyota Engineers probably decided on the non metal cap.

I agree with all of your reasoning, however there's probably a million other 3rd Gen Tacomas on the road getting their oil changed by people of all levels of mechanical skill. Have you seen some of the threads on this site?

 

Yeah I hear you. I just didn't want OP to get scared away from getting the metal filter. If you do your own oil changes and are at least somewhat mechanically inclined I'd say go for it.

 

Seems like the spin on conversion makes the most sense.....no?

 

For something as vital as your oil filter I would leave it 100% OEM Toyota. But that's just me.

 

Gotcha.
I think my yota care is ending soon, I'll probably buy the metal version. It just sucks to have a wet mess from a shitty design like a slob changed it.

 

I've found that brake cleaner is your best friend when doing oil changes on these trucks. When you're done with your oil change just shoot brake cleaner all over the filter housing and it takes the mess of oil right off. Same thing for the drain plug.

 

I change the oil on my sisters-in-law’s Avalon that came with the metal cap. It actually spins on and off easier than the plastic cap on my wife’s Camry. Just my 2 cents.

 

If I were you. I would take it to the dealer
At least you have a documentation..
I'm not so sure you did put the o ring on the right groove. 3 month later could be a different topic.