Aluminum oil filter housing downsides?

My 16 Taco is composite. My wife's 15 Avalon is aluminum. Do both oil changes myself. Never a problem. I say: "just be careful." Having them underneath, instead of on top as with the older Tacomas, is a PITA!

 

Simple steps to follow.

Pay attention to:

Use of a filter wrench; how much torque is needed to remove it
Locate precise o-ring location and install new o-ring in same groove area
Notice how dirty the filter element is when replacing with new filter element
Re-install with hand-tightening technique ensuring smooth/groove catch
Tighten modestly to 18 Ft/Lb

I'll be installing the Fumoto Valve and have both hoses for the drain plug & the filter housing.

The filter housing has a valve plug & cover (that will be removed first) that connects to the drain hose for no-mess draining.

I have the TRD Skid so keeping the access areas clean/no leaks is my goal.

I have everything but the oil purchased. I'll be performing the work at Dover AFB Auto Hobby Shop on a July Saturday morning.

 

@MasOlas

I'm using your photo in this thread for visual aid, post# 237601:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-have-you-done-to-your-3rd-gen-today.399305/page-11881

 

Same thing happened to mine, and is the reason I went with an aluminum one; well, that, and a composite one wasn't in stock anywhere close by same day.

 

Just out of curiosity, how does that happen? I thought the only thing that was supposed to touch those fins were your fingers.

 

The only thing supposed to touch the fins are the oil filter housing removal tool. There's no way you'd remove the filter housing by hand.

I had the same question though, how does it happen? My best guess is a Toyota tech used an impact to remove or reinstall at some point in the trucks life before I owned the truck, because I've done all of my own maintenance. So my best guess is the fins had been subjected to more than they should have, and at around my 80k oil change (bought the truck around 20k), the fin broke off trying to remove the filter housing. The worst part was I didn't notice until after I had reinstalled and cranked the truck to check for leaks. A hole that size can surprisingly shoot out about 4 qts of oil in less than 10 seconds.

 

I was definitely having a laugh at my own expense. Half the stuff I put on and in my truck I learned about on TW.

 

Just curious, because my filter wrench doesn't touch the fins. I see where other wrenches do, though. That looks like that's asking for trouble if a tech decides to combine that with an impact driver and go full gorilla.

 

That pretty much answers the question (weight vs. longevity). What is the source?

 

Direct from Toyota's new car features section of TIS.

 

From what I understand, the filter housing has the fins for that sole purpose, but everything has a breaking point when its pushed outside of its intended purpose (full gorilla/impact)

 

Well that pretty much settles it. I’ll take longevity over weight savings.

Nice win @Jowett!

 

How on earth do people manage to do stuff like this?

 

using the wrong tools, using gorilla strength, or both. (not saying the OP did that, but someone probably did at some point, weakening or cracking the fin)

 

I have additional questions.

 

It’s very basic. Burn everything is the solution.

 

Why send the filter to the landfill when you can use it to light your grill?

 

Yes, they make great fire starters.

Far easier and less costly to recycle than canister types.

 

Burgers flame kissed with just a hint of benzene.

And spray the used motor oil on dirt roads to keep the dust down.

Nothing goes to waste.....