Metal cover stuck on oil filter housing

Hey all - I changed the oil for the first time on my truck today but the metal cover that sits on the oil filter was stuck on and wouldn't budge. Instead when I used the 3/8" socket on it the whole filter came loose.

I ended up going ahead and just taking the whole thing out that way which made a big mess, but I was at least able to finish it.

Even after I had it out I tried to get the metal cover off but didn't want to use a wrench or vice to hold the filter housing in place since it's plastic and I was worried it would crack.

The main issue I guess is that I didn't change the small o ring and want a better plan for the next oil change. Anyone else have this happen? Is there a way to swap out the whole thing here for a metal part?

 

Every time I change the oil this happens. I've put it in the vice before to break it loose. Even lubed the o-ring with silicone grease which didn't seem to help. I've just given into the fact that my oil changes will be a mess.

 

I've had this happened to other Toyotas that went quick lube shops for oil change. They probably just used that oil filter drain plug as tightening point and impact wrench the whole filter. That's how I think they would get stuck so bad that it turn the whole filter.

Is it the first time YOU changed the oil or the first EVER oil change? Someone probably over torqued the crap out of it. And btw, you barely need to torque it, just hand snug that's it, the small oring is what keeps it from leaking, not the threads

On my Tacoma's first oil change, that metal cover was not over torqued, I had no problem getting it off.

And to answer your question, I'd just buy another exact OEM plastic oil filter and start from scratch. Many have switched to aluminum filter without problem, but I think Toyota super-ceded those aluminum ones long time ago and I think plastic is just as good or maybe better if all done right.

 

I’d say the only thing to do is replace with metal housing

 

Impact wrench it

 

If you take a ratchet, and hit the end with a hammer, it will probably pop it loose. If you watch this video, you'll find out that most never touch that bottom plug. For me I prefer to remove it and drain out the oil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvsyTNVzzXM

 

I use a filter wrench similar to the one on this link.

https://www.toolsource.com/oil-filt...ap-oil-filter-wrench-toyota-65mm-p-70540.html

I spread a little oil on the inside then tap the side with a box wrench and it slips right off the filter housing.

 

This was the first ever oil change.

I'm going to order another plastic one to have as standby and try whacking the side as TA2016 suggested. Thanks everyone!

 

it's odd that the metal cover was that tight from factory, probably a Friday afternoon build in Guanajuato

 

I give mine one or two ugga duggas from an impact wrench, comes off easy with a ratchet afterwards. I also use the Aluminum housing, so unsure if that makes a difference.

 

$22 Toyota Genuine Parts - Cap Assy, Oil Filter (15620-31060)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008BHP68A?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=AKIAIIYFOKLBI535UV2A

 

Thanks. Next time I won’t even bother with removing that pesky small oring . That car care nut is helpful

 

Tag line...

 

He's known as the toyota god to some here on tw.

 

Mine was stuck from the factory too, and putting it in the vice didn't help. Not with the amount of clamping force I was comfortable with. I haven't bothered to get a replacement cap. Come to think of it I should sell my filter wrench, since I don't need it with the plug stuck.

 

Toyota god or not, he’s been helpful . Been following his advice. It’s my tacoma and my money so I just don’t care what others say otherwise

 

I have been following this thread with interest. Thanks to all who posted. So that I understand correctly, all Toyota 3.5 liter V-6 engines come from the factory with a plastic oil filter cap assembly? If this is the case, I want to replace it with one of aluminum composition. So as not to presume, is Toyota part number

$42 15620-31060 15643-31050

15620-31060 correct for this aluminum assembly as is listed in a previous post?

TIA.

 

Yes, all of the Tacoma 3.5 V6 engines come from the factory with the plastic oil filter housing.
Other Toyota & Lexus vehicles with the 3.5 V6 engine come from the factory with the Aluminum oil filter housing (Toyota part number

$42 15620-31060 15643-31050

15620-31060) that I posted above. It is the same engine, and the Aluminum one fits and works perfectly.

 

Thanks ever so much for the clarification. It is much appreciated!

 

I upgraded mine to the aluminum one on my first oil change. Part number was

$42 15620-31060 15643-31050

15620-31060.