DIY oil changers ... question ...

Do you always remove the oil filter drain plug before the filter housing?

I tried it figuring one less o-ring to mess with and using the useless drain piece that is included in the oem kit ... I was surprised that it was not that messy.

Is this bad to skip when doing the oil change?

 

I've never used the filter bowl drain plug in 14 oil changes.

 

After doing my first change last month, it seemed like an unnecessary step to me. I'll probably stick a new o-ring in there every couple years. lol

 

I never pulled that plug ever. One less thing to go wrong. It’s not leaking before the oil filter change, it won’t leak after.

 

Don't know how skipping that step can make it bad. Depending on you and how you work it may be less messy if you remove and re-install drain plug. Like anything else don't cross thread, use a new O-ring and don't over torque. Not rocket surgery. 1 extra step and O-ring isn't a big deal unless you're in a NASCAR pit stop rush. That's just me.

 

Yes because it only takes an extra 4 seconds.

 

i did it that way once. it is better, but my OCD and fear of not following steps gets the best of me. i still carry the o-ring in my pocket from the one time i did not remove it.

what would you do with the o-ring that comes with the filter? no way i could throw it in the trash.

the thought of having to look at 1,2,3......10......15......20 of those in a plastic bin on the work bench scares you know what out of me. it's probably best i just remove the filter drain plug and replace the o-ring.

 

Most of us at the dealer only use the filter drain on the stupid trd skid plate.
I agree with your thinking, one oring only point of failure.

So we crack the filter housing loose and let it drain. Remove it, drain residual, put new filter in.

 

No way… we all know dealers don’t change filters, or at least don’t put new ones in.

 

I just run out and put a new sticker on the windshield.

I wait till the customer complains about the maintenance light, I dont have time for these games.

 

Oh man. I hate the new oil filter on the 3rd gen. The filter on my 1st gen made sense. This filter seems like it was made by an engineer with too much time on their hands. Wait what? Why is technology making my life more difficult? I thought the promise of technology was to give me less work, not more.

 

I did the first two oil changes, but my last one, I didn't bother, just spun the hosuing off. Didn't seem to make any more/less of a mess than the previous two times. I upgraded to the cast aluminum lexus filter housing from the plastic one the teuck came with when I did the first change. I do replsce the o-ring. None of them have appeared to be damaged/stretched/crushed when I pull the filter hosuing, but the new filter psck comes with them, so I swap them and keep the old one as a "spar," in a ziploc bag in the glovebox.

Considering a spin-on oild filter adapter, because that would ultimately be less of a pain in the ass.

 

Why cut corners? Just replace it.

 

At the time cartridge was viewed as less environmental impact, also spin on filters weigh more, so freight and shipping costs etc.

They've gotten rid of all cartridge filters again across the board, thankfully Toyota has learned their lesson.

2nd gen was easily the best v6 oil change ever. Stupid easy.

1st was a bit messy but fairly simple.

3rd gen is easily the worst.

 

Haven't tried not draining it first. I guess no different in mess department than metal spin on filters that mount in a similar way. In the back of my mind though, I'd know Mr Toyoda would not approve.

 

This thing really helps.

Oil Filter Drain Tool Compatible for 2.0L - 5.7L Toyota Scion Lexus Engines Suitable for Toyota Filter Housing Part 15620-36020 & 15620-36010

$12 Oil Filter Drain Tool Compatible for 2.0L - 5.7L Toyota Scion Lexus Engines Suitable for Toyota Filter Housing Part 15620-36020 & 15620-36010

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DPN9FFV

 

Loved the filter on my 05. I ran a taller Wix filter too. That was nice. Larger filtering surface and a tad more oil.

 

I do, by doing so, I get almost zero mess to clean.

 

I do but I have the trd skidplate a fumoto valve and the motivex kit. My brother just pulls the whole housing on his trd sport with 250k km. Do it however you like, I like less mess.