Changing the oil

I just want to say I hate the oil filter design of this truck, it's impossible not to make a mess. What was wrong with the oil filter on top of the engine!?

Also, anyone know what this little tab is for by the filter?

 

I agree the filter design is a bit odd. This being my first Toyota, it’s much different than my previous vehicles. All my MINIs have top-side cartridges, my WRX had a top-side spin-on, and others all just had your typical spin-on down below.

Having done oil changes twice on this truck now, I learned a couple tricks. Firstly, some filters come with a press-in type drain adapter.....those suck....they break, won’t snap in, and generally make oil run down your arm. Some of the filters (maybe Mobil 1?) come with an adapter that screws into the drain valve. This works MUCH better as you can twist it to turn the flow on/off slowly. Find a filter that comes with one of those to use (either use the filter or throw it out depending on your filter preferences) and then keep the drain adapter in your toolbox. That’s what I did. This last oil change was not messy at all.

The other trick is to find a oil container that has taller sides. The oil (being so thin) come splashing out of the drain very fast.....first time I used a shallow basin and oil went everywhere. Have a larger, deeper one to use on this truck now.

 

I agree that it's not the best design but it only adds a few extra minutes to an oil change

 

The cartridge filter doesn't bother me, but it's a PITA having to remove the skid plate to access it. Not a big deal, really, but I will say that the 4.0 config was a lot more convenient for oil changes.

 

The pro's simply crack it to let it drain and then dump it sideways with a rubber glove on. Wipe clean, lube oring and reinstall.

I used to use the small drain cock drain but its slower and it still doesn't prevent mess entirely so it's easier just to pull the band aid off.

 

Agreed, it does take extra time and effort to do an oil change on a Tacoma. On a positive note, when I drop the skid plate I check for leaks and look at the suspension. Also, when I do an oil change I also make it a habit to lube my Zerks.

 

Agreed.

I think this design is way less wasteful as materials are concerned.

 

You can spend a couple hundred bucks and eliminate the cartridge filter to spin on, and relocate it.
Question is, is getting rid of the aggravation every 10k miles worth a couple hundred bucks?



Check out bpadapters.

Cartridge filters have been around for awhile. Chevy put them on their small blocks with 4 bolt mains for many years.
I would like to hear if there is any argument that cartridge filters are more or less effective at removing contamination than spin-on.

 

No big deal for me, been doing it for my wife's rav4 and my old is350 for a few years already. Buy the oil filter wrench, and save yourself some headaches.

$30 Motivx Tools Oil Filter Wrench for Toyota Camry, Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner, RAV4 and More - 64mm 14 Flute Precision CNC Machined Aluminum Oil Filter Removal Tool

https://www.amazon.com/Motivx-Tools...7068&sprefix=tacoma+oil&sr=8-3&ref=mp_s_a_1_3

 

If you are making a mess, try this....

Fumoto Valve with hose to empty oil jug. Not a drop spilled.

Hose on the cartridge drain....Straight into jug. Spin off empty cartridge w/ filter..... Nice & clean.

Go do the zerks and complete the "belly inspection"....

Don't forget new oil....!!

 

Higher dirt holding capacity, higher pressure, better finer filter media and better for the environment.


But what do I know...

 

Spin on filters, or the cartridge?

 

Exactly... I have a dedicated drain insert with a long tube... Quick connect drain adapter on the pan... I don't spill a drop of oil... I just accepted that "changing the oil" on the taco is not that at all.... Its a "procedure" LOL

 

Cartridge.

 

It’s easy to cut an access hole in the deflector. No more bolts to remove.

 

Are there any downsides to this?

 

I haven’t experienced any? It’s just a thin shield. If it gets damaged, no big deal. You can then just buy a real skid plate.
Used scrap metal in the garage.

 

Omg that's brilliant
So when you selling this kit?

 

I need this

 

Why Toyota? I love the location of the filter on the 4.0 with its nifty little spill catch and drain nipple. I'm sure this has something to do with the environment and saving the planet by only selling paper cartridges vs the metal can filter.... but its soooo much easier!