Oil Change

Oversized oil catch pan with thick walls that won't flex when you pick it up. And must have a good pour lip cause eventually you'll need to pour it into something else. I first used a 2 gallon pan and found it inadequate, held the oil OK until I picked it up and it flexed enough that the oil nearly spilled out. I like the bucket idea, should be better for pouring into a milk jug with same funnel I use for filling the oil.

 

You should transfer the oil from your catch pan to a jug, possibly the jug you just used with the new oil. Screw the top closed and drive your heart out.

 

I just picked this up for the next change

$30 Lisle 19702 Dispenser with Lid and Cap - 8 Quart Capacity,White

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006G3W418


I've found lately that with fluctuating prices, it's more common to see the 5 quart containers on sale than the 1 quart. So I bought 2x 5 quarts, I'll dose out my 6 with this container, and will only have to buy a single 5 quart for the next four changes after this.

 

Doesn't hurt to have a set of ramps to get the truck higher off the ground. Makes the job a lot easier if having to remove the engine shield plate. I use my 18 volt impact driver to remove those 12mm shield bolts.

 

A quick trip to Costco, not for oil (they got that too) but to get one of the large square of cardboard used to separate layers of goods on pallets. Just right size to catch drips and spills

 

This...I might add, be careful not to drain the tranny fluid by mistake. has been done!!

 

My 2019 TDR sport has only 7200 miles on it. The local dealer changed my oil at 4000 miles for free but that was two years ago. Actually 26 months ago. It was part of the deal when I bought it back in June of 2019 but that free plan is long gone.

I know I need to change it but for some reason I hate doing it. I bought the oil and filter last year and have the filter remove tool . I have changed the oil in my wife's RAV4 and it uses the same oil filter tool as this Tacoma.

Not sure why I hate oil changes but I do. Maybe its because of this stupid oil filter. I liked the spin on filter much better and not sure what Toyota was thinking when they went with this crap thing. Maybe a recycling thing .


I own a large shop that I did mechanic work in for more years than I care to mention. If I make a mess I just clean it up.
I guess I need to just do it sometimes this week even though the oil still looks new. I may put it off again.

 

I just changed the oil in my truck and didn’t make a mess at all, maybe 2-3 drops. I use the oil filter drainer (Idr what it’s called or listed as) and I cut a hole in my drain pan container for the oil stream from the oil pan, run the hose from my filter housing into the pan and all is good. Quick and easy.

 

I hate doing it too for all the same reasons. "oil still looks new" on the dip stick but will look black in the drain bucket.

 

I think mine would still look new in pan because its only been driven 3000 miles since last changed. I sure wouldn't trust one of the oil changing places to do it.

I just hate to spend money on something that's not needed. I may just save the oil and use it in one of my old lawn mowers lol

I am not going to change this oil every 6 months like recommended from some places. I don't even use this truck right now and it sits most of the time. I do crank it four or five times a week and keep battery charged.

 

I am so fortunate to be able to use facilities on Dover AFB for my oil changes.

Auto Hobby Shop.

Here's the only photo I have of an oil change using the facility's oil catch. It's my wife's Elantra!

 

I didn’t read all the other responses.
But make sure you have the o-ring for the filter housing in the correct spot.
If not, it will leak.

 

This, and put fresh oil on the o-ring and the canister threads.

 

That's terrible for it.

 

Read or not that is a good tip.

 

Like how is that terrible ? On some days I let it run for 20 to 30 minutes when I crank it. I drive it in and out of the shop almost every day . Make sure critters haven't been chewing on my wires.
This truck is a few weeks shy of four years old and believe it not still have the new car smell in it.

 

You end up wasting fuel, not warming anything other than coolant, introducing more water to the oil and exhaust.

It requires miles of driving to adequately warm up everything. Otherwise you're just causing undue wear on many components.

 

^ This. You need to drive it at least 30 minutes at a time a week. I have a 78 F 150 and a 2003 Mustang GT and have to do this. . It's a juggle, and I would reccomend using the non-ethenol gas if you can find it. The ethenol gas is not good for vehicles that sit a lot.

 

Thanks for your tips but this is how I do it. I would be wasting fuel if I drove it somewhere because I really don't have anywhere to go. I do wash it when it get dirty.

 

Or just don't start it.

Before you put anything up for long term storage, add fuel stabilizer, fresh oil and park it. Hook up a battery tender and you're good. Everything else is just causing undue wear.