4.0L 1GR 2nd Gen Oil Change Guide

I guess I never thought of any other DIY task clear tubes would be used for, that's why these shops never entered my mind. I was thinking Hobby Lobby type places LOL

 

I use a big ziplock freezer bag, put it underneath the drain, and on top of the "stuff" below it, and remove the filter. When it's mostly drained out, pull the filter and place into the bag, wipe the drain off,,, done and clean.

 

I use an empty Aquifina water bottle (though any brand will work). Plenty of them laying around and then you can just put the lid on and toss in the garbage.

The bottle rests on the components below and stays put while the collar drains.


I also have a Fumoto and highly recommend them. Very good quality and very easy oil changes. My only complaint is how long it takes the oil to drain out of it when using a tube. I usually start the oil draining first, then work on replacing the oil filter. Then check the tire pressure (fill if necessary). Then change the air filter. Usually by then, it's drained all of the oil out. If not, grab a beer and wait.

 

Just finished my first ever oil change. I got the 15qt oil pan from Walmart with the funnel for easy disposal and everything.
Holy crap, I may as well NOT have that thing. The oil came out SO DAMN fast half of my 5.5qts ended up splattering on my driveway. wtf ..

It took longer to clean up that mess than change the oil.

 

After about 5 minutes of reading Chris4X4's post I was ready to do the dirty.
Great photos, thanks.

Pop in a snoose( WG griz ) and crack a beer, G2G.

No longer will I have to deal with Oil Can Henery's.
"You want a tranny flush for only 80 bucks with that oil change?"

"Hell no noob, I read Tacoma World!" (albeit those guys always cool when I went in there)

Thanks fellas, now about that build page....

 

Finally found a filter wrench that is an EXACT FIT for our size oil filters (specifically lists our oil filter model number on the back).
It is the: Performance Tool, Model #W54065. If you can't find this specific one, the size is 73MM, 14 Flutes (whatever that means).
Hope this helps. It worked like a charm for me and fits fantastic. And its not a cheap plastic one, its steel.

 

All kidding aside, what do you really do with the used oil?

 

I dumped mine in the gulf.....I don't know what they got going on with the water down there but you could hardly

 

Holy crap...I've been doing my oil changes for years and never knew about the little oil filter drain plug...it's been quite a mess! Learn something new everyday, I'll be looking for it next time I crawl under the truck. Thanks!!!!

 

after i saw the location of 3.4l oil filter. i will not even attempt to change my own oil!

 

I'VE TRIED THE TEFLON TAPE ON PANS "OIL DRAIN BOLT" AND HAVE NOTICED THAT IT LOSENED UP .?.................OR IT WASN'T AS TIGHT?......HOT/COLD-TEMP...MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM?

 

I changed my oil in the new Tacoma the other day for the 1st time @ 1297 miles...I went with Mobile-1 5w-30 and a YZZD3 filter.

I had to use a strap type filter wrench to remove the factory filter...the end cap wrench w/ ratchet couldn't break her loose. No biggie.

I found that the 5/16" hose from the filter "catch" to the oil pan, was more trouble than it's worth. Next time I'll go with the empty water bottle method.

The oil pan bolt and crush washer was a piece-of cake.

Even though I get service w/ the new truck for 25K miles or 2 years...I will do my own oil changes. I enjoy it...and I know it's done right the 1st time.

Also, the old oil looked clean as can be from the dip-stick (I almost left it go until 3K or 5K)...but after draining it out into the pan...I could see how used it was.

btw...what oil is in these new trucks from the factory? Dino or SYN?

Easy and fun truck to work on. I can't wait to tear into other maintenance and mods.

 

Did ya' start the truck up after the oil change?

If ya' didn't, how is there any oil in the oil filer? That is where you're high reading is coming from.

Start that thing up, shut it down, then check the level. (and to make sure you don't have any leaks, double gaskets, etc...while it running.)

 

I always fill the filter up on the bench B 4 install so the truck runs less w/o oil. Like you said check it after running it.

 

The V6 is the cleanest oil change I have ever done!!! No mess, no spills. Dealer offers free oil changes, but find it more convenient to do it myself. Takes about 15-20 min and all done. Dealer doesn't use Mobil oil.

 

I put mine in the now-empty gallon jug and take it to Walmart (since I bought the Mobil1 and filter there anyways); they have a 'dump' station. Wrap it and the filter up in several old Walmart sacks so it doesn't dribble oil about.

You should be able to take it to any gas station, lube shop, pep boys...but they whine and fumble about for a log. Walmart's easy...just drop it at the dump spot and go.

 

Why? I have since...oh...EVER. As has my brother...my father-in-law...brother in law.

Never any problems...