DIY Oil Change Hiccups

So, I decided to change my own oil today. Hit up Wally world for some oil and filter and got set up in the garage. All was going well until it came time to change the filter. What I thought was the perfectly positioned oil filter, turned into a bit of a challenge. Spinning off the filter brought a lot more oil into the catch than I expected. I tried to catch the overflow but spilled oil into my frame and onto my garage floor. Suddenly my money saving venture was a huge headache.

So, I searched it up with no real answers to be found ( ok I'm too pissed to really look hard). Where did I go wrong? Water bottle under the catch nipple? I liked turning the wrench and getting it done myself but don't want to have hose out my frame again. Any constructive criticism is appreciated. Thx!!

 

There is a rubber nipple cover that needs to be removed to let the oil drain into your catch cup.

 

I used some 3/8 hose and connected it to the nipple and dropped it to my oil catch pan.

 

Small coffee can (plastic one) worked perfect for me.

 

Make sure the drain for the shield is clear (mine is always clogged) and put a water or gatorade bottle under.

 

Get a tub that will hold minimum 5 quarts of oil. Always have kitty litter on hand for emergency. Do get a small hose to attach at the bottom of the filter cup. The 4.0 L takes 5 quarts with the filter, my X-Runner does. Your set up should be the same as the X-R I think.

 

Been there - done that - got the oil stain on the floor

I bought some clear plastic tubing to attach to the drain on the bottom of the filter thing-a-ma-bob. I put the other end into a pop bottle. That makes the change easy. (Especially if I've done it and not over tightened the filter like the guys at the quicky like to do)

 

I am not sure if it makes a difference or not but I always drain the pan first, then remove the filter. BE SURE & REMOVE THAT NIPPLE file IFR mentioned, (& catch the oil there)I have used the hose method & the bottle or can under the nipple drain & both work well

 

Fixed for you.

 

I do the same. I use a rubber glove to catch the oil out of that little nub. Easy to manipulate into position.

 

Don't forgot to remove whatever you used to catch the oil with (ie. water bottle) or else you'll get oil all over the floor. Ask me how I know.

 

Have read the suggestion to drain the pan, poke a hole in the top of the filter and walk away for awhile. The filter will drain most of the oil into the engine and out the bottom.

I usually don't have the patience to wait long enough for the filter to completely drain.

 

I've not had a problem taking the rubber cap off, putting a plastic water bottle under it and spinning the oil filter off. My guess is the rubber cap wasn't off.

 

I think this will help a bunch.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/11201-4-0l-1gr-2nd-gen-oil-change-guide.html

 

I used to use the plastic hose attached to the filter drain hole...switched to a small plastic bottle where I added a simple hook...hangs on the filter housing...easy

And OP...don't buy filters at Walmart...they usually carry FRAM...don't fram your truck...go to Toyota and get some OEM filters. Check out the size difference. In a pinch I have used Valvolene and NAPA Gold.

 

This.

 

I changed the oil on a 2nd gen (4.0) the other day and I must have let the oil drain for longer than normal because there was no oil in the filter when I removed it. It was nice to not need a catch can under the filter.

 

This, I cut the bottom off a 64oz juice bottle, thin enough plastic to bend and contort it into place and big enough to hold the filter's oil.

 

Drain tube attached to the nipple on the bottom of the filter housing. Even tells you in the manual.

 

Old oil will be about 5 quarts. I'd suggest at least at 10qt (2.5 gallon) drain pan. It will slosh a little when moved/carried. Did not find out the hard way.