First oil change @ 1200 miles - DIY Oil Change 2017 TRD OR 4x4

Posting facts, quantifiable data, and lab testing? What the hell are you doing on TW?

 

I'd really like to see the result of putting five gallons + 2 quarts of oil in your truck....

 

Thanks for your post. It is informative. Ignore the haters. They probably don't have their dads permission to use his tools so they can't do their own oil. I for one am a lot like you. A cold beer, time in my shop with the tools and some tunes on makes for a damn fine evening. And it's hard these days to find that kind of entertainment for under $50. Great job!

 

Because it's entertaining, less than 5 mins to respond, no beer needed, I still have my own tools since I used to be a dealer service tech, and....... and....... LOL, nevermind. Just let them do what they do..... it makes them happy...

 

It's a typo... I think... he typed a long post, give him a break. he meant 5 quart jugs.

 

Thanks Captain Obvious.

 

If somehow the filter housing gets lose, this part will keep it from unscrewing any more.

 

Good info GP. Question? The metal shavings are somewhat concerning but you make sense regarding metal parts seating. But, how long do they run these engines in the factory? If I pull the trigger on that 2017 should I change the oil out at 1K, then 5K then go for what's recommended to flush the metal out of the system? On my Gen 1 I use the Castrol Synthetic blend since day #1. I take it the new ones take the total synthetic without exception? Just a newbie asking some dumb questions.

 

Hey dawnpatrol, welcome!
I'm not sure how long the engines are run-in at the factory. Someone else may know exactly for these 3.5 V6's though.

Honestly, there is no point in changing the oil that early, but do what gives you "peace of mind". It wont hurt it if you did so, but first service interval is 10k for the oil & filter. The oil is full Toyota synthetic manufactured by who knows...

I changed my filter early only at 2500 to see if anything abnormally large or visible would get my attention, but it did not. I just did out of curiousity. I'm planning on leaving the oil in as long as I can, but 5k change may be in order depending on how dirty the oil appears for my own truck.

There will always be tiny flecks of metal debris in the filter elements for the rest of the engine's serviceable life, just FYI. It's always grinding and wearing, and totally unavoidable. I wish there were diesel options for these trucks, as they would run much longer than any gasoline powered variants.

The 2017 model year should be more refined and I dont think you'd go wrong with it. My 2016 has been great, no major "issues" other than the shift delay from R to D, but be patient and let it get into gear before hammering the throttle and I'll be fine till the TSB update when I take it in.

Not sure how much I can help, but you did ask me some questions .

 

Thanks for the post OP! I will be changing my oil on my 2017 Pro in a few weeks when I'm at 2500 miles. I am like you on all my vehicles I like to look under them every now and then to see if anything is amiss. I had a 2014 V6 Sport 4WD and the oil
Change on it was a breeze, the 2017 doesn't sound as easy. thanks for the heads up!

 

Just curious since I'll be doing my own oil changes too, is everyone just putting the new filter back in dry? I have always done my own oil changes, but have only had the canister type which I always pre-filled.

 

Thanks GP for your kindly reply. Since this will be the last rig I own (I'm old) I want to start my servicing off on the right foot to experience the longevity I had with my 2002 SR5 (238,000 miles and no issues). Your reply gave this old man a great piece of mind. Thank you sir.

 

I just did mine and filled it up a bit before I put it back in. It acts just like a canister type and it mounts straight up and down so no worries about spilling.

 

Interesting write-up..

100k bumper to bumper, 2 years Toyota care, oil changes for life, engine for life guarantee...I will never have to pay for an oil change for as long as I own this truck. I'm surprised people don't work out deals such as this during purchase.

Also why would you want a transmission dipstick? Under normal driving conditions the transmission won't need a fluid change until well over 100k miles which is every 7+ years or so.

 

To check the level. Tons of owners have had their trucks 2 or 3 quarts low from the factory.

 

Tons? There are a few sure, maybe 1% of Tacomas. So you want a dipstick to check the transmission fluid from the factory...ok...basically to check one time. But hey if you have nothing better to do with your time..

 

I would bet it's more than 1%. I don't know where you got your numbers from. While they're doing away with dipstick, why not nix the motor oil dipstick?? I mean, you know how much goes in when you first fill it up right?

 

This post is so bad I'm pretty sure you're trolling.

The biggest difference is that your engine oil system is not a closed system and is exposed to carbon and many other contaminants, can experience problems with leaks as well as degradation from heat and mixing (rear main seal failures, head gasket leaks, etc etc). Engine Oil is changed every 10,000 miles and checked regularly because it fails.

The transmission is a sealed system used to lubricate gears in a closed non combustion environment, which is why it doesn't need replaced for about ever 120k+ miles....

 

Lol obviously. Nah, I go 60k max on trans fluid though. The detergents and additives start to break down. I'd have paid an extra $100 (or whatever toyota saved) for the truck to have come with a dipstick.