Just did a Mobil 1 0w20 flush - what are your DIY "lessons learned"?

Ok, reality is I don't think I installed the tiny oil ring on the bottom of the canister and it caused oil to slowly weep, collect in the shield plate, and then blow all over the undercarriage when I got underway. I noticed some oil on the ground after my first drive.

I wasn't sure if I could just drop the filter and change it, so I just drained it all (there was plenty in the drain pan...no worries there)

I swear I put it (the small o-ring) on there...but I'm guessing I put it on and it fell out before I got the bottom plug installed.

I reused the oil filter thinking I could just buy the o-rings (I had a two pack) but that doesn't look feasible or cost effective either (given you can get 2 filters for 14 bucks on Amazon with the rings)

So it's probably a $50 (oil) pluse $7 (filter) mistake.

Sure is awesome "saving money" doing it yourself!!

Y'all commiserate...what are your most memorable "lessons learned" while working on your Tacoma?

 

Put almost everything on backwards the first try. Most times I don't get past the first bolt/screw LOL
Look at it this way. You sorta got a free undercarriage rust prevention for the winter.

 

I'm a licensed mechanic and I didnt check a lawnmower I bought for its oil level.

Bought 2 in one day

 

My oil drain pan is they type that has a plug.
You remove the plug and the oil drains into the plan.

I forgot to remove the plug, and all the oil drained out into the driveway.
It was a mess. A BIG mess. I just glad it was a blacktop drive way.
If it were concrete, it would have been worse.