Magnetic Oil Drain Plug for Gen 3 3.5L/First Oil Change

Hey all,

I'm about to do my first oil change on my 2021 Tacoma SR 3.5L, I have watched a few videos on the process and think I have all the necessary tools. I have the 64mm oil filter wrench, 14mm, 12mm, 10mm, 3/8 extension, YZZA1 filter, and 6L of 0W-20 full synthetic. Am I missing anything? Also, I want to replace the OEM drain plug with a magnetic one, I have heard mixed accounts of the size of the plug, some sources say M12-1.25, some say M12-1.5. I appreciate any answers and if y'all have any helpful tips and tricks for the oil changes in general please let me know!

 

I got my

$13 M12x1.25 mm Self-Locking Nylon Insert Hex Lock Nuts, Pack of 6

M12x1.25 magnetic oil drain plug for my 2023 Tacoma TRD OffRoad, with 3.5L V6. It works, same thread with OEM.

 

Not sure if you have it already but don’t forget a new crush washer for the drain plug.

 

I was getting the magnetic drain plug so that I wouldn't have to replace the crush washer. Do I still need the crush washer with the new magnetic drain plug?

 

Yes

 

The magnetic drain plug would just collect metallic elements from the oil. The crush washer exists to form seal between the oil pan and the drain plug, and to provide a “cushion” so you don’t strip the threads of the oil pan.

Since the magnetic drain plug and the crush washer serve totally separate purposes… yes, you’ll still need the crush washer.

 

Awesome, thank you for the info, I thought that the magnetic Oil plug served a different purpose. I'm new at this and appreciate all the help!

 

You may be confusing it with the Fumoto drain valve. Once installed you never have to remove it and simply flip a lever to drain your oil.

I still have the original drain washer stuck to my pan and use the original drain plug with 172k miles on my truck with no issues. It's also the newest and lowest mileage vehicle I have in my little fleet of vehicles.

You will need a very large drain pan. 0w-20 comes out fast and thin. It's not like the old days when oil came out black and thick. Do not use one of those drain and storage type oil containers. The flow will bounce off and splash all over the floor.

I'm too old to change but the Fumoto is the easier and cleaner option for most people.

 

Maybe forget the magnetic drain plug. You admitted you don't know 100% what it is all about.
Just use the original drain plug and use a new washer.
Make sure old washer is removed, sometimes they stick to the pan.
Just use existing parts plus new drain plug washer, filter and oil.
This should give you info on what you might change for future oil changes.
If you just loosen the drain plug and don't remove it totally the oil will kind of dribble out slowly instead of gushing and making a mess.
When most of oil oil is out you can take plug fully off.