Oil change problems - popping sound

Yesterday I did my first oil change on my tacoma. I normally bring it in to a mechanic to get it done but my upcoming weeks are very busy and I didn't want to put it off, so I did it myself... I've never had an issue doing an oil change myself... Until now. This was my first oil change on this truck so I read up a lot to make sure I got everything done right.

After the oil change I ran the engine a few minutes, all was fine, I didn't drive it yesterday at all after. This morning I started it and I hear a crackling noise (Kind of like popping popcorn) and I turned the truck off right away. I don't know what to do.

I have a 2013 V6. I used 5.5 quarts synthetic oil (5.2L) exactly and I used a Fram Ultra Synthetic

$10 XG3614 with SureGrip (Pack of 1)

XG3614 oil filter.

I have a VERY hard time reading the Tacoma dipstick, to me the oil looks high, which doesn't make sense because I added the right amount of oil and drained the old oil very well.

I don't know what to do... I'm scared to even start it because I don't want to fuck something major up. I've changed oil before but I don't know much about fixing cars beyond the basics...

 

Did you drain the oil or accidentally drain from the transmission?

 

If you did drain the transmission then you now have 11 Quarts of oil in the engine.

 

As far as reading the dipstick. Try scotch bright on the stick, if that doesn't work work, paint it white. You'll be surprised at the difference.

 

Scotchbrite on the dipstick does help, and IMHO I would not use Fram oil filters.

 

Good ideas

 

Yea.... Bet you drained the tranny and doubled up on motor oil

 

The dipstick on my 2.7l 4 cyl reads 1/3-1/2 quart high if I put the specified amount of oil in it. I was that way when I got it used from a Toyota dealer who serviced it. There have been lots of discussions about this on tacomaworld.

How high does your dipstick read? What color was the oil you drained? Transmission fluid is red in my experience.

 

This is where I drained

Man if I drained the wrong damn thing I'm going to just shoot myself.

 

That looks like the engine to me. Front is towards the bottom of the picture correct?

 

If I'm having a hard time with some diesel engines at work I'll actually take a sharpie and run a line down the dip stick.(don't worry it will rub off with a cloth). This will give the black line a oily shine to it. This works great when checking a tyranny dip stick as well. If your gonna scotch Brite your dip stick make sure there is no particles stuck to the dip stick after. Don't want to get that stuff inbedded in a bearing.

 

Did you leave the bottle to catch the oil from the filter in the engine? Common for apprentices to do that and the fan hits the catch can.

 

Looks like you had the right drain bolt,

^ I could see that happening lol

 

Problem SOLVED! Damn I feel embarrassed now. Thanks!

I still have the problem with the oil being to high, but I'm almost certain the can I had hanging was the cause of the noise.

I might just end up taking it to my mechanic to just do a fresh oil change... I'm at that point. I really still don't understand how it can still be high. I drained about 4.8L of oil from the truck, and I put in 5.2L, but I just assumed that 400ml was just burned off over the months.

I'm going to try some of your dipstick tricks, I've already tried sanding, but it didn't really help. I'll try and take a clear picture of the dipstick.

 

I've got the 4 liter V6 engine in a 2007 Tacoma. I find that it's best if I heat up the engine a bit and then drain the engine oil over a 4 or 5 hour period. After the drain plug is out, I remove the oil filler cap, protecting the now open filler with a clean cloth and close the hood. That gets most of the oil out and drains the filter some as well.
Drain plug back in (check the washer or replace). Remove the plastic cap off the filter dish; bent needle-nose pliers is the bomb for that. A small plastic water bottle catches the oil from the filter cup. Then the big 5 quart jug of synthetic oil and I have to add most of an additional quart to get my dipstick to show as full. Test it with the hood up. That way you catch anything (wrench or bottle) you forgot.
A lot easier to change oil than my former 2004 Tacoma.
I like K&N filters; they are a little pricey. You need a 1" socket or wrench to tighten them. Order direct from K&N and sometimes catch an online special. I 'll never let anyone else change my oil.
Few years back had quick change shop do an oil change and they left out half the bolts on my crash plate. I consider that a heads up. I won't even let my trusted Toyota mechanic change it cause he'll have a helper do it and who knows?? My neighbor got an oil change in her Chrysler which went bad and bricked her engine. Just not worth chancing IMO.

 

Couple of thoughts.
1. First thing on oil change (engine fully warmed up) - remove dipstick and wipe off. SET IT ASIDE.
2. Remove filter, using bottle or tubing below nipple on oil filter base.
3. Remove pan bolt, let drain minimum 30 minutes.
4. Lube new filter gasket and install without wrench. Hand tighten until gasket contacts filter base, then add 1/2 to 2/3 turn.
5. Replace pan drain bolt.
6. Put in 5 quarts oil. Check dipstick. Should be easier to read since the dipstick tube had plenty of time to drain.
7. Drive long enough to get to operation temperature.
8. Remove dipstick, let sit 30 minutes.
9. Check dipstick, add just enough to get you to full.

 

I really appreciate all the help guys.

I've figured out all my problems. I finally found a good way to get an accurate reading with the dipstick. I basically just took it out, cleaned it, and left it out for about 5 minutes, went back, and tested it. That way all the oil had settled in the tube. It was a nightmare to try and get an accurate reading the normal quick way of checking oil, I just had to be more patient.

Turns out I did put in very close to the perfect level of oil, maybe a 50-100ml more than I needed, but still well within safe limits.

I'm glad I did the oil change ASAP myself instead of putting it off to bring it to my mechanic, the oil I took out from the oil change at the dealer was shit. It looked absolutely terrible and I think they put in the bare minimum amount of oil to be able to sell to save a couple dollars. I really should have checked that first thing when I brought it home, but oh well, live and learn I guess.

 

Much ado about nothing on the oil level. Drain well and put in what the manual says.

 

^?