paranoia after doing first DIY oil change

Could be some oil got splashed when removing the filter...what method did you use to catch that oil?

 

Just to be clear on this, I don't run straight water either (here in SoCal, I'd probably run 60/40 with water wetter since I tend to head into the desert in the summertime). I'm just saying that if you need to top off when you're a little low (less than 1/2 qt, which in this case it sounds like it might be) on an engine that's been filled with 50/50 mix, there's no real danger in adding just water, especially when you're topping off into an external reservior instead of right into the radiator. The added water will mix in quickly and you'll probably end up around 53/47 or so, especially if you top off just before driving somewhere.

Probably not a good idea to top off with just water too many times in a row, and if it'll be getting down to single digits in the near future I'd definitely use premix instead, but Kent's a semi-mild climate, especially compared to Kalispell (I went to HS in Missoula and lived in Seattle for a coupe years since then)

 

How much does the Pink Antifreze from Toyota cost?

 

i drained my tranny fluid once thinking it was my oil

 

HOW!? lol

 

20bucks.

 

bah cuz theyre right next to eachother and it was my first time doing an oil change on the truck. so i was just rushing it... but you would think no big deal just fill it up right? wrong. its a sealed system so you only change the tranny fluid ever 100,000 miles and the dealer can only do it. it cost me 200 freaking dollars to get its filled with fluid. rediculous. a mistake i will never make again

 

they arent right next to each other.

 

um actually they are. Tranny fluid -> [___] [_] <- Oil pan thats an underneath view of my truck

 

Actually, you can easily do it yourself and save $170. Next time you change it go buy 4 qts (~$30) and check out the DIY:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/63851-how-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.html

I just did it this past weekend, it's pretty easy.

 

Not sure if that will make you feel any better but despite of doing quite of few oil changes I am still paranoid for few days after each oil change. How paranoid I am...?
I carry wrench for oil pan and filter, plus 6 qt of oil with me plus I wipe the bottom of the engine with white cotton cloth.
I can not help it its stronger then me I always think I screwed up somewhere. Even so I drive for 5K miles afterward.

 

I believe the tranny fluid change interval is every 60,000. At least that's what my 07 owners manual says when doing any towing.

 

thanks lol i dont think ill be making that mistake again lol

nope 100,000 i looked it up and thats what the dealer told me

 

Don't sweat it Panda, I dropped the tranny fluid in my wife's '06 Jeep GC the first time I changed her oil. As soon as I saw RED fluid coming out, I knew what I did. Couldn't close it up in time and had to completely refill it. That stuffs not cheap either!
Though it was as simple as just pouring it in - unlike these new trucks.

And like the others have said, you probably dripped or splashed oil during the change. Nothing to worry about. It's also why I bought a Fumoto Drain Valve - which replaces the drain plug with a valve that can be opened. Attach a hose to it run it right into the storage container (empty laundry detergent tub).

 

thanks eric yeah right when i pulled the plug and i got a little on my hand i thought to myself "thats not right."

 

^They changed the recommended mileage for the drain/refill to 60k in November 2009. I changed mine at 76,500, but my manual says 100k.

For a full flush, I've received different mileage intervals from 3 dealers I've asked ranging from 100k - 120k. Lots of bad info out there.

 

yeah i guess its different for wherever you go

 

I would read the label on the back of the gallon container..........I bought mine from Toyota and it was not mixed 50/50........it specifically said to add water...........maybe they have changed since I replaced mine but make sure to read the label................

 

lol, my first oil change was for my dads GMC Safari. apparently I over tightened the oil plug and it pretty much kept rotating when we tried to get it off, had to go to a shop and have them drill it out or something. I used to get paranoid about if I did it right or not. after a while I just learned not to over tighten things, it's best if you don't really, not so that it's loose though. I always first tighten the oil plug and filter by hand, then for the plug I barely tighten it with the socket wrench. for the filter I hand tighten it only, you don't need much for it. After all that, I'm always in a dry area for a reason, which is to check for leaks after I start the vehicle up, esp. where the drain plug is. If you didn't tighten it right, you will see little drips and will be able to see some oil around the plug (sorry didn't mention this, but I always clean the plug after I take it out as well as around the drain area).

So ... just park in a dry area, and see if your still getting that. If so, you can find where it's leaking fast, there will be oil kind of trying to cling onto either the plug or area where the filter is/close by. If you have a V6 4.0L 2nd gen, remember to clean out that oil trap real good. I just did my little cousins 06 and forgot to do that lol.

 

I do not see your vehicle information listed under your name. The older Tacomas used LLC that is red in color and is sold in gallons that are concentrated and require mixing. The OP has a newer truck that specifies SLLC that is pink in color and is only sold premixed. If you walk in and just ask for Long Life Coolant, the parts person may hand you the older fluid, no questions asked. The new fluid has a pretty specific chemistry and should not be mixed with hard or clorinated water. If you do find yourself needing to top off and add a little water (like mentioned in another post) you should add distilled water to the SLLC only. That is also good advice for any car and any type of coolant.