Oil Changes Are Ridiculous!

I got a 2012 4Runner this fall and had the dealer do the first oil change as it was free to me. This weekend was time for its 2nd. I had a 2004 4Runner before and it was simple, the oil filter was right on top and very easy to get to. The 2012 not so much. If you had a lift it would be easier because the shield hangs down where you need to be on a creeper. The thing I don't understand is why did they go back on technology. The used cartridge filters in the 50's then went to the spin on and they have been working fine for years, why go back. The only thing I can figure is to force you to use the dealership for oil changes. I have owned 4 4Runners, 3 Camry's, and 1 Corolla that's a pretty dedicated Toyota customer but when it is time to trade the first thing I am going to ask the dealer is where and what style the oil filter is. If it the same as the 2012 I will be looking at another brand. What a shame because I love the 4Runner except the trailer connection but that is a whole nother *****.
Just had to get this off my chest.
 
DPET said:
The thing I don't understand is why did they go back on technology. The used cartridge filters in the 50's then went to the spin on and they have been working fine for years, why go back. The only thing I can figure is to force you to use the dealership for oil changes.
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As much as I dislike car dealerships - all of them - this filter relocation had nothing to do with helping them to gain more profit from service customers.

The earlier models with the spin-on filters were SINGLE VVTI ENGINES. The newer models with the filter housing located down below have DUAL VVTI ENGINES.

This changed the engine design top-side and forced the relocation of the oil filtration system. Something had to move to accommodate DUAL VVTI. It ain't a mystery.
 
I was reading up on a topic about the Fumoto valve. Someone recommended this in that topic. Hmmmm, seems pretty cool.

Valvomax

Edit: Went to try and order one and they don't make one for a 4Runner. Maybe I'll call them. Possible they have it. If you choose 2014 they have one. Should be the same all the way to 2020.
 
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1engineer said:
Repeatable heavy loading of the engine is what all that means. When you do that, you can change your oil every day and won't get the engine life of the guy who uses his normally and changes it every 10K.
My definition of normal is normal, off road every now and then, not every day. Pull a trailer every now and then, not every damn day. Normal versus severe.
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Hey 1engineer what kind of rig do you have? I’m not talking about the one you drive, but the one you pedal.
 
Glad I have a 4th gen V8, OC is a piece of cake. But if I ever move up to the cartridge it will quickly be replaced by the spin-on kit that is available, unless there is something wrong with that of which I am not aware,
 
I ordered this aluminum oil filter adapter from Baxter Performance that allows me to use any common spin on oil filter. I am ordering some CBI skids soon which have an access hole to change the oil without removing the skids.

yes its money but I gladly paid the money for the convenience. The stock stamped steel skid needed alittle trimming to clear the filter I used but then I discovered at NAPA auto parts the 1085 NAPA gold filter is slightly shorter and would avoid the issue. Aftermarket skids have more clearance and wouldnt be an issue also.

In the pics it looks like it sticks down far but it is actually not sticking down any farther than the radiator supports next to it. This adapter also eliminates the common issue of the factory plastic filter housing cracking and needing replaced.

Cartridge to Spin-On Adapter
 

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4Reak Show said:
Naw, I'd rather come back with the rebuttal of engineers being perfect: if they got it right the first time there wouldn't be these magical things called RECALLS. As one example.... Or how about all these sink holes? Doesn't a neighborhood require a civil ENGINEER at some point before they build houses? Has a bridge ever collapsed after an engineer signed off? Whoops... I guess people can get it wrong, despite their fancy education.

And yeah, one thing I would redesign about this engine is the knock sensor. Have you looked into that yet? Yeah... 23 hour job and removal of a cylinder head to fix a $100 part. Seems like a poor design to me. Especially considering this is a vehicle marketed to people who want to spend time in the woods with high potential for rodent damage.

Degrees don't make you smart. Smart makes you smart. (And while we're on the subject, PEACE of mind not PIECE of mind). I can't stand when people hide behind a piece of paper. Just because someone didn't want to waste their youth earning a plaque to hang in their office doesn't make them any less qualified based simply on observations.

Damnit. Just when I was starting to like people again, someone has to go and remind me. Bummer.
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I agree. I have worked with many engineers and none yes none were geniuses! Many blindly tried things and did what they were told wether it was a good idea or not. That said my ‘01 Tundra has 397K on it with original motor and drivetrain. Until just this last year it had synthetic oil changes with OEM oil filters every 3K. Tranny fluid changed every 50K. What I was doing may have been excessive and I now do a 5K interval, BUT it leaks nothing and still gets the same mileage as the day I bought it. Oh, and yes, the engine is smooth as silk. Just saying. I keep my vehicles a long time, to each his own.
 
You guys have obviously never had the pleasure of changing the oil and filter on a 1980 FIAT Brava , talk about a PIA.

My 2015 TRD 4Runner just requires a little patience to get the skid plate back on . Otherwise , everything is easily accessible. I would prefer it had a spin on oil filter though.
 
I don't see a big deal in changing oil and filter in my 2016 4Runner. Yes, it takes a few minutes longer but this filter design was chosen to improve reliability and engine life.
This design basically eliminates 90% of potential problems caused by poor quality aftermarket filters. Also, a bypass valve is located in the filter housing thus providing emergency bypass at a right pressure. Same thing applies to the anti-drainback valve.
This filter design and location will virtually eliminate problems caused by oil starvation during cold starts. We know that 95% of engine wear occurs during the first 45 secongs after a cold engine start. This filter design and location will greatly reduce this type of wear.

I do all oil changes myself and use only Amsoil Signature oil and Amsoil Absolute Efficiency oil filters. I would never let any dealership mechanics touch my vehicle unless it is a major warranty issue. I did not even let them do the free oil changes after I bought the vehicle.
I used to work in the system. Oil changes are always done by a least qualified mechanic. There is no way I'd let them touch my car.
I can do oil change in my 2016 4Runner in 15 minutes and I take my time to check everything else while i'm under the car. The oil change is very simple. I've seen a lot worse, especially on some European vehicles.
 
A couple of days ago, I did the first oil change on my 2018 4Runner. Actually, I disagree - it was very easy and mess-free. Of course, right after I bought the truck, I threw away factory tin "skid" plate) and installed AM RCI - heavy duty real thing with a hole to access oil filter housing so I did not have to remove anything. I did buy a special wrench for oil filter cap but I think I could've managed without it. I also have a 2004 4Runner, and I can't say that oil change is much easier with upside down screw on filter. I do everything myself - service, repairs (very rare on Toyota but still), upgrades, etc. I would NEVER EVER let a stealership touch any of my vehicles no matter how free it may be. I spent nearly twenty years in the field as Mechanical Breakdown Inspector. Trust me I know what I am talking about.
The other thing I threw away was Toyota entune "infotainment" PO$, and replaced it with very nice and cheap Pioneer 1400. I also had to take out the exhaust tip because it melted rubber on new bumper guard. I did quite a few other things but none of them replaced OEM stuff.
 
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Anyone use one of these new Fumoto valves yet?

This looks like it maybe more prone to leaks simply because it has more gaskets.

Pulled the following from their site -

Meet the Next Generation of Fumoto® - The new, patent pending and trademarked Fumoto® SX-series is comprised of two distinct yet fully integrated parts: the through bolt and oil-flow control body. These features allow the valve to be positioned as you choose for even more convenient and effortless oil changes than ever before.

sx-valve-1_2.jpg
 
Interesting read.
I could easily complain about the engineering on my Harley and how the filter is right out in the open but mounted sideways and every damn time I remove the filter, the oil left in that area of the engine goes all over the place...but I won't.
 
Oil Change...make sure you tell your shop where the oil filter is...

I have a 2020 Off Road Premium that I gets well used (towing cars, off road fun, moving the kids back to and from college several states away, but mostly high way). Relatively low miles for all that (I work from home, ~50,000 miles) and I baby it in terms of maintenance. Transmission fluid change at 40,000, coolant flush and replacement at 30,000, oil changes every 3,000 miles (my first oil change was at 500 miles, second at 1,000 for break in). Trying to do everything right. I've been mainly using a local shop for my oil changes. After a hard trip through snow country (salt, everywhere, in 4 wheel drive for hours on end) to visit relatives and kids in college, I go under my truck as soon as I can to really rinse it out and wash it. I find that the oil pan skid plate (the little insert) is missing. Slightly rusty threads. Great. I wind up sanding some spots where the frame had hit some rocks and repainting, liberal application of Liquid Film (every year). This is all back story. I love this truck. I was apparently missing one critical piece of my maintenance routine, doing the oil changes myself. The shop was clueless when I asked about how hard was it to remove the skid plate to replace the oil filter. After a few minutes back and forth...they looked it up and told me I was right. So...I am not sure they ever replace the oil filter.

Still runs great...going to have an oil analysis done. OMG....
 
BrerHare said:
I have a 2020 Off Road Premium that I gets well used (towing cars, off road fun, moving the kids back to and from college several states away, but mostly high way). Relatively low miles for all that (I work from home, ~50,000 miles) and I baby it in terms of maintenance. Transmission fluid change at 40,000, coolant flush and replacement at 30,000, oil changes every 3,000 miles (my first oil change was at 500 miles, second at 1,000 for break in). Trying to do everything right. I've been mainly using a local shop for my oil changes. After a hard trip through snow country (salt, everywhere, in 4 wheel drive for hours on end) to visit relatives and kids in college, I go under my truck as soon as I can to really rinse it out and wash it. I find that the oil pan skid plate (the little insert) is missing. Slightly rusty threads. Great. I wind up sanding some spots where the frame had hit some rocks and repainting, liberal application of Liquid Film (every year). This is all back story. I love this truck. I was apparently missing one critical piece of my maintenance routine, doing the oil changes myself. The shop was clueless when I asked about how hard was it to remove the skid plate to replace the oil filter. After a few minutes back and forth...they looked it up and told me I was right. So...I am not sure they ever replace the oil filter.

Still runs great...going to have an oil analysis done. OMG....
Click to expand...

I don’t understand this story. It’s 2025 and you are claiming mechanics and shops don’t know a 4Runner has an oil filter? Is the premise of this ignorance due to the filter being “hidden” by the skid plate. Still not buying it, a lot of modern vehicles of different country origins and price points have oil filters that aren’t visible without removing a panel.
 
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