Plastic oil filter cap change/mod - Toyota 4Runner Forum

umidkusername · 02-22-2021, 10:47 PM

Has anyone replaced their plastic oil filter cap with an aluminum or metal one? You can use a scion one and mod the inner support tube (switch it out with the tube from the plastic one).

I’m more so talking about the Toyota filter (scion) and not an aftermarket one like Dorman. There are so many mixed reviews on those, I would never use those.

I’ve had 3 oil changes so far at the dealership and no issues with the plastic filter cap reported. I know some people say they eventually will crack though and some even crack when doing the recommended torque.

Also, if you do switch to the aluminum one does the torque specs change? What I have so far for the plastic stuff:

Filter cap - 18 ft/lbs
Filter drain - 9 ft/lbs

Bonus: Oil drain plug - 30 ft/lbs

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mrblah · 02-22-2021, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by umidkusername

Has anyone replaced their plastic oil filter cap with an aluminum or metal one? You can use a scion one and mod the inner support tube (switch it out with the tube from the plastic one).

I’m more so talking about the Toyota filter (scion) and not an aftermarket one like Dorman. There are so many mixed reviews on those, I would never use those.

I’ve had 3 oil changes so far at the dealership and no issues with the plastic filter cap reported. I know some people say they eventually will crack though and some even crack when doing the recommended torque.

Also, if you do switch to the aluminum one does the torque specs change? What I have so far for the plastic stuff:

Filter cap - 18 ft/lbs
Filter drain - 9 ft/lbs

Bonus: Oil drain plug - 30 ft/lbs

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

this is an extremely common mod. I just hand tighten my "metal" toyota one and snug tight the filter drain.

4Reak Show · 02-22-2021, 11:49 PM

My 2011 corolla has the similar cartridge filter and at 130,000 miles I’ve changed its oil religiously at 5,000 miles. So that’s 26 times it’s been on and off without incident, as an example of the design’s durability. I think if you’re easy on it, use the right tool (I own the actual Toyota brand tool and it fits both our 2016 4Runner and the 2011 Corolla) and lubricate the o-ring when you install it should last just fine. I go til it stops spinning without force and then do just a touch tighter and that’s it. Never have I ever pulled out a torque wrench for an oil change and I’ve literally done thousands in my life.

But as far as the plastic vs metal goes, if you’re doing the oil changes yourself, I would leave it OEM. If you’re having a shop do it and they’re incompetent, Metal might be a better bet.

Saker · 02-23-2021, 12:13 AM

As stated, this is a common mod.
All it takes is to drop the plastic one and it land just right, not notice the hairline crack and ....
I did this mod on my 2014 and just did it Friday on my 2021.

Toyota Aluminum Oil Filter Cap Installed

Skidmarcx · 02-23-2021, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Reak Show

My 2011 corolla has the similar cartridge filter and at 130,000 miles I’ve changed its oil religiously at 5,000 miles. So that’s 26 times it’s been on and off without incident, as an example of the design’s durability. I think if you’re easy on it, use the right tool (I own the actual Toyota brand tool and it fits both our 2016 4Runner and the 2011 Corolla) and lubricate the o-ring when you install it should last just fine. I go til it stops spinning without force and then do just a touch tighter and that’s it. Never have I ever pulled out a torque wrench for an oil change and I’ve literally done thousands in my life.

But as far as the plastic vs metal goes, if you’re doing the oil changes yourself, I would leave it OEM. If you’re having a shop do it and they’re incompetent, Metal might be a better bet.

Well said

pDubs · 02-23-2021, 12:11 PM

I normally am not this guy, but have you searched? There's probably a dozen threads on this already with multiple pages of posts.

Big Daddy K · 02-23-2021, 12:17 PM

You don't have to use a scion cap, there are 4Runner direct replacements.

Whippersnapper02 · 02-23-2021, 12:42 PM

No issues with my OEM cap but changed it anyway to avoid future issues. I also don't let the dealer do maintenance on my truck because they are no better than Jiffy Lube.

97BlackAckCL · 02-23-2021, 01:39 PM

Just did this on my last oil change, there are a dozen or so threads about it

Akkording · 02-23-2021, 02:55 PM

I like all them Holes

ElectroBoy · 02-23-2021, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by umidkusername

Has anyone replaced their plastic oil filter cap with an aluminum or metal one? You can use a scion one and mod the inner support tube (switch it out with the tube from the plastic one).

I’m more so talking about the Toyota filter (scion) and not an aftermarket one like Dorman. There are so many mixed reviews on those, I would never use those.

I’ve had 3 oil changes so far at the dealership and no issues with the plastic filter cap reported. I know some people say they eventually will crack though and some even crack when doing the recommended torque.

Also, if you do switch to the aluminum one does the torque specs change? What I have so far for the plastic stuff:

Filter cap - 18 ft/lbs
Filter drain - 9 ft/lbs

Bonus: Oil drain plug - 30 ft/lbs

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For the plastic cap you tighten to those specs.
With the metal cap you just tighten until it stops turning. It reaches full closure and you can’t tighten it any more. It’s a strange feeling but it works.
For the filter drain plug 9ft-lbs is about right.

Consult other threads for more info like this mega thread;
Oil Change 5th Gen: How To- LOTS of PICS!

Johnnyg182 · 12-27-2021, 11:18 PM

Anyone have a Toyota part number for the filter housing DRAIN PLUG that goes on the 15620-31060 housing? Stripped my original one tonight when the o ring slid out of position. Gonna swap to a metal housing but also need to buy a new drain plug for it. Thanks for any help you can offer.

DougR · 12-27-2021, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnnyg182

Anyone have a Toyota part number for the filter housing DRAIN PLUG that goes on the 15620-31060 housing? Stripped my original one tonight when the o ring slid out of position. Gonna swap to a metal housing but also need to buy a new drain plug for it. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Go to Toyota Parts Factory - #1 Source for Genuine OEM Toyota Scion Parts & Accessories | Camelback Toyota Parts

Enter your oil filter housing part number 15620-31060

Scroll down to "Also Purchased" to find Filter Housing Plug 15643-31050

Click on the Plug, scroll down to "Also Purchased" to find the o-ring 96723-35028

Johnnyg182 · 12-28-2021, 01:03 AM

Thanks! Gonna see if dealer has this all in stock tomorrow otherwise ordering online:

YOUR CART

2005-2018 Toyota Filter Cover
Product ID: 15620-31060 Remove
$27.55 × Quantity $27.55
2005-2020 Toyota Plug
Product ID: 15643-31050 Remove
$3.91 × Quantity $3.91

Dynamo · 12-28-2021, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Reak Show

My 2011 corolla has the similar cartridge filter and at 130,000 miles I’ve changed its oil religiously at 5,000 miles. So that’s 26 times it’s been on and off without incident, as an example of the design’s durability. I think if you’re easy on it, use the right tool (I own the actual Toyota brand tool and it fits both our 2016 4Runner and the 2011 Corolla) and lubricate the o-ring when you install it should last just fine. I go til it stops spinning without force and then do just a touch tighter and that’s it. Never have I ever pulled out a torque wrench for an oil change and I’ve literally done thousands in my life.

But as far as the plastic vs metal goes, if you’re doing the oil changes yourself, I would leave it OEM. If you’re having a shop do it and they’re incompetent, Metal might be a better bet.

Same deal with my previously owned '13 FJ Cruiser. Bought it new and did every oil change myself every 5k miles until I sold it with 140k miles. Never had any problems with the OEM plastic filter cap.

I've been doing all the oil changes (every 5k miles) on my current '19 T4R ORP and again, no problems with the OEM plastic filter cap.

I never used a torque wrench on them either. I just tighten it until the metal tab on it catches one last time before the filter cap bottoms out. Never had any leaks and never had it loosen on me.

Site Navigation