HELP: I'm in the Middle of an Oil Change...

[GreyhoundGuy]

So I'm following the write-up by [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] and am hitting a HUGE snag. I'm hoping y'all can help. My 4R is up on ramps right now, oil drained, skid plate hanging... and I'm stuck. (There's a whole 'nother issue with the dealer that did the last oil change... but I'll save that for another post.)

I'm at this step, removing the metal filter plug (image taken from Antman's write-up):

The metal filter plug is TIGHT! I've got my ratchet set into the metal filter plug and finally got it turning, but it's not just turning the plug. It's turning the entire housing that the plug is in. In other words, it's turning the black casing that goes around the filter cartridge.

I can't for the life of me get JUST the metal filter plug out... it's 9:40pm... and I'd like to get this done tonight.

Any ideas on how to remove the filter plug WITHOUT spinning out the entire assembly? I'd like to remove the o-rings.

... or should I just put the oil in and take it to the dealer to have the part replaced? (I've done that once already... but yeah, that'll be written up in the other post.)

-Joel

 

[jbstrd]

So I'm following the write-up by [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] and am hitting a HUGE snag. I'm hoping y'all can help. My 4R is up on ramps right now, oil drained, skid plate hanging... and I'm stuck. (There's a whole 'nother issue with the dealer that did the last oil change... but I'll save that for another post.)

I'm at this step, removing the metal filter plug (image taken from Antman's write-up):

The metal filter plug is TIGHT! I've got my ratchet set into the metal filter plug and finally got it turning, but it's not just turning the plug. It's turning the entire housing that the plug is in. In other words, it's turning the black casing that goes around the filter cartridge.

I can't for the life of me get JUST the metal filter plug out... it's 9:40pm... and I'd like to get this done tonight.

Any ideas on how to remove the filter plug WITHOUT spinning out the entire assembly? I'd like to remove the o-rings.

... or should I just put the oil in and take it to the dealer to have the part replaced? (I've done that once already... but yeah, that'll be written up in the other post.)

-Joel

Try using a rubber mallet and hitting the ratchet handle. This would work similar to an impact wrench. With the quick impact, it may loosen the metal piece separate from the plastic housing. Just a thought. Good luck.

Edit: Also, if you have a strap wrench, you could wrap it around the plastic housing to hold it in place while you loosen the metal plug.

 

[GreyhoundGuy]

Try using a rubber mallet and hitting the ratchet handle. This would work similar to an impact wrench. With the quick impact, it may loosen the metal piece separate from the plastic housing. Just a thought. Good luck.

Edit: Also, if you have a strap wrench, you could wrap it around the plastic housing to hold it in place while you loosen the metal plug.

Good idea... but no luck.

I'm going to have to just put the new oil in and take it to the dealer on Monday and have them fix it. That's a whole 'nother problem!! :mmph:

-Joel

 

[IAmTodd]

Just back the whole assembly off, replace the filter and large o-ring and screw back on. My opinion of the lower section is just to allow the excess oil to drain so removing the filter housing isn't so messy.

 

[mikebontoft]

thats fine. you want the plastic housing to come off anyway.

 

[chmura]

Just back the whole assembly off, replace the filter and large o-ring and screw back on. My opinion of the lower section is just to allow the excess oil to drain so removing the filter housing isn't so messy.

This.

Just remove the entire thing with it. Saves you a step too.

 

[GreyhoundGuy]

Just back the whole assembly off, replace the filter and large o-ring and screw back on. My opinion of the lower section is just to allow the excess oil to drain so removing the filter housing isn't so messy.

Thanks. I ended up taking your advice... just removed the entire housing. I then installed the new filter, put in the oil, and reinstalled all the skid plates.

Dealer frustration has set in on this one. I'll post more in a new post once I've cooled off a bit.

Again, thanks for your help!

-Joel

 

[Lester Lugnut]

Thanks. I ended up taking your advice... just removed the entire housing. I then installed the new filter, put in the oil, and reinstalled all the skid plates.

And that's what countless others have done that use this type of oil filter housing be it 4 Runner, Tundra, FJ, Avalon. Highlander, Sienna, V6 Camry and more.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

And that's what countless others have done that use this type of oil filter housing be it 4 Runner, Tundra, FJ, Avalon. Highlander, Sienna, V6 Camry and more.

Its just messier when you do it this way, you don't really need to undo the small cover. Just make sure you snug the housing back on and not over tighten it, its very easy to overtighten and then you need a breaker bar to get it off next time (happens a lot at the dealership...)

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

I . . . . just make sure you snug the housing back on and not over tighten it, its very easy to overtighten and then you need a breaker bar to get it off next time (happens a lot at the dealership...)

That sort of makes one not want to take advantage of the free Toyota Care oil changes . . . .:wink2:

 

[BlackWorksInc]

That sort of makes one not want to take advantage of the free Toyota Care oil changes . . . .:wink2:

It's not just the dealership, a lot of people think you need to crank them down tight. You really just need to snug them flush and then about 1/4 turn past if you want. The aluminum and plastic expand a lot when heated and wedge themselves together easily. I have hand tightened Corolla canister filters (they don't tend to be sticky like the others when threading tight) and had to use my ratchet and filter socket to get them off next oil change because of expansion.

 

[Bad_Influence]

I know we all like to work on our cars as much as possible, it's part of the passion we have for our cars. That being said, I don't subscribe to changing your own oil, it's just too much of a fuss when there are places that will do it for $30 in 10 minutes.

 

[Antman]

I know we all like to work on our cars as much as possible, it's part of the passion we have for our cars. That being said, I don't subscribe to changing your own oil, it's just too much of a fuss when there are places that will do it for $30 in 10 minutes.

No way you will get the oil changed in a 5th Gen in 10 minutes for $30.

Not gonna happen.

 

[DannyLlama]

No way you will get the oil changed in a 5th Gen in 10 minutes for $30.

Not gonna happen.

Yea really, who does Synthetic oil changes for $30?
That's a steal, give me info ASAP!

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

I know we all like to work on our cars as much as possible, it's part of the passion we have for our cars. That being said, I don't subscribe to changing your own oil, it's just too much of a fuss when there are places that will do it for $30 in 10 minutes.

I've always done my own on all my vehicles and for good reason based on experience. I have the tools, the garage, space, and time to do it but it also gives me a chance to look around and check the status of boots and other goodies while I'm under there.

Quick change places are not going to tell you squat much less assuming they remember to put the fill cap back on or worse.