is there an easy way to do oil change? (V8)

[wolf4runner]

today i wanted to change the oil for my 4runner, only found out that there are like 5 or 6 bolts holding the skid plate. figured it would be a pita to put the skid plates back. so I tried to do it from Top, turns out I can grasp the oil filter, but there is a radiator hose too and I dont wanna break it by any chance.

so, please share your method if you DIY and please explain the details. Thanks

 

[Zuke]

Its 4 bolts. You only have to remove the front skid plate. The first time you remove it and reinstall it will be a pain. Pay attention to where the hangers are and it will make the next time a breeze.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Put on ramps. Put old shower curtain under. Rake off skid plates. Unscrew oil filter and let drain. Take out drain plug. Let drain. Once finished draining, install new seal gasket, put on bolt. Check for old seal on engine block where oil filter is. I stall new oil filter. Put new oil on with funnel. Start engine, check level, re check, check for leaks under, turn off engine, reinstall skid plates. Rake off ramps, check leave and for leaks 1 last time. Empty oil into old cat litter jug. Take to advance auto for recycling. Put away supplies. Not worry for another 5,000 miles (I use synthetic)

 

[03_4x4Runner]

As stated once you do it once you can have that skid plate on and off in no time. Use a 3/8 drive ratchet with a 6" extension and a 12mm socket. When putting the skid plate back on insert the two hooks on the front into the holes to align it. You will need a 14mm socket for the drain plug.

 

[Kevin G.]

A cordless screwdriver, with a 12mm socket, is real handy when backing out and starting in......the four skidplate bolts.

Kevin

 

[Snesley Wipes]

today i wanted to change the oil for my 4runner, only found out that there are like 5 or 6 bolts holding the skid plate. figured it would be a pita to put the skid plates back. so I tried to do it from Top, turns out I can grasp the oil filter, but there is a radiator hose too and I dont wanna break it by any chance.

so, please share your method if you DIY and please explain the details. Thanks

Earlier post of mine:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/83939-fumoto-drain-valve-mod.html

 

[JB.]

today i wanted to change the oil for my 4runner, only found out that there are like 5 or 6 bolts holding the skid plate. figured it would be a pita to put the skid plates back. so I tried to do it from Top, turns out I can grasp the oil filter, but there is a radiator hose too and I dont wanna break it by any chance.

It can be done from the top and for a little while I thought that was the best way to go but I'm back to removing the skid plate for a variety of reasons. The biggest thing with the skid is to not over tighten the bolts. They strip fairly easily.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance/61542-changing-v8-oil-filter-top.html

 

[Desert Fox]

WOW
It is only 4 bolts.
Take the darn skid plate off. Then you dont have oil spilled on it waiting to drip on your driveway for you to step on and track on your carpet.
Its only 4 bolts.
Besides, with the skid plate off you have opportunity to inspect other parts like your CV, hoses and stuff.
Its only 4 bolts.
The whole job is only a few minutes depending on how much you let it drain. It took me about as much time to read and reply to this thread as it did to change my oil Sunday.
Its only 4 bolts

 

[MikeInNH]

My 98 Pathfinder had a splash guard that had to be removed. It was 10 bolts. It was a pain. Considering we kept that in the family for over 400k miles...I did a LOT of oil changes on that....The 80th oil change was still a pain.

 

[Lineman]

As Desert Fox stated. This is a way simple job.. No need to make a big deal out of it. I think it takes longer for me to find the socket needed than to take the bolts off the skid plate.

For me, this is FUN. I love doing maint to the Runner. If you don't have 30 minutes to change your Oil something is wrong in your life.

 

[chaz]

ive never had a problem or spilled any oil ( maybe a drop or 2) changing mine from the top, dont worry about any rubber hoses, heres how i do it, i disconnect the battery since im not comfortable having my arm in there, first time may be hard if a gorilla tightened it, if need be, the edge of skid can be bent enough to get a filter wrench on the cap with extension in there to loosen it, while standing on something, snake your arm down from the top& loosen it a bit more, after a couple turns place a large plastic food bag with over the filter, you can use a string attached to it & tied off to something like the rad hose, holding the bag over the filter, start to make small turns with your fingers while repositioning the bag after each turn, it then falls right into the bag with nothing spilled, then just grab it & pull out, replace the filter & hand tighten.

 

[Atlanta_man]

I must be a klutz... I always spill some when working from the bottom.
It is important to me to get under there and do an inspection, worth the trouble.

 

[toybox]

The first time you take of the skid plate off put some anti-sieze stuff on the bolts before you re-install them. Makes life easier the next time and you don't risk breaking one. (in certain areas, like mine, they get a little rusty and can sieze)

 

[toybox]

Earlier post of mine:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/83939-fumoto-drain-valve-mod.html

I use the FRAM drain valve which is similar and it makes the job that much easier. :thumb3:

 

[Desert Fox]

ive never had a problem or spilled any oil ( maybe a drop or 2) changing mine from the top, dont worry about any rubber hoses, heres how i do it, i disconnect the battery since im not comfortable having my arm in there, first time may be hard if a gorilla tightened it, if need be, the edge of skid can be bent enough to get a filter wrench on the cap with extension in there to loosen it, while standing on something, snake your arm down from the top& loosen it a bit more, after a couple turns place a large plastic food bag with over the filter, you can use a string attached to it & tied off to something like the rad hose, holding the bag over the filter, start to make small turns with your fingers while repositioning the bag after each turn, it then falls right into the bag with nothing spilled, then just grab it & pull out, replace the filter & hand tighten.

And this is easier than removing 4 bolts to take the skid off?

I better go out and look at the bolts holding on my skid plate. They must be the wrong ones. The ones I have go round and round until they fall down. Man I have a lot to learn.

Not attacking you personally Chaz, I am in a mood this afternoon

 

[Desert Fox]

I must be a klutz... I always spill some when working from the bottom.
It is important to me to get under there and do an inspection, worth the trouble.

now I can drink to this

 

[Carl_G]

As Desert Fox stated. This is a way simple job.. No need to make a big deal out of it. I think it takes longer for me to find the socket needed than to take the bolts off the skid plate.

For me, this is FUN. I love doing maint to the Runner. If you don't have 30 minutes to change your Oil something is wrong in your life.

Haha! I find it relaxing as well. ESP if there is a beer or 2 involved

 

[Carl_G]

Just picked up a couple boxes of Mobil 1 synthetic at Costco today and will be switching over from regular oil.

I was changing the oil every 5000 miles.
How often are other Mobil 1 users here with a 2003 motor changing their oil?

Thx

I tried searching the threads but may have missed it.

 

[LTDSC]

Just picked up a couple boxes of Mobil 1 synthetic at Costco today and will be switching over from regular oil.

I was changing the oil every 5000 miles.
How often are other Mobil 1 users here with a 2003 motor changing their oil?

Thx

I tried searching the threads but may have missed it.

5-7000 miles depending on how you drive and terrain.

 

[Lineman]

Change all my vehicles once a year with Amsoil. Most I've done between changes is around 15,000 miles.

Just picked up a couple boxes of Mobil 1 synthetic at Costco today and will be switching over from regular oil.

I was changing the oil every 5000 miles.
How often are other Mobil 1 users here with a 2003 motor changing their oil?

Thx

I tried searching the threads but may have missed it.