Just did first oil change on new-to-me T4R -- couple questions...

[cali_axela]

I've had my 04 V8 for a little over 4 months / 4k miles, and just did my first oil change. The PO had one done at a quick-lube place just a couple weeks before I bought it, and the oil still looked nice and golden for quite awhile. However, now I wish I would have done my own earlier -- I discovered that the quick-lube place used the ****tiest generic filter I've ever seen and it was on waaay too tight... took forever to wrangle it off. Also, they didn't use *ANY* washer on the drain plug bolt at all! It wasn't dripping much and oil level was still fine, but it was seeping out all over the bottom of the pan and rear skid so I had to clean it all up. Ugh.

Anyways, aside from these annoyances it was a really straightforward oil change, and now she's got a nice genuine OEM filter and drain plug washer on there and running smoooth. I have a couple questions though:

1. How do I reset the "MAINT" light that flashes at me? I'm assuming that light is on a schedule to come on every xxxx miles to remind you to change the oil? I'm hoping it's easy to reset myself and there's nothing else going on I should be aware of. <-- update: fixed! Answered this myself by searching -- just held down trip button for a few seconds while turning key to ignition... nice.

2. The plastic engine cover on my 04 V8 says "iForce V8" on it -- I was under the impression the "iForce" tweaked engine was added in 05. Did the PO just replace the plastic cover, or is this possibly not the original engine? How else can you physically tell the difference between an 03-04 and 05+ V8?

3. This is the first vehicle I've had with the drain plug facing straight down, on my other cars they're horizontal or at an angle. It's nice that you can have a pan right under that oval hole in the rear skid this way and it all goes straight in, however I got my ratchet and extension all covered in oil when removing the drain plug... any tips for keeping everything clean when removing that vertical drain plug?

Thanks guys!

 

[jwyshrek]

iForce is the (marketing) name of the engine that came from the Tundra...starting in 05, Toyota added VVTi...variable valve timing (intake) to increase power band. This particular V8 has always had the name iForce.

sort of like Vortec = chevy
Powerstroke = ford or was that dodge
Hemi = dodge

Oh, if I remember right...I think the 05+ V8 had a silver plastic cover stating 'VVTi' on it.

 

[cali_axela]

Ah ok, so "iForce" is the general marketing name of the engine, and the tech which was added in 05 was the VVTi -- got it, thanks!

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

To keep the oil off the extension piece to a minimum, i break the plug loose with a wrench and an extension to the point you can turn it by hand. then loosen the plug until you can feel it click everytime it goes around which means its all the way loose. At that point i grip the plug with my index finger, (quickly) turn the plug and extension at an angle and pull it off as fast as possible. Theres usually not too much of a mess. Its as good as you can get without the Fumoto valve mod, but i would rather not have something hanging down out of my oil pan.

 

[cali_axela]

Thanks for the tip, I'll try doing it by hand on the socket for the last few turns next time and pull away at an angle as soon as possible... sounds like it'll work better. Just wasn't really prepared the first time!

And I was surprised at reading how popular the Fumoto is on the 4runners here, compared to other vehicles I've owned and read about. Now I understand why -- this step is definitely messy if you're not super quick. That valve would make this literally the easiest oil change in the world. Might have to pick one up... seems like that area is pretty well-protected.

 

[Presta24]

This valve makes it much easier with the back skid on, buy the one with the nipple so you can attach a small hose and the oil will drain right in your pan

FUMOTO ENGINEERING