Oil Change, Stuck Filter Drain Plug, Solution?

[skag1T]

I second CutthroatSlam. I always do my own oil changes, and on my 2018 SR5, in the first year or so i would religiously try to remove that center plug and replace the gasket. Lots of frustration and sweat.

Then I decided I will not remove that thing again, ever. 80k miles later, haven't removed it and don't see any problems. I have about 100k miles on the truck. The only thing is, when you remove the filter housing get ready for a big mess. I wrap the filter housing in 1-2 microfiber cloth before unscrewing it. Still messy, but manageable.

Toyota did a really stupid thing with this oil filter.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Awesome work. I just used an impact on mine to remove the first time and then made sure I didn't over tighten it.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

I second CutthroatSlam. I always do my own oil changes, and on my 2018 SR5, in the first year or so i would religiously try to remove that center plug and replace the gasket. Lots of frustration and sweat.

Then I decided I will not remove that thing again, ever. 80k miles later, haven't removed it and don't see any problems. I have about 100k miles on the truck. The only thing is, when you remove the filter housing get ready for a big mess. I wrap the filter housing in 1-2 microfiber cloth before unscrewing it. Still messy, but manageable.

Toyota did a really stupid thing with this oil filter.

I just position a big drain pan/container under it. Then just wipe down where it drips on the frame. Not a big deal.

 

[gwsears]

Hi,
Having issues viewing this thread but I am in need of the tool that you have designed. Would love to purchase one but am having difficulties PMing you.
If you can message me I would appreciate it.

George
Savannah, GA

 

[CutthroatSlam]

What [MENTION=134890]00Sebby[/MENTION] said.
And if you have the metal replacement housing it will be even more apparent that you will tighten until it bottoms out and it will not turn any more. The plastic ones will accept a little torque after being fully seated but not the metal ones.

I can almost remove my metal one by hand.
To make sure it stays in place when undoing the oil filter drain I hold the housing in place with big channel lock pliers.

Sometimes I do the [MENTION=132734]MeefZah[/MENTION] method, it’s just a little more messy. But I bet that’s how the dealer oil changers do it, it’s faster.

2014 SR5 with 350K miles and all I've ever done is spin off the entire plastic housing. It's easy and not messy at all.