%$#^!! Oil Filter

[ultimatt]

Given the location of the oil filter on the 3.4L, has anyone figured out how to get the thing out without getting oil EVERYWHERE?

 

[Elton H]

ehh crank the wheel hard left stick your had through the wheel well place a rag under it no matter what oil still gonna get everywhere

 

[Ghostrider]

I drop the skid plate to help stop the mess. I also use a filter cap and a 48 inch extension (couple bucks at Harbor Freight) to reach in thru the fenderwell. It's a pain but I have owned worse.

 

[jdmidwest]

I usually just let the oil spill all over like the last few owners did. When it burns off it reminds me of a Ford.

 

[LINY4Runner]

Brakeclean!

lots

and lots

of brakeclean!

 

[jsmarine]

this is the easiest way I have found in removing it, unless you like hot oil running down your arm!

 

[JohnsD90]

i just take it off, place it on something then pick it up from the above the hood.

 

[TheDurk]

Use the reach through the fender technique. Once you crack it loose, put a gallon ziplock over it. Turn the bag and filter together and let it fall into the bag when the threads clear. Pull the bag straight up to get the filter out. Takes practice, but it works. You still get some oil on the block. I save used ZipLocks for this kind of use.

 

[vol4runner]

I think I may try dropping the skid plate next time. I managed to not spill oil out of the filter, but it drained out of the block onto the skid plate and made a nice puddle on my driveway like a new puppy.

 

[98_4runnerSR5]

I think I may try dropping the skid plate next time. I managed to not spill oil out of the filter, but it drained out of the block onto the skid plate and made a nice puddle on my driveway like a new puppy.

Had the same problem when I changed mine. It was dripping small amounts out of the skid plate for like a week! Definitely gonna drop the skit plate next time to avoid making another mess everywhere i park!

 

[durrell]

I always drop the skid plate. The few bolts are much less hassle than reaching through the fender, spilling it everywhere, etc.

I usually use a plastic bag and reach up for the filter with that. I then twist the filter off, it drops into the bag, and I put the new one on as quickly as possible. I still get some oil spilled, but a lot less than any other method. The filter location on the 3.4 has to be one of the most stupid designs I have ever seen.

 

[CajunRunner]

Oil, oil everywhere and not a drop to drink. The only way to stop it is to install an oil filter relocation kit.

 

[nor cal boy]

punch a hole in the top of the old filter, alowing all of the oil to flow back into the engine for 20 min or so then screw it off. you get a few drops, but not much

 

[nquaint]

I've replaced my filter/did oil change twice before, this time I took it to Jiffy Lube, WAY easier haha, just made sure to watch the guy doing it like a hawk.

 

[Hacker]

punch a hole in the top of the old filter, alowing all of the oil to flow back into the engine for 20 min or so then screw it off. you get a few drops, but not much

I've got to try this next time.