Performed first oil change today.

vicpick58

vicpick58

New member
First I want to state that this post in mostly intended for those that are checking this forum doing research into buying a 5th gen T4R.

When I was at that stage in my research, I almost ruled out the 4Runner after reading about the oil change. So let me say I am not going to go into details of procedure or tools required, that has been discussed in great detail in other posts.

I just want to say that the oil change procedure is NOT difficult. It DOES take a little longer than usual due to the extra steps involved, but nothing to worry about if you have a good set of metric sockets and the correct oil filter wrench. And frankly if you normally perform your own service, you probably already have what you need with the possible exception of the size filter wrench which I purchased at the Toyota dealer when I bought the oil and filter.

I did this first oil change at 4967 miles and just under 5 weeks of ownership of my TE. I did notice a few small metal particles in the bottom of the filter canister so I made sure I cleaned it out real good with some gasoline. I also noticed the drain oil was a little dark in color, but I know that does not necessarily mean anything.

I also greased the zerk fittings on the driveshafts, this is very easy to do too while the vehicle is up on the jack stands for the oil change.

As a side note I installed an AVS bugshield while I was working on the vehicle it seems to fit very well and was easy to install with out any need for drilling.

And for anyone that cares, I already took a pretty good hit in the windshield and need a replacement, cost is right around $500 for an aftermarket one from my windshield guy that I have done business with for years.
 
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So you're saying the filter drain plugs do not come tightened to 120 ft-lbs until the dealership oil change kid touches it?
 
homeyclaus said:
So you're saying the filter drain plugs do not come tightened to 120 ft-lbs until the dealership oil change kid touches it?
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Yeah, I guess not, I had no trouble with it.

I still have scars from my first oil change of my 1998 Dodge pickup truck, I guess they did not bother to oil the filter gasket at the factory. I ended up completely destroying the original oil filter (and the back of my left hand) trying to get it off.
 
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vicpick58 said:
Yeah, I guess not, I had no trouble with it.

I still have scars from my first oil change of my 1998 Dodge pickup truck, I guess they did not bother to oil the filter gasket at the factory. I ended up completely destroying the original oil filter (and the back of my left hand) trying to get it off.
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Mine was also normal and wasn't hard to change.
 
1engineer said:
If you could visually see metal shavings you had better take back to the dealer.
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Was not really what I would call "shavings" just a few very small shiny particles. I really believe this is probably normal, especially for a first oil change. I actually expected to see a lot more since this was the break in oil, and was impressed that it was not full of "shavings".

I have seen particles like this many times in the drain pan after an oil change, just normal wear.

My point was to be sure to do a good job cleaning the canister when changing these type oil filters. Most of us have become used to the spin on filters that we never see the inside and how much crud may have been in there.

I have owned a few cars from the 50's with the old style partial flow canister oil filters that were located on top of the engine, but have not had one for a while.
 
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After doing this oil change, I got to thinking about the Toyota canister oil filter and how great an idea these things actually are.

They could probably build an aircraft carrier or two with all the steel that has been thrown away with all the spin on oil filters over the last fifty some odd years that they have been in use.

In fact there is a certain brushy hillside in southwest Missouri where there is probably still a few dozen that I deposited there myself during the late 1970's and early 1980's when I lived there and hundreds more that I have sent to the landfill in my lifetime.
 
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vicpick58 said:
Was not really what I would call "shavings" just a few very small shiny particles. I really believe this is probably normal, especially for a first oil change. I actually expected to see a lot more since this was the break in oil, and was impressed that it was not full of "shavings".

I have seen particles like this many times in the drain pan after an oil change, just normal wear.

My point was to be sure to do a good job cleaning the canister when changing these type oil filters. Most of us have become used to the spin on filters that we never see the inside and how much crud may have been in there.

I have owned a few cars from the 50's with the old style partial flow canister oil filters that were located on top of the engine, but have not had one for a while.
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I saw the same brass colored particles at my first change. The paper filters are really nice and easy to change and of course they help our environment. The particles are no big deal. We just never saw them with the old metal filters.
 
Does anyone have a guide, with pictures on how to change the oil in our 4Runners?

I am also a little afraid to change the oil by myself, but If I had a good guide to walk me through I would feel more confident in completing at home.

Can anyone reference me to this material? (Already have the Toyota steps, just looking for some good pictures of how to take off the filter, what new parts are needed, etc...)
 
Black T said:
Does anyone have a guide, with pictures on how to change the oil in our 4Runners?

I am also a little afraid to change the oil by myself, but If I had a good guide to walk me through I would feel more confident in completing at home.

Can anyone reference me to this material? (Already have the Toyota steps, just looking for some good pictures of how to take off the filter, what new parts are needed, etc...)
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Here is a good one. Not exact but close, skid plates are the only difference. Also took me 7qts of mobile 1 0w-20.

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser oil Change with new oil filter element
 
vicpick58 said:
Was not really what I would call "shavings" just a few very small shiny particles. I really believe this is probably normal, especially for a first oil change. I actually expected to see a lot more since this was the break in oil, and was impressed that it was not full of "shavings".

I have seen particles like this many times in the drain pan after an oil change, just normal wear.

My point was to be sure to do a good job cleaning the canister when changing these type oil filters. Most of us have become used to the spin on filters that we never see the inside and how much crud may have been in there.

I have owned a few cars from the 50's with the old style partial flow canister oil filters that were located on top of the engine, but have not had one for a while.
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Good to know it was not shavings. Tiny particles are quite different. Words are important! If you want to learn a little about the 4Runner and the oil (no break in oil) and a few other things click here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/109588-oil-change-0w20-wtf.html and here Top 7 Urban Legends About Motor Oil - Edmunds.com for a link Harper7 posted that is very informative. If any new people are doing research and searching the forums they will find dozens of threads on this topic. Most of them finally get the truth if they keep reading.
 
I will go on record again for saying I think the canister filter sucks balls.

It needlessly doubles the amount of time it takes to change my oil. Not at all difficult, but aggravating.

I will be changing mine today, so "yay."

If I feel like it, may just do a write-up to further show just how dumb it is. I know, I know, get over it...
 
Antman said:
I will go on record again for saying I think the canister filter sucks balls.

It needlessly doubles the amount of time it takes to change my oil. Not at all difficult, but aggravating.

I will be changing mine today, so "yay."

If I feel like it, may just do a write-up to further show just how dumb it is. I know, I know, get over it...
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Your write up would be greatly appreciated by myself and many others on the fence about changing their own oil.
 
Black T said:
Does anyone have a guide, with pictures on how to change the oil in our 4Runners?

I am also a little afraid to change the oil by myself, but If I had a good guide to walk me through I would feel more confident in completing at home.

Can anyone reference me to this material? (Already have the Toyota steps, just looking for some good pictures of how to take off the filter, what new parts are needed, etc...)
Click to expand...

No pictures but good information.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/110839-5th-gen-maintenance-documentation-reference.html
 
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