Plastic Oil filter housing replacement

[JLTD]

Mods, please move if you think a different section is better.

Been doing a lot of reading on the site lately, and it seems like there's a split between "the OEM plastic housing is fine" vs "you should replace that plastic with the metal one"

So far I haven't seen any compelling reason to get the metal housing. Just one report of a plastic one cracking, but it was the result of a dealership tech overtorquing. Other than that, no issues. And after all it IS protected by a skid plate.

So to ask -- for those that have gone metal, what was your reasoning behind the change? If I am missing the "cracked housing" thread, point me to it

Appreciate any and all perspective.

 

[4gambler]

Just buy a new OEM plastic housing every 2-3 years whether good or bad and dont make it a project of research.

 

[4gambler]

Also ill rather have the plastic housing break during install or removal instead of the other piece it screws onto. Kinda like a FUSE.

 

[gp55445]

I replaced with metal because it’s metal, I change my own oil, and like metal vs plastic.

 

[mteolus]

I changed mine to metal because I was worried about the plastic cracking. I unfortunately got mine at NAPA so it wasn't Toyota approved. It leaked. I put the plastic one back on and don't intend on changing it to metal unless it cracks.

 

[daytonaviolet]

Mine cracked from the dealer not using the proper tool. So I went metal [emoji2957]

 

[NW.OH.T4R]

My experience - not with Toyota.

I had an Audi prior to my 4R and it was equipped with a plastic oil filter housing as well. It took 11 years and over 130k miles before developing a slight leak, which was either the housing gasket or warping of the housing itself (common). At that point, I swapped with another OEM unit and moved on.

 

[ProfessorP]

I went with a Toyota factory metal filter housing on my 2009 Tundra and really hated it. Torqued to spec, it would seize up by the next oil change. Removing it was a real pain in the a$$! Almost felt like it was welded shut sometimes.

My paranoia about a plastic part cracking or leaking lead to creating a guaranteed problem for myself at each oil change. Nothing worse than a bored, OCD car or truck forum member looking for a solution to an issue that hasn’t yet occurred.

I’m sticking with the factory plastic housing on my T4R.

 

[JAXJeremy]

Right after I bought my 4R I read all the threads about metal versus plastic..I'm sure there's a reason why Toyota used plastic, cheaper would be my guess..Regardless, I'm sure the plastic units will last a long long time so it boils down to preference. For me, I preferred the metal, so new housing that I'll switch to when I start doing my own oil changes.

 

[badattitude]

Honestly, just because I like metal better than plastic. I'm sure the plastic would have functioned fine.

I put anti seize on the aluminum threads. Next oil change will be the first time I remove the metal canister.

You guys have me wanting to put the plastic one back in

 

[<<<<]

Metal is used by Toyota in cars without skid plates such as Camry where it prevents road damage if something is to hit that housing. 4Runner has skid plate and therefore there is no need for reinforced oil filter housing and plastic one is used (it is not cheaper to buy, it's is just cheaper to produce meaning it makes more financial sense to Toyota). I replaced my with aluminum alloy for many reasons such as softer plastic always gets stuck in the filter cup wrench, plastic (any plastic) gets dry and brittle as it ages and many more I wouldn't bore you with technical reasons and specs. Keep stock plastic and all will be fine. Metal is just an upgrade and will yield little of benefit to most here.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

Just buy a new OEM plastic housing every 2-3 years whether good or bad and dont make it a project of research.

No reason to replace something that isn't broken.

I bought a new plastic housing some years back - stuffed away in a closet.

My money says the breakage is most likely to occur during removal/installation. Dealers are closed on Sunday + none in my area stock this part - special order.

If and when it breaks - I'm ready.

 

[4gambler]

I used to live in the desert.

I drove the piss out of my 2010 2.3 ranger in 120 plus weather ac cranked max during 5 HOT SUMMERS. My ranger now has over 250k miles im original owner. Plastic intake manifold never cracked, still has original off the assembly line plastic thermostat housing leak proof and crack proof. Only thing im changing next is the plastic oil filler cap just because.

Most possible chance of damage is during install and removal.

 

[spartacus]

Its not difficult but never the less a complex oil draining procedure and the first time I did the oil change I was reluctant to tighten the plastic housing to 18 ft lbs torque. Métal over plastic is my preference when offroading although plastic might be perfectly adequate.

 

[BobsTrail]

Honestly, just because I like metal better than plastic. I'm sure the plastic would have functioned fine.

:iagree:

 

[mrblah]

Like some of the other posters before me, i have the metal housing sitting on my dining room table waiting to be installed once the plastic housing breaks.

It hasn't broke yet... and the metal housing makes for a crappy dining room table decoration.

 

[jrandom]

I installed a metal one simply because I wanted to use an asr housing wrench, I feel more confident in the metal tabs versus plastic... (well now I have a plastic housing just in case) My two cents are use whatever the heck you want and don't over think it.

 

[KarrotJuice]

I wanted to have a backup is the reason I purchased another housing.

I figured why not get the metal one.

I now use the metal one full time with the plastic for backup.

I figure it's a good idea to have a backup.

Aye aye, captain!

 

[Hammer0313]

I just got my OEM aluminum oil filter housing and it’s really good quality and very well-made. I’m sure the plastic housing Will last for years but for me it’s the piece of mine. Priceless!!!!

 

[ayeyothisiskyle]

My plastic one broke off a tab and was leaking oil. It was a Sunday, my buddy had a metal housing he was going to use when he was going to change his tacoma. I called him up, he dropped it off, I ordered another one for him.

I would be using my plastic one if mine didnt break.