Thank God for the “Can style” oil filters on our rigs!

[BamaDrewski]

I had to tackle what should have been a simple oil change on a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The geniuses at Toyota went from the old can style filter to a two-piece “canister style” filter on this Sienna. Here is the scoop:

1. Gotta have a “special oil filter housing wrench” to remove the oil filter housing.

2. You have to replace the filter media and two O-ring gaskets.

3. It is a total PITA to get the “housing” off the vehicle – thus you gotta spend $$$ on a special tool to get it off.

On one hand, I can understand the logic of the system they developed. On the other hand, as an avid DIY guy with a 3rd gen T4R, it just seems overly engineered and complicated. (Unlike the can filters, I ended up having to take off the “canister” with an impact wrench and special tool….SERIOUSLY? For a simple oil filter change?)

I guess it has something to do with the “green movement”. However, the filter media (with O-rings included) costs more than the old style can filter so I am thinking the “going green thing is a more-money producing machine” than protecting the environment.

 

[Wedgy]

Pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sleepydad]

The opposite is true for the canister style filter on the Range Rover I have. Yes special sized tool, like $12 off amazon. The filter cartridge is right up top and comes off easily while standing up without any difficulty. The drain plug on the pan is in a very easy to access location. The AJ8 jaguar engine is the easiest oil change I have ever done. Really about 15 mins from start to finish. It does have a 14.5 quart capacity and that part is nuts.

When I change oil on my 5vz I can’t believe how stupid the oil filter and location is... I have done it so many times over the past 20 years, and it still makes me mad each and every time.

 

[HiLife]

A friend ask for a favor to change her 2012 Corolla oil which was 1 year old at the time. Yup, I had to buy the 64mm 14 flute oil filter wrench to fit the plastic housing. The whole job was a messy one trying to clean up during and after the oil change.
That "green" movement came to my mind as to why they did away with metal oil filters, what a waste of extra materials trying to clean up during and after though.

 

[tvpierce]

Same set up on my wife's Prius. It's also used on all the Lexus cars.
I really like the canister/cartridge systems. I've had them on motorcycles in the past.
The tool for the Toyota is $15 on Amazon.

 

[JohnMc]

Our TDI Jetta has a canister style filter. But it's in a super easy place - right up top and in front of the motor (after removing 3 bolts and taking the big plastic shield off). It's vertical, so nothing spill when you take the cover off. Just grab the filter element inside with a plastic bag, turn it inside out, tie shut and toss in the trash. Neat, quick, no mess, unlike the horizontal oil filter on the 4Runner that is absolutely guaranteed to spill oil down the side of the block and onto the front diff and skid plates, and then drip onto the driveway for a day or two afterward.

The only thing that doesn't make sense, as already mentioned, is that the filter costs more without a casing than it does with a casing. It should be CHEAPER!

 

[turbo8]

The 1GR-FE is pretty easy to change the oil on, especially with the oil filter up top. I wish the 3.4 had a little drain pan to catch the oil like the 4.0L has.

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Whenever I get to removing the oil filter on my 3.4:

 

[Mudeprived]

I don't seem to have much issue with my filter. My only complaint is my arms get greasy.

I do not run the skid so I just reach up, remove, then replace.

Aren't there filter relocation kits out there?

 

[sleepydad]

I don't seem to have much issue with my filter. My only complaint is my arms get greasy.

I do not run the skid so I just reach up, remove, then replace.

Aren't there filter relocation kits out there?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...h-time-i-remove-oil-filter-2.html#post3129919

https://www.shop.perma-cool.com/111-Spin-On-Adapter-3-4-16-thread-111.htm
https://www.shop.perma-cool.com/1701-Single-Filter-Mount-1-2-NPT-Ports-Left-3-4-16-Thread-1701.htm

 

[1biker]

Go buy a Form-A-Funnel, reduced the mess a lot for my oil changes. I tuck it tight against the block under the sealing flange, the oil still dribbles down the block onto the cross member etc but to a much lesser degree.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

The Supras use the same filters as 3rd gens... there is several filter relocation kits available for them which would probably cross over.


I just ordered one from PHR for my 2JZ, but I'll have a peak around and see how well it might fit a 4Runner. This kit would be overkill, there are cheaper kits out there, but the idea is similar.


One should be able to make a relocation kit with bulk parts fairly easily.

 

[gainman]

I love the filter element type. Wish all cars did it

 

[Mudeprived]

Go buy a Form-A-Funnel, reduced the mess a lot for my oil changes. I tuck it tight against the block under the sealing flange, the oil still dribbles down the block onto the cross member etc but to a much lesser degree.

I smear around any spilled oil. Anything to help with preventing rust.

 

[T4R2014]

I don't change my own oil often, but when I do, I sure as HELL would rather a canister filter over the stupid 5VZ filter location. They are usually placed in easier locations now. With that said they are designed to be changed on a lift. Makes the maintenance packages much easier for dealers to provide.