I am changing the oil in my new Tacoma for the first time. I have some
questions. Is the oil plug gasket on the 3.4L V6 removable? Is it a
metal gasket or a rubber/composite gasket? I have removed the drain
plug. I see something that looks like a metal washer with a blue
rubber/composite washer stuck to it. I tried removing these "washers"
because I thought this thing was similar to the removable gasket/washer
on my Honda Accord. This thing does not move. Should I have to replace
the gasket at every oil change? Is the gasket removable? What is it
made of?

Thanks

 

It should be removable. They should have a replacement and any auto parts store. And yes it should be changed on every oil change.

 

You can always get one of these things under the FRAM name:


Takes a little while to drain cause the oil will pour out in 1/2 the volume than it would coming from just the drain - BUT it is cleaner and I don't want to have to worry about replacing a little rubber gasket all the time.

EDIT:
Fram calls it their Sure Drain.

 

Everytime I changed the oil on my 4Runner I left the original metal gasket, I buy the oil filter and they sell me a new gasket but the damn thing is welded on and I tried to get it off but did not want to break half off and then have part on cause then it would not be a tight fit and I would have a leak.

 

I've never changed mine and it has never leaked a drop. 6 oil changes and no problems.

 

I bought one of those, their great and easy! When you are ready to change your oil you just twist in on, the oil come right out like a race horse using the rest room(#1)!!!

 

Really?
Mine just trickled out last time... oh wait a second :pat: I forgot to remove the 710 cap, dammit! I was wondering why it was taking longer than usual

 

I have used (and reused) the copper ones with no leaks. I've also used the nylon ones with no probs (that's what the dealer here uses) but they definitely have to be replaced every time. On my last oil change I tried a metal washer with a rubber lining in the middle...no problems so far.

so...whatever trips your trigger!

 

this is what they gave me at the dealership today when I bought some new oem oil filters for my 3.4L V6 5VZE

 

The Toyota nylon ones can go more than once, but they will crack eventually. Good practice is just to change them every time. The copper ones won't crack, but they are designed to be compressed only once. If you reuse them, the seal will not be as tight and the plug conceivably could back out. It is rare, but if you NEVER change it, it will lose all elasticity and backing out becomes probable. The aluminum ones will crack AND they lose elasticity if reused.

 

:jessica: i have extras and when they start to look snarky I replace them when i change the oil once a year.

 

Amsoil?