Greetings,

I only have two gripes about my Tacoma; everything else is great:

1) The DRUM rear brakes - I'll live with doing the periodic adjustments, because the self-adjusters don't seem to do it effectively.

2) Replacing the oil filter is a PITA! I don't know if I'm missing something, but it seems the only way to remove the filter is to remove the front skid plate, then it's still a Houdini act with one arm and always spills oil out the sideways-mounted filter when unscrewed.

I guess I have been spoiled by all the Chevy V8s I've owned - filter mounted upright next to the oil pan. Funny, the Toyota service manual doesn't mention a word about access - just remove the filter from the left side of the block. Sounds easy...

Does anyone know of an easier way to replace the filter on these? I've thought about the remote filter kit, but I'm leary of leaks, hose failures, filter damage, etc. I saw one member had a hose fitting separate - NFG!

ps: I see Toyota moved the filter to the front top on the 2005 model, with a scupper drain. Sweet! Guess they knew it was a problem until '04.

Thanks for any help,

 

Ben,
It is very easy. Forget about removing the PITA skid plate.

Crank you steering all he way to the left. Look inside the wheel well just forward of the coil spring. You'll see a rubber splash cover held on by a handful of plastic snaps. Remove these, let the cover hang down, and view in amazement the oil filter right in front of you.

I use a 'Lisle' brand spring loaded oil filter wrench, a u-joint, and two farily long extensions to break the filter loose. Then I reach in, spin the old one off, clean the surface, and spin the new one on.

I did the skid-plate thing one time when I first purchased the truck in 2001. After gouging my forearm and getting oil all over the place, I sat back and gave it another look. 105,000 miles and 30+ oil changes later.....



Andreas

 

Andreas,
Thanks for the info! I remember looking at trying the side access before, but I didn't remove the rubber flap fasteners. I will give it a try soon. I notice you have a 993; I have an '85 911 Carerra coupe - love it! Just changed the clutch on that myself... saved big bucks.

Cheers,

 

Ben,
My pleasure. Any pics of the '85? Here's my '95:




P.S. I just replaced the clutch slave cylinder - super fun.........


Andreas

 

Andreas,
I need to take some digital photos of mine. I'll send directly so we don't get too much off the Yota track here. It's "White Gold Metallic", which is a light gold color - somewhat uncommon. Your 993 is beautiful.

Regards,
Ben

ps: Check out the Pelican forum for the Porsche - very good.

 

Ben,
Sounds good - I look forward to some snaps.

I'm a pretty avid 'Rennlist' participant - fantastic forum with a wealth of technical and DIY knowledge.

I order many items from Pelican - great company. The forums are excellent as well.

Andreas

 

no, post them here...I would love to see your porsche!! I've always loved them, but never gotten into them. Yet.

 

theres nothing wrong with posting a rear engine beast!

lets see that 911

 

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Technical assistance from members of this forum shall cease until such date that Ben (Tuhcoma) successfully uploads photos of said Carrera!















Andreas

 

I just get underneath the cat, and put my arm up through where the exhaust pipe goes, and it's no problem. No tools required.

Also, isn't it true that if you actually have to "crack" the seal of an old filter, that it was on there too tight to begin with?

 

ricky,
Do you have the 3.4 V6 or the 4-cylinder?

A typical oil filter should be hand-tightened an additional 3/4 of a turn (or so) after the gasket makes contact with the filter mount. I'm not sure I'd consider that the filter was too tight if it needed to be 'cracked'. Then again, I'm the only one who does oil changes on our cars.

Andreas

 

2.7 liter. When I install the filter, I tighten it to the point where I could probably tighten it more, but I've definitely got it on there tight. Then it just comes right off w/no tools.

 

you definitely shouldn't have to crank your oil filter on there at all. You may end up breaking a lot of the black plastic studs that hold that rubber in the wheel well. You can go to your local Toyota dealership and pick up a pack of them for dirt cheap.