Oil Change

I'd like to start changing my own oil on my 3rd gen Tacoma (2020) and am looking for a list of tools/accessories I should have to make this a smooth process as well as recommendations for oil, filters, etc... Links to products would be appreciated if you have recommendations that won't break the bank. Basically, I'm trying to put together a completely start-from-scratch shopping list of all tools, accessories, oil, etc... that I'll need to take on this project.

Ratchet set
Oil filter wrench
Oil container
Oil filter
Oil (quantity 2 since 6.1/6.2 quarts are needed)
Are torque wrenches recommended? If so, any recommendations on which I should buy?

Any other recommendations (oil, filters, places to buy, other tools that would make the job easier, etc...) are welcome that you'd give if you were giving your kid a primer on getting started on this stuff. I've had trouble finding a thread that spells it out at this basic of a level. Thanks in advance!

 

you only need 6 quarts of oil. you will not drain every single ounce out, and filling to 6.2 may cause overfill. I buy six, put in 5.5 or so, check, fill more if needed, check, and call it good. MotivX makes a great filter wrench that may cost a bit more but will be great. some recommend the Fumoto valve for the oil pan. I don't have it but it seems to be a good product. torque specs for everything can be found HERE

 

https://www.motivxtools.com/collect...wrench-mx2301-funnel-mx2341-drain-tool-bundle

Not necessary but very helpful.

I'm also a fan of,

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Chevron-...Skk-lfWwREDT-_vlvV-HuvYH5EQLuQkQaAjYsEALw_wcB

It's easy to pour the new oil into the engine and the old oil back into the box. At 5K mile changes I don't sweat the brand, but focus on the correct weight and availability.

 

In my experience the open-top drain pans cause less splashing: https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/.../a/149102/automotive-truck-2020-toyota-tacoma

Basic pointy funnel sits in the filler neck well, also works for other fluids like power steering (which has a small fill hole): https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/.../a/149102/automotive-truck-2020-toyota-tacoma

Cheap, loose-fitting filter wrenches can tweak the filter cap and cause leaks. Happened to me. I ended up replacing the filter cap and got a good Motivx filter wrench:

$30 Motivx Tools Oil Filter Wrench for Toyota Camry, Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner, RAV4 and More - 64mm 14 Flute Precision CNC Machined Aluminum Oil Filter Removal Tool

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XTAGHU0/

The oil fill cap can be tight. I think the rubber gasket under the cap just likes to stick to the filler neck plastic. Have a pair of non-marring smooth jaw pliers handy for that.

 

If you don't want to deal with the messy cartridge filter, I'd recommend getting a Baxter spin on oil filter adapter. I've done it on mine and it made changing the oil filter much easier.

 

I like to use OEM filters, but that’s just me.

https://parts.toyota.com/p/Engine-Oil-Filter-Element/69279893/04152YZZA1.html

 

There is a lot of Seal Drag with the filter canisters (the tech did not over-tighten it, blah blah blah [I torque mine and it's still a bitch to unthread]) and I have found that the 3/8" ratchet is not long or stiff enough. Get a 20" or longer 1/2" breaker bar and with gentle even pressure the canister unthreads easily.

 

Or a breaker bar (I have one ... no ratchet gearing to worry about) and a hammer or rubber mallet.

 

Good quality tools, don’t go cheap. If you do this a few times you will buy them anyway. Ramps makes it easier. A good flashlight to inspect under the truck, and creeper. And plenty of shop towels. And above all, put your watch away.

 

Back before even LCD watches (remember those?) were a thing a friend who is (was? Been a few years) an automechanic bought bulk ultra-cheap watches. If one dired in an oil-flood it was tossed for loss of $2.

 

Thanks for the torque specs and other recs. Is a torque wrench a requirement for this job? If so, any recommendations on a solid one to buy?

That's the one topic I don't think I've gotten a solid answer to on in this thread so far.

 

Torque wrench will be needed eventually if you keep following this DIY path. Installing skid plates yourself you will need them. If you do not get a Fumoto (or ValvoMax) easy-oil-drain plug you will continually remove/reinstall the plug manually and possibly leave loose or break off the head.

My thought was to just buy a Kobalt from Lowes or AutoZone. Few will fault Kobalt as "wothless crap".

 

Thanks, I think I saw that filter wrench on a youtube video. I just worry about the open top drain pans spilling on the way to the auto parts store, but also don't want splashing. Good to know.

As far as the oil fill cap, would using regular pliers with a rag work for getting it off without damaging the cap?

 

Motivx sells a screw-on tube that can direct the oil through the top of something like a milk bottle (but hot oil and a milk bottle may be wrong). Still ... direct into a hot-oil-safe bag.

Fumoto and VavloMax do the same for draining from the pan.

 

Just drain and put in 6qts and don’t even bother checking the oil dip stick

 

Thanks. Would one with these specs get the job done for most/all of the DIY projects I can expect to tackle?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-8-in-Drive-Click-Torque-Wrench-20-ft-lb-to-100-ft-lb/5001994699

It's 3/8" and 20-100 ft-lb

 

I am not sure what needs 200 ft-lb (others can say what), but for $65 I would not find fault with your choice. Unless others say you need accuracy at 10 ft-lbs.

EDIT: Looked again and see the increments are 10-ft-lbs. Skid plates show torque specs of 33 ft-lbs. Perhaps one that is 10-100, increments of 1 ft-lb.

 

Pour new oil in after draining old oil and filter. Pour old oil in to now empty oil container using a funnel. Put cap back on and use a black felt to mark as used. Take to recycler easily.

 

Get a small bucket. Not a normal oil pan you’ll blow oil all over the floor. I use a dollar tree bucket.

 

Its not even readable tbh but that’s already been said 100 times here.