Anyone know what oil filter wrench fitting is best for a 4runner

I have seen this done on the tube, but want to have the right fitting to remove the filter housing before I start. Thanks.

 

Motivx.

 

I have both MotivX filter wrenches (old style and new style). The difference is the old style grabs the tabs on the oil filter housing and the new style grabs the concave divots on the bottom of the housing.

I actually prefer the old style as the new style tolerances are so tight it's a bear to get it off the filter housing.

 

Concur. I have the new style and changed the oil yesterday and left the filter wrench on the housing until I replaced the cartridge and tightened it, then was able to wiggle the tool off.

But, it wasn't that bad and worked great. However, I have a metal cartridge housing that I upgraded to.

 

In my opinion I would get the new style of MotivX. I had one that I got at the dealership that grabbed the tabs and it broke all the tabs off. I brought my wife’s van in to get the “free” oil change and they put that sucker on there so tight that I literally destroyed the plastic oil filter housing trying to get it off. I had to buy a new one because of them. Never again am I letting the dealership do my “free” oil changes. The new MotivX style is so tight that would have had no problem taking the housing off.

Thank goodness I called out the dealership that did this and they replaced the housing ”free” of charge (took 1.5 hours round trip in driving to get it). Just used it not long ago on my wife’s sienna and my 4Runner. It was no problem at all. Smooth at butter just wiggle it off after putting it back on or right after you get the filter housing loose as it is a tight fit.

 

It is critical to install the filter housing to the correct torque. It seals with and o-ring, not compression of the gasket in a traditional filter. Besides the motivex filter wrench, would be a good idea to invest in a torque wrench that puts the recommended torque somewhere in the middle of its range

 

This is the one I purchased from my dealership. It has served me well.

 

I’m surprised the motivx tool doesnt make use of both the bottom of the housing AND the tabs. Never seen a picture of the business end of one; so I dont know how they differ from any old school wrench used on can filters.

I have one that makes use of all points of contact, and it basically wraps around the whole thing allow for no misalignment, slipping, or stripping. I think I got it napa for 20 or 30 bucks if I recall


I also think it’s important to not hit these housings with a ton of torque. The solid grip mine has allows for slow even pressure as you slog your way through all the turns needed for loosening it past the o-ring. That barrel style o-ring interface gives a ton of resistance under normal circumstances, and wont simply spin free once broken loose like screwed-in things normally do (Not until the o-ring clears the barrel area)

 

Do you happen to have the NAPA part number? I like that version.

 

The old style MotivX grabs both the tabs and bottom of the filter housing. I actually prefer this and agree you have to turn the filter housing smoothly so you don't damage the tabs. Also, don't over-torque it when installing.

Old Style pics




The new style only grabs the bottom of the housing. My issue with it is that it is too tight and gets stuck when you torque it on. You pretty much have to turn it back the other way (loosen) to get it to release.

New style pics

 

The new one looks like a step backwards. Even how it grabs at the bottom is not as good because it looks more prone to strip the housing. The old one doesn’t touch the corners of the flats, which is a nicer design.

 

After using both, I agree that the new one is a step backwards. The new one fits the housing tighter than the old one and they say it's better because of that. In my experience, that is the problem with it.

 

I found the oil filter wrench from Snap-On to be a perfect fit.

 

Found it… although it looks like it has less slots than the one I have. But at least it has a slots. Cripes it’s expensive…I dont know what came over me when I bought it

Can’t complain though…it’s served me better than any other filter wrench I’ve ever owned.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SER773152?impressionRank=1

 

Agree on the need to torque it correctly in general. But I thought these new barrel style o-ring arrangements make the O-ring less sensitive to torque compared to compression o-rings. The seal along the inside of the barrel should be the same just entering the barrel, or when it’s screwed all the way home. Unless the inside diameter of the barrel get smaller the deeper it goes, but even then, torquing too much or too little shouldnt affect the effectiveness of the seal itself. However, it’s no excuse to not torque it correctly.

All that extra friction that o-ring has to endure on the way up the barrel means replacing and lubing them is really important, or else it could come out of the recess it sits in, or it could stick/tear as you twist and twist, and twist…

 

Agreed. Based on the design, it looks to be less sensitive to under-torquing it. I probably should have clarified, the torque wrench is important to prevent over-torturing it to minimize the risk of damaging it.

 

Whats is the recommended torque to put on one of these?

 

Hand tight with a wrench. Don't crank down on it and don't leave it bare hand tight.

 

MotivX

 

Might be hard to turn these new style filter housing by hand…at least it is for me. I’m sure there is a torque value out there (I think it was less than 30ftlbs). If your not familiar by feel, probably best to use a torque wrench.

Basically, tight enough, but not super tight lol

 

There's pressure there but not crazy pressure and there's an O ring. With a 3/8" drive I probably put 15-20ft lbs on it with my wrist alone. I don't use my arm to pull it tight.

 

That describes it perfectly…”dont use your arms to pull it tight”. If using a ratchet, choking up a bit on the handle helps to not overtighten.

 

Always go with MotivX

 

18 is for the filter and 9 is for the drain on the bottom of the filter

 

Thank you. Ive been way over tightening mine....