Oil Change - How to avoid a mess when dropping the oil filter???

After doing two oil changes now I'm a little annoyed at the oil filter situation. The first time I only let the oil filter drain a couple minutes before I pulled the housing. Big mistake, oil came gushing out and made a big mess when I removed the housing. At the time I though no biggie, I just need to let it drain longer.

The second time I let it drain for at least 15 minutes . When I got back under there it was only dripping once about every15 seconds so I thought I was good. Wrong!!! I still had a gusher when I dropped the filter housing. How long do you need to let the SOB drain to avoid a mess???

The first change was with a cold engine, the second hot. Neither really seemed to facilitate draining the filter housing.

Also, what's the point of the little formed sheet metal clip that slips on to the side of the housing? It's barely hangs on there and I don't really see what function it would provide.

On a positive note, my first oil change since installing the ValvoMax drain plug. That thing is the bomb! Going on the rest of the fleet at the next oil change!

 

Did you remove the oil cap to allow it to breathe and let the oil drain better? I use the little oil filter drain adapter thing and it has never been an issue for me. I usually remove oil cap, drain oil pan for 15-20 min or so, put bolt back in, then drain oil filter for 5 min and remove filter. it's not completely dry or empty, but its not full of oil.

 

I just pull the front skid and don't bother draining the filter bowl. You can try a flexible funnel like this

$32 OilUdder XL Oil Change Tool - Oil Filters up to 4" Diameter, Spill Free Oil Filter Removal, Magnetic Drain Plug Catch, Flexible Funnel for Mess Free Oil Changes, Engine Oil Funnel with Magnet

https://www.amazon.com/OIL-UDDER-Magnetic-Flexible-Diameter/dp/B08LGRP33M Grip the filter bowl with the funnel when loosening the last couple of threads.

 

Are you using the little drain fitting to drain the housing?

And, even if you do use that, there always seems to be some oil left in the housing. I just keep the drain pan underneath and keep the housing level as I remove it, so I can dump it into the drain pan.

 

Motiv tool helps alot cutting down on mess.

Motivx Tools Oil Filter Drain Tool Compatible with Toyota, Lexus and Scion Vehicles with Cartridge Style Oil Filter Systems

$30 Motivx Tools Oil Filter Drain Tool Compatible with Toyota, Lexus and Scion Vehicles with Cartridge Style Oil Filter Systems

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087QQW3S8

https://www.motivxtools.com/products/toyota-lexus-oil-filter-drain-tool

 

Motivx drain. Get the cap tool too.

 

I haven't changed my oil yet. I've only had it a week but I have two other Toyotas. For my Tundra I take that little plastic part they give you to drain the housing and I put in a wine bottle and push it up in there to drain the oil. Then I dump it in my oil catch. I've never made a mess

 

My responses to the first six responses above:

I didn't remove the filler cap up front. However, after the engine oil has drained fully the crankcase is obviously vented. Removing the filler cap can't hurt so I'll add that to the mix next time.

I had pulled the front skid since I was swapping it out anyways so thankfully I had more room to work. My aftermarket skid has a door to access the filter, however, based on my first two experiences I'll probably just drop it anyways to help minimize the mess. Might need to try that funnel.

Yes, I'm threading in the little plastic drain fitting into the bottom of the filter housing.

I'm not sure how the Motivx drain tool is any better than the plastic one that comes with every replacement filter other than keeping the hands cleaner. I don't see how it would be more effective at draining the housing.

I do have the Motivx cap tool, it's very nice!

I guess messy oil changes must be a Toyota thing.

 

Loosen the filter housing first, just a tiny bit, make it move so you can unscrew it by hand later. Then drain the housing. After a minute or so of the filter housing draining, and while it's still draining, loosen the filter housing by hand past the sealing o-ring. That lets housing breath and completely drain the rest with no mess.

 

I'll give it a try! Thx...

 

Problem is draining the housing from the bottom-impossible to not get oil on your arm.

 

This has been my experience too.

 

Don't use the filter drain. IMO it's garbage. The whole thing is a garbage design but the drain tricks you into thinking you've voided the filter and then suddenly there's oil draining into your armpit.

Just take the filter cover off, leaving the drain plug in place. As you crack the filter cover and it starts loosening by hand, take a plastic grocery bag abd cover your hand and wrap the sides of it upwards over the filter cover, grab the filter cover by hand, and remove it through and then into the plastic bag. All the oil glops into the bag and you can retrieve the filter cover, old filter, and tube at your leisure and with rags ready to go.

 

That's actually genius. Thank you.

 

I changed my Land Cruiser filter every 5k & oil every 10k.

Can I change the filter only on my '18 4runner? (I've been using the dealership every 5k since I got it ).

Thanks!

 

Or you can do all of that with less oil by draining the filter canister first.

 

I've never found that to be the case, personally.

 

I have never heard of anyone doing that; seems a bit excessive. Most people that do that would change the oil every 5k and filter every 10k. I just do both every 10k or 1 year whichever comes first. I think 5k/6 month intervals is unnecessary and troublesome.

 

That's kind of an ignorant thing to say. It is 100% better than that plastic bullshit thing that comes with the filter. It's aluminum and it threads into the base of the filter housing. Then, when that's set, another threaded piece screws into that and depresses the spring-loaded ball in the bottom of the filter housing (when you're ready). There's a length of flexible PVC tubing attached to the bottom of the tool that directs ALL of the oil into whatever container you use to catch the oil. No oil on the hands. Spend the money on this tool. It's worth every penny.
Oil Filter Drain Tool Oil Filter Release Hose Tube Pipe Fit for Toyota, Lexus, Scion 2.0L - 5.7L Engines with Cartridge Style Oil Filter System
Brand: POWERWORKS

$14 POWERWORKS Oil Filter Drain Tool Oil Filter Release Hose Tube Pipe Fit for Toyota, Lexus, Scion 2.0L - 5.7L Engines with Cartridge Style Oil Filter System

315 ratings
Amazon'sChoiceOverall Pick






200+ bought in past month




$13.99$13.99









One-Day

$5 Prime Visa

Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval for Prime Visa. No annual fee.




















Brand POWERWORKS
Material Brass, Polyvinyl Chloride
Item Package Quantity 1
Head Style Fixed Square, Box End, Open End
Finish Type Powder Coated
About this item

• PREMIUM QUALITY: This tool made of high quality heavy brass and include one 39 Inch PVC hose. Allows you to direct the oil into your oil disposal container, help you cut down on the mess even further. Fits Toyota Filter Housing Part# 15620-36020 & 15620-36010.
• INSTRUCTIONS：you simply remove the drain plug of the oil filter housing and screw in the tool in the closed position, and then turn the wheel to the open the valve to let the oil drain out. When the oil finishes draining, turn the wheel again to close the valve, remove the tool, and then proceed to remove the oil filter housing as normal.
• FEATURES ADN ADVANTAGES：changing the cartridge type Toyota oil filters is messy compared to their old spin on oil filters. After using this tool to empty the oil filter housing, the job of changing the oil filter cartridge is a lot neater .
• FITS THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE MODELS: Fit for Toyota, Lexus, Scion 2.0L - 5.7L Engines with cartridge style oil filter system. If you are not sure whether the oil filterdrain tool will fit, please contact us before purchasing.
• WHAT YOU'LL GET: 1x Engine Oil Drain Hose, Place order with 100% confidence, we provide 1 click refund for our valued customers in 3month. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and we are always stand by your side to issue your problems.

 

Speak for yourself

 

That's a little strong. For me, the plastic thing that comes with the filter makes more sense.

1. I don't need a tube to redirect oil anywhere. I already have a drain pan under the filter canister.
2. I don't need a tube that now has oil in it to drip somewhere else.
3. The plastic thing is free.

 

You do you man.

 

As others have chimed in, the cartridge filter arrangement doesn't lead to a mess for most people, but can be finnicky. The cartridge filter arrangement seemed like a good idea back in 2010. Toyota has since recanted and went back to steel canister filters with the 2022+ Tundra/Sequoia, 2024+ Tacoma, and soon the 2025+ 4Runner.

 

Bypass oil filtration.

 

It started with the 2nd Gen Tundra in 2007. I had one when they first came out and remember thinking how odd it was. What I like about it is there is no more cutting open traditional filters to inspect for metal or foreign objects in the filter. I still appreciate that to this day.

I suppose after 18 years of changing oil on the Tundra and then the 4Runner, I've sort of perfected the no mess oil change. It does take some practice.

 

First off, best of luck dealing with your anger issues. Hopefully you can get the help you apparently need.

Second, I acknowledged that it would keep your hands cleaner (or in my case, rubber glove on one hand). What I questioned was whether it was any more effective at removing the oil from the housing. I don't see why this would remove more oil than the "FREE" plastic fitting that comes with every replacement filter element.

 

I bet yall have to take a shower after you shit huh

 

MotivX tools.

 

Yep. It's so simple.