When to change oil after used 4Runner purchase?

I bought a used 4 runner 5 gen, i was looking at changing the oil.

I don't know when the oil was changed last the oil looks new there are no service stickers or anything on the windows.

Should i just change it? I do not see a oil life left indicator in the dash, i found one in the radio settings but it is empty.

Also any tips on how to get a good reading on the dip stick? As it seems to smear when you take it out.

 

I would, because…why not? It would also give you a chance to get up close and personal with it. If it has stripped out skid plate bolts or is missing skid plates, then you know it’s been serviced

Reading the dipstick is easiest after it’s been sitting a while, on the first pull. Once you do it twice, it starts to get all smeared.

Get yourself a good filter wrench that grabs the tabs of the filter housing.

Congrats on the 4runner! How many miles?

 

Just change it at the next 5k interval and then every 5k thereafter.

Regarding getting a good reading on the dipstick Ive heard two strategies. One is to pull the dipstick out and press it against a paper towel and then see where the oil has marked the paper towel. Another tip is to pull the dipstick out of the tube and leave the tube to drain completely before taking a reading.

 

Pull it out and in a few times, and then remove it for 1/2 hour. The level reading is perfect after that. I have not burned a drop ever, between 57k and 108k.

 

20K miles it does have all the skid plates i went under it and checked before i bought it.

I have one of these as i have a tundra and it's uses what looks to be the same filter housing.

$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?ie=UTF8

 

I am tempted but i am one of them people that likes and swears by only one brand of oil.

Besides i wonder what oil/filter they used could be garbage.

 

Those motivex tools used to have the slots to grab the ears, so it has an absolute lock on the housing. But I’ve heard the new ones don’t. It shouldnt be a problem as long as you make sure it’s seated on well before loosening the housing.


NAPA still makes a wrench with the slots on it. But it costs like 40 bucks or so.

 

I ‘m sorry Chris, but once my opinion has been rendered it must be followed. By asking the question you have surrendered all autonomy.

As for the quality of the oil, haven’t you tasted it?

 

Mine does not lock on the ears only the bottom part of the housing, i did get it off but whoever did it last had it so tight i had to use a impact wrench. It looked like the oil had been changed but not the filter.

What is the metal clip on the filter housing for anyway?

I don't really like how that filter housing works what is wrong with a spin on filter. Took me like 2 hours to change. That TRD skid plate is a pain to align by yourself.

 

Not tasted but i did give it the smell test.

 

The Manuel calls for 6.6 quarts i put in 6 and its to the middle of the dip stick.

 

Welcome and enjoy the dreaded oil change especially the TRD skid plate. There are other much better options and you can find them here.

 

I can’t believe you changed it against my advice! This is going to mean trouble.

Did you torque the oil filter housing and oil filter housing drain plug? If you did your next oil change will be a breeze.

 

Have you noticed the plates have little hooks so you can hang them first, and then tilt them up? They’re quite handy.

 

Please go easy on him! He didn’t know!

 

I thought that was only on the stock plates?

 

actually i did found the specs on a forum. I need a better torgue wrench mine is 1/2 not sure if a adapter affects the setting.

 

It’s a good idea, so maybe other skid plates have them. But I know my stock steel ones have hooks on the front and rear skid.

 

Wait a minute. I have a certain standing on this board. When a new guy posts up asking for advice, I offer it, and he doesn’t take it - well that tarnishes the sterling reputation of my bogus anonymous online persona. I can’t sit still for that. There will be retribution.

Chris, via your IP address I’m going to find out where you live. Then, in the middle of the night I will alight on your 4Runner, dressed in ninja garb, and perform a stealthy secret oil change, and I will use generic unbranded convenience store oil. And the most diabolical part: you won’t even know it happened! Think of it! Your your 4Runner running for months on inferior oil. Muahahahaha!

 

A simple 1/2” -> 3/8” reducer is linear and (assuming it’s not complete garbage) shouldn’t affect the reading.

 

Just the thought of that is like finger nails down a chalk board!

unbranded oil!!! what a night mare.

 

I tried Chrisx, but I should have known better. The three-toed shoe wearing ninja’s been let loose!

 

Congrats on the new 4runner Chris, ya'll might look into TRD oil filters and 5W30 oil before next change.

 

my 4runner 2016 new is the 7K-8K miles of the engine oil change. my runner is dropping a 1/3 of a QT...on the stick then the oil is very good LT yellow color ..
the oil engine was out around 1 hr.....engine was hot engine oil dropped it ..I did the Mobil 0-20wt synthetic around 6 qts a little ....
also grease the drive shafts and the yoke

 

Always follow what Manuel tells you.

 

I have found that using the exact amount the manuel calls for fills it to much. Maybe from some of the previous oil still being in the system BUT the manuel says oil level between 1-3 is normal.

 

You are going to believe the dipstick as compared to how much the manual tells you to put in? If you changed the filter and only put 6 quarts in then you are .6 of a quart low no matter what the dipstick says.

 

Hmm. I consider both the dipstick and the manual to be equally authoritative. I wouldn’t be so quick as you to favor one over the other.

 

Manual gives me an idea, but the dipstick has the final say.
The manual doesn't know what didn't drain out.

I would do an oil change right away on a used car regardless.

 

You got it backwards! The dipstick is the truth on the ground. That is the final check. Remember, it’s problem to be .6 over the top dipstick level, but it’s not a problem whatsoever to be anywhere between the top dot and bottom dot. So going by only the book estimated values is not the right way to do it.