Oil filter relocation? Where?

[PyroRob]

Hey all,

I have a '04 Taco DC 4x4 Ltd and am tired of having the oil drip down my arm when I change the filter, and decided to buy a relocation kit. (I know, I have seen the comments about using a plastic bag, it's still a PITA.)

My question to you all who have also moved your filter is "Where did you move it to?" Does it need to be mounted at any particular height? Would it be better to mount it on the frame versus in one of the fenders/firewall/etc?

I bought the double filter adapter from Perma Cool, and although they recommend using the Fram PH8A (a Ford filter), I certainly don't want to use a Fram filter. (I have read several of the filter reviews from the people who have cut them apart.)

While watching the tube the other night, I put the filter mount together and found that the stock Toy filters fit it just fine (Toy p/n 08922-02011). They have the drainback valve built in, plus, I figure if there are any problems, it' eliminates the issue with the dealer blaming the oil filter for engine problems. (They are also only about $2.50 at the dealer, with a family member's employee discount .

For those who are wondering why I bought the double filter kit, I drive about 600 miles/week and my oil comes out black after 5K miles. I use the stock filters, Castrol GTX 5W-30, and don't pull any thing, all driving is highway and usually at ~70-85 mph. I would like to keep this truck around for a long time and want to take care of it right from the beginning. (I had a 68 Corona untill it had 400K on it, then sold to my sis and she drove for another 400K, she sold it for what she paid me for it .

Thanks all,

--->Rob

[Flash75]

"Toy filters fit it just fine (Toy p/n 08922-02011). They have the drainback valve built in, plus, I figure if there are any problems, it' eliminates the issue with the dealer blaming the oil filter for engine problems."

Have you considered that even though you are using Toyoto oil filters the dealer may blame the remote oil filter mount or hose installation in event you have a problem? Actually the PH8 has an anti-drain back valve as do most if not all after market filters. I don't think Fram quality is great, I had one fail on a Nissan due to a faulty anti-drain back valve. I don't use Fram in any car or truck. I also buy Toyoto filters for my Tacoma. If you plan to mount the remote with the filters hanging down anti-drain back is not a problem even if the filter doesn't have one.

As for location, either a frame location or body location should be ok, there will be some hose flexing in either case. Too much hose flexing may cause hoses to fail. I don't know if Toyota has an overbuilt or just an adequate lubrication system. My gut feeling is that penny pinching at corporate level would dictate they use only what is needed. You should try to keep the oil hoses as short as possible. No sharp bends and do not use 90 degree fittings. Two filters, long hoses and sharp turns can add extra work for the oil pump. You may also find it takes longer for oil pressure to build up after a cold start. I always thought oil was supposed to turn black, I know some vehicles are worse than others, Toyota seems to have several engines that have sludge problems. Back when detergent oil wasn't recommended or commonly used oil would come out of the engine almost clear, guess what you found in the oil pan when you did a 50k mile bearing and ring job because the engine was worn out?

BTW, I'm not opposed to a remote filter, I'm just pointing out some possible areas that should be considered when making the switch. I thought oil filter changes on my Tacoma would be easy, but like you I hate it although it's not as messy on the Toyota as it was on the Nissan Frontier I owned. Their filter doesn't hang down. Let us know how the remote works out.

Clifton Gordon

[Brian R.]

Here's a good idea:
http://www.autoenginelube.com/pages/903473/index.htm

[PyroRob]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

Here's a good idea:
http://www.autoenginelube.com/pages/903473/index.htm

Ok, my question is, does anyone have experience with this product? Like so many other things people try to sell, it sounds good in theory (Slick 50?) but does anyone have any experience with it?

--->Rob

[wrigley123]

This is one of the easiest vehicles I have ever owned to change the oil. I my honda, the filter is mouted vertically above the CV boots. In my daughters Cavalier, the filter is also mounted vertically, and the only way you can get the filter in and out is through the wheel well.

Mike

[PyroRob]

Originally Posted by wrigley123

This is one of the easiest vehicles I have ever owned to change the oil.
Mike

Yeah, it's easy but I don't want the mess on my new driveway, or running down my elbow.

The easiest I have had was a 68/69 Corona that used cartridge filters. Loosened the center bolt, the canister dropped down, and you tipped it over into the pan.

Sorry for sounding like a wimp, I have been lucky enough to have new vehicles, every couple of years, for about the past 10 years, as well as being able to afford to have the dealer do the oil changes. (I got tired of changing rod/main bearings in the snow covered parking lot of an apartment building). I'm trying to get back "in touch" with my truck again.

Thanks all,

--->Rob

[wrigley123]

I can understand that. Do you still have warranty left on this truck? If so, I would much rather have oil run down my arm and onto my driveway then risk the warranty by modifying the oil filter!

Mike

[PyroRob]

Originally Posted by wrigley123

I can understand that. Do you still have warranty left on this truck? If so, I would much rather have oil run down my arm and onto my driveway then risk the warranty by modifying the oil filter!

Mike

I'm not sure. I didn't buy an extended and it has 23K on it, less than a year old.

I have to take it in this week for a TSB on hard starting due to a funky ground point/engine harness. Also figured I would let them do the 30K on it since I have never flushed an auto trans before without a teardown (only on TH350's and TH400's)

--->Rob

[wrigley123]

Originally Posted by PyroRob

I'm not sure. I didn't buy an extended and it has 23K on it, less than a year old.

I have to take it in this week for a TSB on hard starting due to a funky ground point/engine harness. Also figured I would let them do the 30K on it since I have never flushed an auto trans before without a teardown (only on TH350's and TH400's)

--->Rob

Rob,

You have a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty, and a 6 year 60,000 mile warranty on the powertrain. I wouldn't be modifying anything during your warranty period. It sounds like do a lot of driving also. I have a 2003 Tacoma. It currently has 44,000 miles on it. I drive about 100 miles a day just back and forth to work.

Mike

[PyroRob]

Originally Posted by wrigley123

Rob,

You have a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty, and a 6 year 60,000 mile warranty on the powertrain. I wouldn't be modifying anything during your warranty period. It sounds like do a lot of driving also. I have a 2003 Tacoma. It currently has 44,000 miles on it. I drive about 100 miles a day just back and forth to work.

Mike

I drive ~65 miles each way to work.

I just changed the oil again last night and managed to drip it on the driveway, again... I shouldn't put the filter kit on until the 60K is over, even if I can remove the spin on kit?

--->Rob

[corbinwaterski]

Go to Wal-Mart and buy a cheap door mat. The ones that have the straw looking material on the top and they have a good 1/4" thick piece of rubber on the bottom. Put this under the truck when you change the oil. Just a suggestion!