DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

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I used to do oil changes with my dad a long time ago on our family sedans. Since having a family of my own and just owning the one car, the pricing for dealer servicing for my Tarago doesn't seem so bad. Now with the Prado as our 2nd car and a bigger family, it's time to save money and get my hands dirty again. That and the fact that the oil filter is so easily seen, it seems too easy. I can't even find the oil filter on my Tarago.

I need your help in selecting some gear:
1. Trolley jack - I'm thinking the 2000kg as it seems to have a higher raised height
2. Axle stands - not sure which ones (pin, screw or ratchet) and what capacity. When it says 1400kg, is that each stand or per pair?

Then the procedure for changing oil:
1. This one is debatable - run the engine to reduce viscosity or leave it overnight for all the oil to drain to the sump
2. Jack up or drive up ramps (anyone use ramps)
3. Undo sump bolt and lower jack so that the car is back on the level
4. Undo oil filter
5. Install new oil filter
6. Jack up and replace sump bolt (I might replace it with the Fumoto oil valve)
7. Fill 'er up with 5.2L
8. Run engine for a few minutes and check for leaks

The manual specifies 10W30 grade oil. 10W40 Castrol Magnatec seems to be more common. Will 10W40 be better for the hot Adelaide conditions we get here or is it still better to stick with 10W30 for better efficiency?

And when jacking up the car, do you jack up just one side? Is there a central jacking point where once jacked up, I can put both axle stands in? Or do I need to jack up one side at a time.

Thanks in advance.

[fishfinder Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close fishfinder]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

My Prado is not lifted never bothered with jack also remember to wipe a bit of oil on filter seal and replace sump plug washer with new washer

[Snappa Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Snappa]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

I do my own minor servicing (1KZ-TE) and I don't use a jack at all - I just crawl underneath, drop the bash plate, drain the oil (usually leave it to drain while I watch a bit of telly or do some household chores) then fill 'er back up.

I'm a biggish guy (6', 100kgs) and I find there is ample clearance underneath, even enough to grease uni's and slide yokes

Cheers

Snappa

[dereki Member Find all posts View Profile Close dereki]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

I do my oil, and grease the unis etc. without a jack as well. standard height.

The only thing I find a pain is that the drain hose from the dish thingy that
collects the filter oil and sends it out near the sump plug drips for ages
after a change. I think it is blocked up bit becuase I have to use a srynge
to suck all the old oil out of the thingy before adding the new filter.

D

[pjorek Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close pjorek]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

i've done servicing by myself before...on sedans and since this is my first 4wd, what "unis" do i need to grease up? and what kind of grease do u guys use?

[dereki Member Find all posts View Profile Close dereki]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

Try here heaps of info.
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=4663

D

[pml120r Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pml120r]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

Hi amts,
If you use geniune oil filters they come pre-lubacated,and I have found if you use
a old coke bottle to catch the oil from the filter drain it dosn't make a mass over
the drive belt if it is a V6.For the greasing of the tailshafts I use HTB ( high temp
bearing grease) or a molly base grease but it is normanally htb grease in the grease gun
have had no problems with the uni and slip joints in the past.
:twisted: peter

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

I haven't replaced the nylon sump plug washer - ever!

Never leaks.

My 98 V6 is a pain to remove filter because I have to drop the bash plates to gain access unlike the 09 D4D which has the filter nice and high.

[karrathaprado2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close karrathaprado2]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

Haven't replaced the nylon sump plug washer - ever!

But it is a good practice to start. They can get depressed wrong and could cause drama's...cheap drama stopper :lol:

[OldGreyGuy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close OldGreyGuy]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

Haven't replaced the nylon sump plug washer - ever!

But it is a good practice to start. They can get depressed wrong and could cause drama's...cheap drama stopper :lol:

Anyone used one of the Fumoto plugs?

A short discussion in this link

[QUICKY Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close QUICKY]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

The only thing I find a pain is that the drain hose from the dish thingy that
collects the filter oil and sends it out near the sump plug drips for ages
after a change. I think it is blocked up bit becuase I have to use a srynge
to suck all the old oil out of the thingy before adding the new filter.

I found the drain hose full of mud after a trip and a piece of wire pushed in from the top and bottom soon cleared it.With the oil driping from the drain hose I found the easy way to clean it out was to spray around the well of the filter fitting with degreaser in one of those cheap hand pump bottles and let it drip into the drip tray, cleans it out in no time

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

Thanks guys. You've saved me a bit for more Prado accessories.
Just need to get a grease gun and grease. Are there any particular recommendations?

[fishfinder Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close fishfinder]

Re: DIY minor service - oil & oil filter

I haven't replaced the nylon sump plug washer - ever!

Never leaks.

My 98 V6 is a pain to remove filter because I have to drop the bash plates to gain access unlike the 09 D4D which has the filter nice and high.

I dont allways its only if i remember to grab one or a few when i buy the service items but i will use rodorseal on the old washer if i do forget . And on the 90 series v6 the filter is a pain to get to , but taking the bash plate off gives you a good view at the front for inspection of any leaks