Maybe someone can elighten me as to why Toyota puts the oil filters on so tight. I can't really say it is just Toyota or the factories, seems like every new or used car comes with the oil filter torqued to like 100 ft/lb. Anyone make sense of why they do this? I've often wondered if it is to deter people from attempting their own oil change.



I had to use the screwdriver/hammer method to get mine off (first I tried a big 'ole pair of channel locks). Sorry about the low light.

 

Not gorillas, just little guys with Makitas ( I used to build for Toyota for over 10 years). They use power tools for everything.

 

Our Taco was the same way. Had to do the hammer/screwdriver on it too.

 

I learned the hard way that you get the same GORILLA treatment with a dealer oil change. Yes, I think it is to deter do-it-yourselfers.

Gorillas tighten the filter and no one checks the dip stick for oil full level.

To avoid these problems, DO-IT-YOURSELF!!!!

 

you also have to take into account, your laying on your back, I won't be when I do mine in january(probably) and when you put a filter on a car, and 3 - 6 months later change it after 3 - 5000+ miles, that filter is tighter, I've had to beat them to the point they were flat to get them off of my truck(flat enough to get a pair of vice grips on them)

 

The oil filter should not get much harder to remove especially if you lubricate the seal before you reinstall. Also, filter manufacturers only require that you lightly snug down the filter. Tightening too much, like in any other gasket/seal application, can be just as bad as if you don't tighten enough. I have never had to use anything but my bare hand to remove any filter I've ever installed and never had any issues with leaks.

 

yea, and I guarantee the oil techs(being they are usually high school kids or fresh out of high school) don't lube squat on those filters, and the first time I installed a filter on my truck I didn't lube the seal, now with my truck I have to go back after a few days of driving for the first couple of weeks and tighten it down a little more

 

Good point. You get what you pay for, I guess. Thats weird having to retighten the filter. What kind of truck?

 

a 90 model dodge ram, its got its oil leaks here and there, but for 16 years old, and yes I've accidently driven it a few miles with no oil in it, it still runs like a dog with its butt on fire

 

hmm... i dunno.. never had an issue with an oil wrench or such to remove it...

and yeah... they are going to get tighter after the oil change so when the next one comes around... i usually use a wrench to loosen it..

install new one... hand tight... that's all...

yup yup... DIY..