First Oil Change on 08 HL!

[PLamarine]

Well, I hit 950 miles and the weather was nice here in MA, so I decided to do my first oil change today. I used a Toyota OEM filter, and 6.5 qts of Amsoil 5W-30 100% synthetic oil. The change went pretty smoothly. First, I drove the HL up on ramps. Removed the drain plug, drained oil, replaced drain plug gasket and torqued drain plug to 30 ft lb. There is a nice hinged trap door to access the filter housing, and there are 2 10mm screws holding the door on. There is a cap that is removed with a ratchet head, then you attach a plastic attachment to a section of garden hose to drain the oil from the housing. Then a 65mm filter wrench cap was used to remove the filter housing. 2 O rings were replaced (included in OEM filter kit) and the filter element changed. 6.5 quarts later, and voila!

My Sequoia required the removal of a skid plate which was always a pain. This is my first time using Amsoil, and I have heard nothing but great things about it. I used to use Mobil 1. I am going to stick to a 7,500 mile change interval even though the oil is rated to 25,000. I enjoy changing the oil and feel that 25,000 is pushing it even with a filter change.

[Bandito]

PL,

It's me again with more questions. Congrats on your first oil change and thanks for sharing the highlights. Is it just me or is 950 miles a bit on the early side?

At any rate, I just noticed in your signature that you have the body side moldings and wondered how you liked them. Are they thick enough to really offer any protection? Did you install them yourself or have them done? Did they come with installation instructions? And, lastly, do you have any pictures of your Highlander with them? The picture on Toyota's site under Accessories isn't much to go by.

I'm definitely leaning toward adding them to mine.

Once again, thanks for any info that you can provide.

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by Bandito

PL,

It's me again with more questions. Congrats on your first oil change and thanks for sharing the highlights. Is it just me or is 950 miles a bit on the early side?

At any rate, I just noticed in your signature that you have the body side moldings and wondered how you liked them. Are they thick enough to really offer any protection? Did you install them yourself or have them done? Did they come with installation instructions? And, lastly, do you have any pictures of your Highlander with them? The picture on Toyota's site under Accessories isn't much to go by.

I'm definitely leaning toward adding them to mine.

Once again, thanks for any info that you can provide.

1000 miles is a good point from what I have read and heard from many people....most of the metal still in the engine will be gone, and I like to get the synthetic going right away.

The body side moldings are not OEM, I bought them from Sportwing.com. They go on with 3M tape, and they come with decent directions...I did them myself. If I have time this week I will post pics...

[PLamarine]

Hey Bandito, what are you getting for mileage around town/in the city?

[PLamarine]

pic of body side moldings from sportwing.com:

[Bandito]

On my first tank, from the dealer, I got 27.7 according to the trip computer and 25.7 calculated by hand. As I have no idea how full they actually filled it--they likely stopped at the first click--I'm pretty sure that my topping off the tank accounts for a good portion of the difference. One additional gallon of fuel in the calculation drops the mileage by about 1.8 mpg.

I'm currently only on the second tankful and running in the low 27's as reported by the vehicle.

My typical usage is about 50% two-lane highways (45-55 mph), 30% freeway (70 mph), and 20% city stop-and-go.

I'm very pleased with the mileage so far and expect it to continue to improve as the engine gets broken in and I optimize my driving technique.

How's yours doing?

[Bandito]

Thanks for the pic, PL! It looks really nice.

I think I'll go ahead and order some for mine. I'll have to go with the OEMs, though, as mine is the Iced Amethyst Mica and I don't think I'll be matching that anywhere else.

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by Bandito

On my first tank, from the dealer, I got 27.7 according to the trip computer and 25.7 calculated by hand. As I have no idea how full they actually filled it--they likely stopped at the first click--I'm pretty sure that my topping off the tank accounts for a good portion of the difference. One additional gallon of fuel in the calculation drops the mileage by about 1.8 mpg.

I'm currently only on the second tankful and running in the low 27's as reported by the vehicle.

My typical usage is about 50% two-lane highways (45-55 mph), 30% freeway (70 mph), and 20% city stop-and-go.

I'm very pleased with the mileage so far and expect it to continue to improve as the engine gets broken in and I optimize my driving technique.

How's yours doing?

Not nearly as good...in city driving 16.8, and a mix of mostly city and some two lane roads 18.5...I still haven't taken it on a highway yet...Hoping to get in the twenties when I do.

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by Bandito

Thanks for the pic, PL! It looks really nice.

I think I'll go ahead and order some for mine. I'll have to go with the OEMs, though, as mine is the Iced Amethyst Mica and I don't think I'll be matching that anywhere else.

The OEM ones are on hold..there was a problem with the adhesive and there is no word on when they will be ready, that is why I went aftermarket. Call sportwing.com and give them your paint code, they probably have them in stock!

[THL]

Originally Posted by PLamarine

pic of body side moldings from sportwing.com:

Nice PL...do you have the grey interior leather? you ever get a chance to compare it to the black leather?, I think I'll get the same body moldings, Thanks!

[summerwind]

Might be a good idea to start a new thread on side molding.

It's a bit off topic having all these posts on an oil change thread.

[PLamarine]

THL...I have the Sport Upgraded fabric...I cover the rear seats in every car I get the first week I get it due to my kids...also put seat bottom covers in the front...leather was out of my price range on this purchase.

[takahashi]

Where do you get the TRD filter, PLmarine?

I agree with your oil change btw. Even with new oil I will change it at 1000km mark. Just to get any very fine material out during the break in peroid.

I even do it to my rotary engine... hehe.

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by takahashi

Where do you get the TRD filter, PLmarine?

I agree with your oil change btw. Even with new oil I will change it at 1000km mark. Just to get any very fine material out during the break in peroid.

I even do it to my rotary engine... hehe.

From my local Toyota dealer..he gets me preferred pricing...you could get it off the internet I suppose. Same TRD filter as for a 2002 Camry and many other vehicles.

[takahashi]

Could you get me the part number if you have it in your receipt?

I can only get this which is for the old kluger, the K&N site says the old kluger and new kluger uses the same filter.

trd 17801-MR300 is the part for the old kluger filter.

Thanks