First Oil Change - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Viper792 · 12-27-2004, 03:41 PM

I have an '04 Tacoma Dbl Cab 4x2 V6 that is ready for it's first oil change. I somehow misplaced my owners manual and was wondering if anyone knew the type/size of oil filter I should buy? Is there anything specific? Also how many quarts of oil do I need? 5? 6? Thanks for any help.

***cam2Xrunner*** · 12-27-2004, 06:31 PM

It shouldn't be more than 5 quarts. Now is a good time to switch to synthetic since it is still new. I run mobil one 5w-30 synthetic. There are alot of different part numbers for different manufacturers. I remember the havoline and shell guard part #'s were sh-29 or T-29. I'd rec. getting a bunch of Toyota oil filters or TRD filters. Stay away from fram.

Greasygreg · 12-27-2004, 09:22 PM

Toyota brand oil filters are the only way to go.If you look down inside of them,you'll see a small tab which prevents oil drainback and engine knockat startup( from momentary lack of oil pressure) This saves a lot of wear and tear as the miles add up.

nofear4189 · 12-27-2004, 09:24 PM

yea, ive heard from a local toyota specialty dealer that the best thing you can do is use toyota filters, not fram or equiv. because the toyotas have a special thing inside (cant remember the exact name she said) that will make your motor last longer. This is for at least the years around my 92. not sure if they kept the same setup for newer models, but still, id use genuine toyota filters.

-Adam-

GregoryM · 12-28-2004, 12:34 AM

JMO, today's Fram is just plain crap. I have used Wix, Hastings, Purolator, and even Motorcraft with excellent results. You can cross-reference the filter mounting thread, base gasket and anti-drainback valve by reading the technical specifications in the back of the manufacturer's catalogs. For examp., I have used the equivalent of a Ford spin-on type filter on my 22R for years. You can do a search for filter comparisons/tests and verify that the above mentioned brands are as good as you can buy anywhere. You will also find out who actually makes the various filters. You may be surprised. I'm not knocking the OEM stuff but, they aren't the only choice for quality.

Alin10123 · 12-28-2004, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trdcamry2003

It shouldn't be more than 5 quarts. Now is a good time to switch to synthetic since it is still new. I run mobil one 5w-30 synthetic. There are alot of different part numbers for different manufacturers. I remember the havoline and shell guard part #'s were sh-29 or T-29. I'd rec. getting a bunch of Toyota oil filters or TRD filters. Stay away from fram.

Are you sure that it's less than 5 quarts? My 00 4runner with the 3.4 V6 says 5 quarts in the manual. But when i actually put 5 quarts in there, it will be a little low on the dipstick. 6 is just about right for mine.

Not sure when they went with the larger V6 in the tacoma i know he 4runner went with the 4.0 V6 in 04. Not sure about taco though.

D'mon · 12-28-2004, 08:51 PM

I would go at least one more oil change before going to synthetic. Synthetic oil is so slick that an engine will not break in while using it. This means that the rings will not properly seat.

Just my opinion though. I'd go synth after the next oil change though.

D'mon

***humanoid*** · 12-29-2004, 02:56 AM

I get about 5.5 quarts in mine. The Fram cross-referrence # is PF 3614 I think, but I'd stay away from them if at all possible.

D'mon · 12-29-2004, 11:27 AM

Funny thing about oil filters is everyone has a different opinion.

The only filter I ever had fail on me was a Toyota oil filter installed while my old 87 pickup was still under warranty. I came back from a vacation inthe truck, pulled into the driveway and suddenly POP! My oil filter split a seam from cap to cap. I tried to remove the leaking oil filter, I could not budge it. Needless to say, I called my local dealer and told them to tow it in ASAP. This was a Toyota brand filter installed 2000ks before (about 1200 miles) by a Toyota mechanic.

Ever since then, I only trust my own work. I have had no problem with Fram, Purolater, or Penzoil oil filters. I have had a problem with a Toyota one... Could have been damaged during installation, though. I change my filter with every oil change, and do my oil changes every 3-4000 kms (2-3000 miles). I do not trust "professional" mechanics due to personal experience. An amusing story just happened as a matter of fact. My wife bought a used Ford Taurus (I know, wasn't my first choice) and it had piss poor heat. I bought and installed a new thermostat-no problem, right? The one I pulled out was installed backward, allowing coolant pressure to comprress the spring and allow coolant flow constantly. The previous owner gave us all the bills, he seemed to think that the dealer doing the maintenance (including the last thermostat- I got the bill) was a selling point! Since installing a thermostat in the right way, my wife has great heat.

I don't mean for this to be a roast against all auto mechanics, just a heads up that for every journeyman in a garage there is four apprentices sweeping floors and doing oil changes, thermostats and such. Keep that in mind.... If you are your own mechanic, you have onlyu yourself to blame when something goes wrong. I prefer having that control.

Just my 2 cents.
D'mon