Finally Did My Own Oil Change

[Dr. Zaius]

My first few oil changes were done by the dealer so today I did my own at 14986 miles.

A few notes:

6.2 qts Mobil 1 5W30 and Motorcraft FL-910S oil filter.

Go Now and get the oil filter wrench. As some have mentioned, the filters are apparently installed by a roided up gorilla with a SnapOn impact gun. Supposed to be a 76mm with 14 flutes. I will confirm this after I get one. Edit: Confirmed.

The drain plug was very tight too (15mm)

I installed my ValvoMax so the next change should be much easier.

With the ValvoMax, I won't have to loosen/drop the skidplate (all skidplate bolts are 15mm).

The filter was surprisingly easy to get to, maybe because my truck is leveled?

I didn't have to turn the wheels for access.

Remove 3 of the plastic retainers and move the flap to access.

When I bought my ValvoMax there was a lot of debate over the correct thread of the drain plug. The correct size is M12-1.75

Overall not bad at all.

Much better than the cartridge system on my wife's Toyota that is virtually guaranteed to make a mess regardless of how careful you are.

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[Zvedza]

I do appreciate how they made the skid plate underneath the oil pan a 15mm too, so just need one socket to do the whole thing.

Ive used this 7 times so far and fits perfectly for the filter.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTZTDY7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also replaced the plastic screw with some pop out ones since mine have started stripping.

 

[JesseS]

I do appreciate how they made the skid plate underneath the oil pan a 15mm too, so just need one socket to do the whole thing.

Ive used this 7 times so far and fits perfectly for the filter.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTZTDY7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also replaced the plastic screw with some pop out ones since mine have started stripping.

Yep, I replaced the stupid plastic screws with JB welded in Rivet Nuts and thumb screws, the one time I had the oil changed on the road the tech remarked how much better they were

 

[MikeyB]

Nothing like doing your own oil changes for self-satisfaction.
Almost as good as sex...almost
Good job ?

 

[Msfitoy]

Congrats on job well done! Why do you have it up on ramps? I lay down a moving rug and slide under with plenty of room...

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Congrats on job well done! Why do you have it up on ramps? I lay down a moving rug and slide under with plenty of room...

First time doing it.

Wasn't sure what to expect.

Ramps won't be needed next time though.

 

[VegasRanger]

Great write up. I've been doing my own since day one. Never trusted the dealership. Thanks for posting pictures of the ValvoMax. I actually have one too waiting for my next oil change so I can install, and was wondering what it looks like installed.

 

[Radioman]

Overall not bad at all.

Much better than the cartridge system on my wife's Toyota that is virtually guaranteed to make a mess regardless of how careful you are.

I too do my own oil changes, I like knowing they are done correctly.

Having a Tundra in the past and a Highlander currently, I totally agree with your comment regarding the Toyota's system. The Jeep has a cartridge filter but it is located on top of the engine and very easy to change.

 

[MountainGoat]

That valvomax looks pretty neat. I went with the Fumoto and while I don't need to remove the skidplate anymore the oil drain takes forever.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Go Now and get the oil filter wrench. As some have mentioned, the filters are apparently installed by a roided up gorilla with a SnapOn impact gun. Supposed to be a 76mm with 14 flutes. I will confirm this after I get one.

Confirmed 76mm and 14 flutes.

$6.49 at Autozone

 

[Frenchy]

Definitely be carefully with the quick drain. There have already been some reports with the Fumitomo one getting cought during OffRoad use(might have been a Toyota but still a risk). As for the oil, ues the spec is 6.2 but you can get away with 6 qts

 

[Bob902]

those ramps scare the shit out of me.
had a set fold up under a Toyota Corolla back in the day.

It was a Toyota. Everyone knows they are waaay overbuilt?

 

[allcos]

I have the Valvomax drain plug and recently bought their recycle bag and hose to bag adapter. Hopefully now NO possibility to spill any oil.

 

[JesseS]

Nothing like doing your own oil changes for self-satisfaction.
Almost as good as sex...almost
Good job ?

If you think changing your own oil is close to being as good as SEX, you are doing it wrong.... and not talking about changing the oil!

 

[Grumpaw]

i'm worried what the foreplay is; airing up the tires? topping off the washer fluid??

Silly...it's greasing up the in and out rod on the damper....just grease up your hand and just hold on to the rod as it goes in and out...

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