DIY Oil change questions

You really should use a new crush washer. I got a bunch from amazon super cheap. Not sure if auto store has any, possibly. I have accidentally reused them before without issue, so worst case I’d bet you can get away with it for an oil change.

The filter wrench is pretty darn handy. I haven’t used a rubber strap wrench but I would assume that would work in a pinch. If this is going to be a regular thing for you, definitely get the wrench tool. I think mine was $16-20 on amazon. I did see advance auto had some when I was there last.

Lastly, again if this is going to be a common occurance for you, stock up on filters, washers and get a big jug (2.5 or 5 gal) and hit up your local dealer for some bulk oil. Mendel suggests it and it has certainly been a nice addition to the process. Plus it is cheaper than buying their qts individually. I got 5 gal for ~$95.


-Spiral

 

A new crush washer should go on the drain plug each time. It is not really necessary, but it can prevent a possible oil drip. You really need to buy this from the Toyota parts counter. Three for $5. The big oil filter socket you saw is kind of important. If you have a canister filter that goes inside a reusable plastic housing, this part is essential so you don't chew up the plastic cap with the wrong tools. The Prius oil cap wrench is much less expensive than a new cap.

 

I literally just changed my oil an hour ago.


* 21mm Lug nut socket set (yellow), loosen before lifting if rotating tires
* Cardboard on floor to catch oil drips
* Creeper, oil pan, oil filter.
* Plastic body panel pry tool for plastic clips (3)
* 14mm 3/8” breaker bar and ratchet for oil bolt
* 1 1/16” 1/2” breaker bar and ratchet(much faster after it’s loose and for reinstall) for filter wrench
* Loosen both bolt and filter at some time to allow time for draining while rotating tires.
* Impact driver with 1/2” bit to remove and reinstall (finger install first to not cross thread) lugs
* 1/2” torque wrench for lugs 76 ft-lbs
* Paper towels.
* 4.7 qts oil


-Spiral

 

This list will scare any first timers.

 

Why? It’s the tools that are necessary in order. If this was provided for me the first time it would have been a godsend. IMO it’s more frustrating not knowing what is needed and taking 10x longer to figure out the tools.


-Spiral

 

To answer the OPs two questions:

A rubberized metal gasket is used. I have one dealer nearby which kindly includes one with oil filter purchase. Yes, replace to not risk oil leaking. They were available at O'Reilly last time I bought quite a few, but I found a box of Dormans much cheaper. The quality though seemed to follow the price.

The cap wrench makes it possible to remove the filter, of which the housing seems to be some sort of plastic/polymer. I use the Toyota Original tool but others have used varying aftermarket ones with success. I can search up the original one if you prefer, it is more expensive than most , the cheapest one I've seen at my local Walmart. I'm not sure how it compares because the Toyota one is the only tool I've ever used. (It also works on my '14 Scion iQ BTW).



moto g(7) power ?

 

No need to complicate the tool list with those for tire rotation.

Use 4.4 quarts oil, not 4.7.

Cheap stamped-steel cap wrenches like the Steelman or the one at Walmart will suffice if the cap was not overtightened the last time.

 

thanks cr94. 4.7 was a slip when I copied and pasted from my list. It is 4.1 without filter, 4.4 with filter. I always start with 4.1 and sneak up on 4.4. apologies for that mistake.

but also, you guys are funny. I have that list on my phone to just grab the tools needed before i start. I rotate my tires with every oil change. It's not the end of the world to have that information available. This isn't rocket science. If you don't want to rotate the tires, don't follow those bullet points. geez! OP's question was answered in post 2, 3, & 7. I'm sorry i bothered others on this thread with /worthless/ information.

 

Regarding question 1:

I would replace the drain bolt washer every time. You can pick up the correct Toyota washer at any Toyota dealership parts department, for a dollar or two. Just telling them you need the drain bolt washer for 2010 Prius. I suspect the same washer is used for a lot of Toyota models. FWIW, the part number is 90430-12031.

Regarding question 2:

It would be very difficult to remove the oil filter housing by hand, even for Popeye. Even once it's broken loose, it's tough to turn until the O-ring on the barrel clears the barrel it screws into. I think there is a Toyota socket for the oil filter housing. The housing is 64 mm face-to-face, and 12 flutes (IIRC). That size is identical to Honda and Mazda filters. I'm using a Honda socket. The current Honda part number is 07AAA-PLCA100.

 

Just wanted to say an impact driver is not advised to be used on installing lug nuts, due to risk of overtightening. Otherwise I would have "Like"d your list....

3/8" drive torque wrench works well, 25 Nm for filter cap and 37 Nm for the drain plug I believe are the specs.

moto g(7) power ?

 

That's 18 and 27 foot pounds IIRC.

Addendum: it's in the attachment I posted above.

 

You don't HAVE to change the gasket on the drain plug, but it's best to do it.
You can go on ebay and find them. I found a packet of 12 I think it was for $2-3.
You can also find the filter wrench. I paid $15 for mine. I believe autozone has it.
You can find it online, and get the number and then go look for it in the store.

There is a clip that's hold the filter housing in place after you install it.
If you remove that first, the filter tool will fit easier.
I've only done about about 9-10 oil changes, but I don't tighten up the the housing.
Only to the point of stops, and a little "snug". Then I install the clip.
That's keeps the housing from working free.
Then the next time you remove it, it will be easy!

Just clean housing and install a new gasket and oil it up good before installing.
Also, clean out the area around the threads on the aluminum and oil that also.

 

Part #
Filter wrench - TOY640
Drain plug gaskets - 90430-12031
Filter - 04152-YZZA6

 

Simply.
Given the importance of NOT having an Oil Leak, and the damage oil loss could cause, I'd say get the new washers and use them. It's not about "necessary" it's about potentially important.

As far as buying the wrench?
I'll let others answer that, as I don't know.

 

I'm outa here lol.

 

I used the same drain plug seal on my van for 7 or 8 oil changes.... No leaks.
It did start seeping, that's when I changed it.
The seals I got for the Prius, are thin, so I change them each time. But the first time I didn't
because I didn't have any yet. It didn't leak.
At a dollar a piece, I personally wouldn't change it every time. I would change it when it leaked, maybe.
But since I got a dozen for a dollar, I change them each time.
As long as you tighten it, and it hasn't be used 10 times, you'll get seepage at most.

 

The filter wrench is not a Toyota part number. I am only hoping that you were not charged Toyota pricing for it. The part number is 09228-06500-02A.

It's available here, the same store I got mine a long time ago:

https://toyota.service-solutions.com/en-US/Pages/ItemDetail.aspx?SKU=09228-06500-02A

moto g(7) power ?