A tip: buy the Toyota oil filter wrench

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ystasino @ May 13 2007, 12:21 PM) [snapback]441155[/snapback]</div>

It is one of the easier cars that I've changed oil on.

You mean besides keeping your warranty intact? Not sure I understand the question. You are worried about voiding some warranty by doing the service yourself? Don't be. You'll do a better job AND you maintain the warranty contract.

As to the topic -

I bought one of the cheap plastic ones, and it slipped. Tried tape, and it still slipped. Finally cut a notch through one side of the cup and then used a large hose clamp arund the whole thing to cinch it together. Fits perfectly tight and works great now. Even adjustable in case the filter dimensions change.

 

Walmart here sells a Valvoline branded plastic two size 65mm/67mm for less than $3. It doesn't slip, and is rated for 140 ft-lbs. I used it on my Prius with no problems.

 

In a pinch (actually a Kawasaki engine oil filter on a lawn mower) I used large (very large) CHANNEL LOCKS !! I grabbed that baby and sure it dented, but the wrench grabbed ahold of the oil filter enough to loosen it and the rest I removed by hand. The "screwdriver method" will usually rip or tear apart these new, thin metal oil filters. Since I have not changed my oil filter yet (actually didn't even pick up the vehicle from the dealer... left port four days ago....) I may be making a "bad" suggestion if there are "clearance problems" around the oil filter....
THANKS for the "heads up" on the wrench....... I have owned a '90 Honda Accord EX Coupe and bought a cap wrench (genuine Honda) for that.... then when we got our 2003 Acura MDX and bought genuine Honda cap wrench for that. Honda was pretty clever as they not only have the 3/8" square drive "hole" in the cap oil filter wrench but around that is a 17mm HEX, the SAME as the oil pan dran plug hex. In '04 we bought a CR-V, takes same filter as MDX, thus same wrench.........
Personally I would prefer a GENUINE TOYOTA Oil Filter Cap Wrench to any Wal-Mart sold product. I guess this week I will also order a genuine Toyota O.F. Wrench along with my genuine Toyota 4-piece FLOOR MAT SET !! (The WeatherTechs, I heard, just do NOT have a good fit !!)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BethlehemPrius @ Apr 10 2007, 03:47 AM) [snapback]420698[/snapback]</div>

Tried that one, the Toyota filter is just a hair too small for it to grip tightly enough.

Had good luck with a strap wrench but NOT the metal kind; this one uses a nylon strap that you wrap around the filter and then turn the handle; the harder you turn tighter it grips. If the filter is on REALLY tight (like mine was), the end of the handle will accept a 3/8" socket extension so you can use a socket wrench on it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 13 2007, 06:23 PM) [snapback]441243[/snapback]</div>

In an extreme case (and I mean really extreme), using the 'screwdriver method' holds the potential of doing more than just ripping or tearing apart the filter case. Although it's theoretically possible to do it with any filter wrench, too, a screwdriver would seem to be more likely to not only rip and tear the case, but completely rip or tear the case from its base. I've heard of it happening.

In that instance, the Channel Locks could work, but I'd be more inclined to think a pair of Vise-Grips would be called for. Suffice it to say that if the oil filter had been torqued down that tightly in the first place, it's not going to be an easy task, regardless of what method is used to ultimately get what remains of the oil filter off of the engine.

I must say that the earlier poster that tightened a hose clamp around the oil filter, then used a notched, cheap plastic end-cap wrench on the oil filter/hose clamp assembly was a novel and field-expedient way to solve the problem (although I'm not certain about recommending it on a long-term basis).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rudiger @ May 13 2007, 08:05 PM) [snapback]441404[/snapback]</div>

I like that. "Field-expedient." I'm nothing if not field-expedient.

Considering that I change my oil once/year (I did it twice the first year to get rid of the factory fill) I'm in no big hurry to replace my Frankenstien Wrench.

Oh... but after reading your comment a second time, it seems I was misunderstood. I first notched the plastic wrench with a hacksaw, and then put a hose clamp around the wrench to squeaze the notch together to make the wrench slightly smaller. Now it fits the filter snugly, and really can't expand against the steel hose clamp.

 

Please tell me the TOYOTA PART NUMBER for the GENUINE TOYOTA O.E.M. "CAP" type OIL FILTER WRENCH !! I wish to order one along with some other genuine Toyota parts over the internet and I want to make sure I am getting the 100% CORRECT wrench that fits the 2007 PRIUS "perfectly" !!
Thanks.................. B)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ May 14 2007, 12:08 PM) [snapback]441688[/snapback]</div>

'Field-expedient' is a military term. Military guys have a history of coming up with some really ingenious ways (and some not-so-ingenious) to make mechanical repairs with a bare minimum of tools.

I didn't quite understand how it would be possible to tighten a hose-clamp around the oil filter enough to keep it from slipping while still on the car. Notching the plastic end-cap wrench, then using a hose-clamp around the wrench (not the oil filter) to minimize the wrench's surface area to better fit the oil filter does make more sense.

 

This site has all the information you need regarding
oil change instructions and specs.

--> http://john1701a.com/
--> Prius Info
--> Oil Change

Also, in case of an oil filter crushed because it
was installed too tight or refused to budge, you might
be able to remove it by using "Nylon Wrench". Some auto
parts store carry them.

Am not sure about poking a screw driver into the
oil filter. Messy business.

 

Out of these 29 posts, either I am "blind" and missed it, but I NEVER SAW A PART NUMBER FOR A GENUINE TOYOTA Oil Filter WRENCH !!
I emailed several ToyotaInternetParts Dealers and they said Toyota DOES NOT MAKE (or sell) an oil filter wrench for the Prius :angry: !!
Does this mean I have to buy a Prius OIL FILTER and take it to several Auto Parts Stores and "search" for a quality (NOT MADE IN TAIWAN) "cap type" Oil Filter Wrench ??????
Once again comparing my past three decades with Honda / Acura to recent dealing with Toyota (parts)..... I was able to get either from local Dealer -or- from the Internet, ANY Honda / Acura "cap type" Oil Filter WRENCH with NO PROBLEMS..............

 

Like I said in my above post, the Valvoline one I bought at Walmart for $2.69 works nicely. It has a metal insert for the 3/8 ratchet, lifetime warranty, made in USA, plus the other stuff I said before. It fits perfectly on the Toyota filter as well as other 65/mm flute ones. It did not slip, the composite material is very strong, and it isn't going to break.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mr.Vanvandenburg @ May 15 2007, 02:33 PM) [snapback]442595[/snapback]</div>

THANKS for the info.... I obviously passed by that quickly when I saw WALMART and something that very RARELY goes hand-in-hand with WalMart.... "Made In USA" !!
I frequent Lowe's as well as Home Depot and I swear over 90% of all stock in each is "Made In TAIWAIN" which is a very, very "sore" subject with me :angry:
If's it indeed is Made in USA and has the Valvoline name on it, it must be somewhat decent... worth looking at !!
THANKS AGAIN................

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 13 2007, 06:23 PM) [snapback]441243[/snapback]</div>

I am using the larger filter for the Scion XB and I think the Matrix. It is a deeper filter by about 3/4 of an inch so it is easier to grab and twist off by hand.

I have tried the Carbox and Weathertech liners and neither are snug in the front drivers side floor area. There is far to much play side to side and front to back. The passenger side is a snug fit. I believe it is due to the engineering of the slot for the gas tank cover release and the lack of tight tolerances in the specs close to the floor latch.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brighamwj @ May 15 2007, 03:29 PM) [snapback]442668[/snapback]</div>

Prius original-equipment, short, Toyota OEM oil filter = 90915-YZZF2

Longer Toyota OEM oil filter = 90915-YZZF1

The price is the same for both. Many people use the longer one for the slightly larger capacity and extra ease of access.

The only possible caveat is that the added length brings the end of the oil filter closer to some conduit which may affect the temperature of the oil inside the filter. But I consider it an extremely remote possibility and, since the price is the same, use the longer oil filter for the aforementioned benefits.