Do you change your own oil or have Toyota service center do it?

[The_Dark_Knight_Forever]

Only thing I don't like about those or the Fumoto ones is that you are leaving a little extra oil in the pan due to the nature of how it works and is sized for the bung.

You can pull the plug as usual and oil flows out of a 1/2" hole, or use the valve insert and you now have only a 3/16" hole - therefore some additional oil remains below the opening for the valve.

Yeah I was curious about that also. I'm not educated enough on the Fumoto valves but I have researched & used the ValvoMax valve on my Tundra.

According the ValvoMax FAQ page:
“Q: Does any oil get left behind in the oil pan?
A: No, the valve is designed to sit flush with the inside of the pan, thereby releasing all the oil”.

Now I doubt that ALL of the used oil is evacuated through the ValvoMax but what's left shouldn't be an issue especially if the oil changes are done early & often. The convenience factor & risk elimination of anyone stripping out the plug threads, pan threads or over/under torqueing the plug thereby damaging the pan is well worth a minimal amount of used oil left behind at the drain interval. Theoretically once installed the ValvoMax will never have to be removed from the pan again unless the original washer somehow fails & allows a seeping oil leak. But I've had a ValvoMax with the original washer on my Tundra for nearly 3 years & it's not leaked yet. I like the design better than what I've seen Fumoto offer too. The only little thing is that the proprietary drain hose must be attached to release the used oil using the ValvoMax...unless the owner wants to remove the valve completely from the pan. To me it's not a big issue. Fumoto appears to allow the oil to be drained without a drain hose by flipping the little lever on it (which kind of makes me a bit nervous tbinking about road debris that could potentially knock it open but may be very unlikely). I just prefer the safer design of the ValvoMax.

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[127.0.0.1]

youtubers have done reviews and shown how much oil is left....it isn't much

if you drain it as much as possible change filter and put in 6 quarts
it'll be fine

 

[MikeD]

Changed my oil last week and it really is super easy - as others have noted. But I was not sure about the right order of things (e.g., new filter before or after draining - turns out before is the answer which was not intuitive to me).
There are MANY videos and other instructions out there, but this is the one I bookmarked. Perfect clarity and no need to wait on video commentary. 6G4R Oil Change guidance

 

[coloradomarmot]

Do you guys change your own oil, or do you just take it to a Toyota service center?

Haven't changed my own oil since my 84' Pontiac. Not worth the time/hassle/disposal.

I've got a local toyota authorized/but not a dealer shop that does great work. Schedule an appointment, in and out in 30 minutes. Total no brainer.

 

[SouthCoast]

I like the design better than what I've seen Fumoto offer too. The only little thing is that the proprietary drain hose must be attached to release the used oil using the ValvoMax

This is why I chose the fumoto, no proprietary attachment.

Fumoto appears to allow the oil to be drained without a drain hose by flipping the little lever on it (which kind of makes me a bit nervous thinking about road debris that could potentially knock it open but may be very unlikely).

If you're running a skid plate of ANY kind, your concern of the fumoto valve actuator arm being engaged is zero, especially with the retainer clip...

 

[The_Dark_Knight_Forever]

Yeah I was speaking for those without a skid plate.

 

[NW 4Runner 1]

I'm seriously considering changing my own oil. I'm an average sized male. I have no lift kits installed so mine is at stock ground clearance.
Can anyone here tell me if it can be done properly without the need for jacking up the 4Runner or without using ramps if parked on level ground?

I bought my 4runner in July and started doing my own oil changes after the toyota dealerships proved that they were not up to the task.

I have a couple of 2x6 boards I put under each tire (4 boards) that lifts it just enough (about another 3 inches) so I can get to the two skid plates. After removing the 2 skid plates I then remove and replace the oil filter. You need an EXTRA large oil drain pan because when you remove the oil drain plug the oil shoots out with some pressure.
Also 6 qrts of oil is too much for most medium size pans. Also be sure to get a oil filter wrench that will take off and tighten the small size filter. Most regular size auto oil filter wrenches are too big. If you're not sure you might try fitting the wrench to the filter before you crawl under your rig. Total cost for the oil and filter at my local dealership was $55.11 the last time I changed my oil. Also the oil filter should have the oil drain plug washer in the bottom of the box.

 

[TrdProGirl84]

Toyota Service Department.

 

[HedgeHog]

Many people mistakenly believe that when they take their car in for an oil change that the master technicians are the ones doing the job. They are not. It's more than likely that some high school kid who has 15 cars to do that day is the one fooling with the car. Good recipe for all kinds of bad things to happen. Do it yourself or hire someone you know to come to your garage and do it. And another thing ....they don't drain it, they suck it out. Have to wonder how much is left behind.

I was at a local Toyota dealership picking up some stuff I ordered recently and asked how they drain the oil. It's gravity drain, not vaccum drain. The Service Manager also mentioned that he’s not aware of any local Toyota dealerships using vaccum drain. He said you could also ask to see the service procedure if concerned even though it's not typically allowed for safety reasons but they will make an exception to eliviate any customer concerns.

The Toyota dealership I go to uses gravity drain as well, I've watched them perform the service when they took me into the service area to show me the alloy wheels I ordered for the winter tires.

Not everyone has the resources or, health, to perform their own servicing and, I’d rather go to a Toyota dealership as, in my experience, have been very accommodating and don't play “any games” with customers, unlike some other Auto Brands I've dealt with in the past.

If your concerned, just ask questions. If you don't like the answers, go somewhere else, it's that simple.

 

[CO/ZA]

Generally speaking, the oil service at any dealership is a loss leading service.

What you pay barely covers the oil monkey's time and materials.

The dealership oil change is so they can look around under you car and present additional work for large markups; like brake jobs, shocks/struts, accessory installation, etc.

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