I'd spray a lot of penetrating oil on that over and over and let it soak for a couple days. Then put a 6 point socket on it, use an air or electric impact. You rounded off the corners a bit but hopefully you can still get it off. I'd also replace that plug bolt after with a new one.
Removed my oil level sensor, cleaned it, put new gasket on (shipping was 4x the cost of the gasket) and then put it all back in. So far the oil light has stayed off. Yay!
Sorry for the late response. I had the hiss/whoosh when opening the gas cap and smell of fuel escaping when I would do that. My previous 80 had the gas tank collapse due to pressure for similar reasons. It's potentially dangerous to have that pressure build up without a release, that's...
25 years in a 3rd world country using subpar gas. So in North America with regular maintenance, forever. The 1fz-fe is overbuilt for civilian use.
https://www.vancouvertoyota.com/blogs/2241/toyota-vehicles/learn-why-toyota-land-cruiser-owners-keep-this-suv-for-years/
Costco buys in such mass bulk they get manufacturing to make special runs for them. TVs will have almost exact specs, minus an input and such. They undercut prices of competition by buying in rediculous bulk. Quality is typically great, but they have had issues with some product (mostly clothing)
Loosen belts and check each pulley for a grinding resistance when you turn it by hand. It really does sound like alternator or the AC compressor. Is it louder on the driver or passenger side?
How do your birfield seal/wipers look? Do you have greasey slime all over? Possibly getting gear oil leaking into the birfs. Check and see, you'll want to verify if you need to do some spindle / bearing /seals and grease work. If you want, drain the diff oil too and replace the oil at the...