Damn oil filter location

[Mudshack]

So, has anyone figured out a way to get to your own FZJ80 oil filter and actually get it off?

And how many quarts go into these big bad boys?

 

[Romer]

Not sure I understand. Filter wrench and it screws off. It leaks over the block, you have to clean that up.

You can get two sizes of filters, so size matters on how much the hold. I would guess 3/4 qt

 

[Mudshack]

I thought it was much more than 3 or 4 quarts. What made me second gues my initial gut feeling of 4 to 5 quarts, was a comment on here a few months back. Something like 8 quarts......

Many different filter wrenches out there. The basic definitely doesn't work in that location. Was just wondering.....

Oh, and here is something weird....while picking up filters for both the Saturn SL2 and the FZJ80, the books say......USE THE SAME FILTER? How can that be? The saturn filter is TINY.

 

[Darwood]

The FZJ80 holds about 8 quarts of oil. The filter is about 20 times in a better spot than on my Tacoma. I think the Tacoma should be pretty high on a list of "worst filter locations ever". Personally I think the FZJ80 filter isn't too bad. Last time I removed the filter I used a dish washing glove to give some extra grip.

 

[Bear80]

I hail the 3vze as the worst filter location. But for the 80, I just unbolt the power steering tank and it's pain free.

 

[CruisinGA]

I just reach in, grab it, and twist it off. No wrench, no fuss, quick and easy.

If it was a lifted truck and one was not 6'2" then I could see it being a little more difficult... maybe...

8 quarts'l do ya

I always use the Napa Gold small filter.

Worst filter location I've ever dealt with was on a 2003 Passat wagon. Took 30 min of removing s*** to get to it.

 

[Romer]

Ahhh, I thought you wanted to know how much oil in the filter. 8 Qts and buy an OEM filter from CDAN

 

[bdeakin]

Amen on the 3vze being the worst Toyota truck for oil filter placement. But Yeah, just buy Oil by the 4 or 5 quart jug... it's usually a lot cheaper.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I like the traditional"Big" Land Cruiser filter from Toyota. As eveyone says, 8 quarts is the magic number. I like Mobil 1 and normally use the 15w-50 but I've used the 0w-40 and 5w-40 Mobil 1 as well. Recently I've been using the Shell Rotella synthetic 5w-40 in my FJ60 and it does the trick for $12 per gallon at Wal-Mart. Another budget choice would be Chevron Delo 15w-40. With that you get near synthetic performance for $6 per gallon. Really, I'll bet the 1FZ isn't too picky and you can run what you like.

If the Toyota filters are not your thing, I like the Napa Gold 1515. It's like the Toyota "big " filter and only costs $5.

 

[Gumby]

I do my own oil changes so the filter always comes off by hand, but on other people's 80s i use a filter wrench that looks like a big pair of channel locks.

The worst oil filter ever was a Renault LeCar. You had to remove the AC compressor to get at it. There are a couple of GMs that are really bad too, as is a 300ZX motor. Way worse than an 80.

 

[NorCalDoug]

I have big hands and forearms -- it's a tight squeeze for me most times, but I can reach in and get it. I don't care for the angle it's at because I know I'm going to spill a bunch of it when I remove it...but that's just the way it is...

The worst I ever dealt with was on a 87 VW GTI. I would cut up my arms on the radiator fins reaching down to get that damned filter. Nothing like 8 or 9 nice long cuts running along your arms when you're nice and oily

 

[Mudshack]

Thanks gang.

I have to agree on the Tacoma being the worse filter location. The only way to get to the filter was to put it up on a lift, and reach stright up through a hole in the skid plate (1998-2000). I gave up and always had my buddy do it at his garage.

Well, this filter is not budging without finding a wrench to get over it. Was tempted to use the old screwdriver trick (have done that on the Saturn many times).

So, I will have to repeat the process with a new filter. At least there is some new oil in there to get me through to the weekend, and past a long trip.

8 was the magic number. I would never believe that a 6 cylinder engine would hold 8 but, it does. Thanks.

 

[e9999]

I use a strap wrench for the hard ones...

 

[syrinxstar]

You can reach in from underneath with a strap/band wrench and get a little bit more leverage and access than from above. Just tighten by hand when you put the next one on and it won't be as much trouble.

 

[syrinxstar]

Oh yeah, make sure you get out from underneath after you break it free. Remove it from above or you'll get lubed -

 

[Mudshack]

Yeh, I figured out that the best way to get at it is from below...and get out after loosening it. A gorilla must have put it on.

 

[fzj80kidpen]

Have any of the oil kuru's thought about fabricating an adapter to turn that oil filter upside down? When I first got my 80 I was surprised to find that it was sideways.

 

[informationjunky]

I loosen it from below and I like to cut a 2 liter bottle in half and stick it just below the filter (after I loosen it), seems to get most of the oil that runs everywhere when you spin it off.

 

[e9999]

I tried the alumiminium foil trick, works OK if not perfect

 

[RavenTai]

I got one of those filter sockets, when they fit perfectly they work great.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=5368