FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
It's done this way for a reason: it's a test. You have to pass the "where do the skid plate bolts go" test before you get your 200 series man card. Welcome to the club!!!Mostly on-topic, mostly whining, high likelihood of duplication....
So on a '21 LC200 HE, there are 11...yes, ELEVEN total skidplate/cover bolts one has to remove in order to complete an oil change. I find this absolutely inexcusable and Toyota should be embarrassed by this cost-cutting decision. Toyota should have simply installed a second small cover beneath the filter cartridge similar to the oil drain cover.
As it is, I figure an 200 Land Cruiser owner has basically only two reasonable options: (1) Buy bright colored tractor paint of your choice and paint the heads of the eleven bolts so one doesn't need the FSM or a youtube video everytime they change the oil; or (2) buy an aftermarket skid plate that has access ports for both the cartridge and the drain.
Notably, taking a stock 200 LC to a quick-lube isn't an option I'd ever advise. That's an almost guaranteed way to end up with missing "No. 1 Engine Undercover Sub-assembly" and "Front Fender Splash Shield Sub-assembly" bolts. Ugh.
To add insult to injury, some dumb@$$ didn't stop and think that the three "Front Fender Splash Shield" bolts are relatively large plastic self-tapping-style body screws. Which means they were not intended to be removed and reinstalled more than a couple of times for fitment purposes (unlike a purpose-built access panel). I estimate one would be lucky to still have all of them after about 50-100k miles (5-15 oil changes) since the plastic gets torn up every time you remove and reinstall them.
I shouldn't have to break out a rattle can or budget for an aftermarket skidplate to efficiently maintain my vehicle! @#&%$^%%&^&^Q&^&*W^*&^E*&^@*&#^*!@^#*&@^
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