Maintenance Tool Questions

[ShiningArcanine]

I have a 1995 Toyota Avalon (1MZ-FE), on which I did a tuneup with my uncle a while ago. My uncle is the car person in the family, so I have done fuel filter, air filter and pcv valve changes with him, but I do not like to bother him, so I would like to buy my own tools to do routine maintenance. I want to do oil changes (including the filter), air filter changes, fuel filter and pcv valve changes. If possible, I would also like to do spark plug changes. I typically do oil changes with my father, but I am not sure he has the right tools to do them (he has a wrench, a plastic bucket that leaks and a pair of steel ramps) so I am asking about that as well.

Also, yesterday, I did an oil change with my father and we could not remove the old PureOne oil filter, so I would like to get an oil filter wrench. I used the search feature on the forums and someone mentioned a sears adjustable wrench, so I did a google search and I found the following:

http://reviews.sears.com/2328/02820523000/reviews.htm

Is that wrench good, or should buy something else? I only use PureOne oil filters in my car, so I expect to only use the wrench to replace them.

 

[The_Jeff]

That filter wrench is okay, I prefer the strap version myself and you really can't go wrong with any of those. I don't like the "fingers" that grip the end of the filters as they might slip although those look like they tighten as you apply torque. Depends on filter location in your car of course and what you can get in there.

Similarly, you can get a dishpan at a dollar store that'll work for draining... but I prefer the funnel-on-top, spout-on-side change pan like this guy. The side spout makes for a clean dump into a gallon container (milk, windshield washer fluid, etc) for recycling. Then you don't fiddle with balancing a funnel on an empty container in the wind.

Put your money into a nice wrench set... sears craftsman, home depot husky, etc. These will be kinder to the drain bolt in the car.

As far as spark plugs some will rag on me for suggesting this but BIG LOTS of all places has a "tune up kit" for $4. This has two sockets (only two sizes of plug), an extention, and a cheezy ratchet. This actually works! Plugs should only be torqued to 15-20 ft lbs so you don't need heavy duty gear to stick 'em in and spin 'em out.

None of us have seen your drive on ramps; they could be ancient. It might behoove you to get a couple of jackstands to back these up with. Any modern jackstand sold by a legitimate retailer is up to the task... lawyers, you understand.

 

[babyjay8495]

Got these and love them. They don't have them in the store around me, so i had to order off the web site. Very good selection for a good price. web page

 

[Earl Filter]

For use on multiple vehicles, I prefer these...

http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_CAT142_pg4.htm

...which can be found at any auto parts store. Never found a filter I couldn't remove with them. For ramps, buy the grey plastic (12k lbs) Rhino Ramps for about $35. Unless you need to pull the wheels for something (brakes, etc.), I prefer ramps for quickie jobs.

 

[Earl Filter]

P.S. The filter pliers I posted are normally more like $8.00, not the $25 on that website.

 

[Gary Allan]

If those steel ramps are of 1970's vintage ..be very careful. The incline is steep and the landing area short. You have to apply so much gas to elevate the car ..then have to quickly stop on a dime. There was a severe pucker factor to them the last time I used them (about 30 years ago).

 

[bdcardinal]

some tookl companies sell a filter socket set. they go on the end of hte filter and fit the size and number of "slots" perfectly. i have a set from MATCO that i use everyday. the Toyotas where the filter is up top and next to the exhaust are easy with these sockets. i think the set is actually made by OTC. you can pick up the individual filter ones at any parts store. just grab the filter you normally use and size it up to the correct socket.

 

[Sparkman]

Ramp trick: With an automatic, hold your left foot on the brake hard and hold the gas down slightly with your right foot, the car shouldn't move, then carefully modulate the brake while holding the gas steady to allow the car to move up the ramp. I usually drag the brake all the way up, and I don't let off of the gas until I'm stopped. DO AT YOUR OWN RISK!! (but it works great, love my ole skoo ramps) Ramps are tricky with a manual transmission, I usually just carefully ride the clutch.

I was taught that if you are putting the filter on correctly a wrench shouldn't be necessary for removal. My experience has shown this to be true, though I do have a couple of wrenches for the particularly tough filter or car design. I also have strap and chain wrenches around for general purpose use, but they work well on filters also.

 

[TallPaul]

I have the oil filter pilers. They work great. Got them at AutoZone. Think I paid about $13.

 

[Kestas]

Quote:

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... I was taught that if you are putting the filter on correctly a wrench shouldn't be necessary for removal. My experience has shown this to be true...

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It depends how ergonomically placed the filter is under the hood. Some are placed such that you can touch it, but be dammed if you can put any force on it to get it off (or on), or severely cramp your hand trying.

 

[gedcruise]

You are right. Try getting the oil filter off any modern Honda without some type of wrench. Sometimes you can, but the placement is so obstructed that you'll probably need some type of tool. Of course, if you had a lift, it would be a piece of cake.
Anyway, strap wrenches work well. Cap wrenches are even better. You can improve grip as needed by placing a paper towel or rag over the filter before placing the cap on it. The time-honored method of loosening a really stubborn filter involves a long screwdriver and a hammer. Have done this a couple of times. Crude, messy, but effective.
For a drain pan, any plastic pan of sufficient capacity will do. You can count on dropping the drain plug and washer into your drain pan about one out of every thirty or so changes.

 

[tom slick]

I like the pliers type for filters. you can buy channellocks filter pliers at home depot.

 

[ShiningArcanine]

Thanks everyone. What about the things that I will need to change the pcv valve, fuel filter, spark plugs and air filter?

 

[zrxkawboy]

As far as an all-around value, Craftsman tools are hard to beat. Of course there are better tools out there, but Craftsman are reasonably priced, decent quality, and guaranteed forever. Good deal for the typical DIYer.