New filter every other oil change?

[Ramblin Fever]

We're doing the every other oil change on our newly bought '04 Tacoma 3.4L V6, for one, it's mileage is a lot lower then the other rigs in our yard; and for another, it's oil filter location is a NIGHTMARE to say the least!

For our older/higher mileage vehicles, 174k; 202k; and our cummins diesel (because it IS a diesel), we're still changing the filters every oil change, but with these vehicles, the filter takes all but 3-5 seconds to get off.

All of my vehicles are using Napa Gold filters.

 

[Auto-Union]

I think that every circumstance is different. Some of the Audis are tough to reach the expensive $15 filter (oem filter says 30,000km on the side) and there is also a belly-pan to R&R. The guys with a turbo like to change synthetics every 5000 miles, so why not extract or drain the oil and do a $20 synthetic oil change verses a full $150 service at the dealer? As for cost-effective, you could do a lot more service with the money that way. It's not being cheap, it's being smart. Using plain dino oil at a sort-ish interval, like 3000-5000 miles, leave the filter on for a $10 oil change. It's not for everyone, but say my Mom's 10 year old car, 2 oil changes a year and one filter. She goes to the mechanic for inspection and oil+filter change and I do an extraction+refill six months later. It takes me 5 minutes and costs zilch (Delo 30). What's wrong with that? On my Hondas, as I said, I drain the filter if it's good quality I reuse it. In the case of my woman's CRV, it's a big Wix that will get drained and re-used after 6000 miles for another 6000 miles. No problem.

 

[flatlandtacoma]

Quote:

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'04 Tacoma 3.4L V6 ... it's oil filter location is a NIGHTMARE to say the least!

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Crank the wheel to the left. Go in the front side of the driver's wheel well and it is literally staring at you on the side of the block. I've never had a problem with it.

 

[flatlandtacoma]

I just realized I told you the same thing back in January: http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...true#Post796184

Did you look in your driver's side wheel well? There is a flexible guard between the frame and fender, you may have to remove one clip to fold it back. I kneel down and reach my right arm in there, grab the filter and twist to the left. You can put a plastic bag around it to keep most of the oil off your skidplate.

Here is a picture (courtesy of 4x4wire.com)
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/V6_driverside_filter_exposed.jpg

 

[LubeOiler]

This is the first time I didn't change the NAPA Gold filter on the 03 Camry(4cyl).The only concern is the 4 oz of Auto RX I added to the GC. I know it may bring more particles to the filter but once there trapped they stay trapped right!I am going to change the filter only out after 5000 miles.If it were a fram or wal mart filter I would of tossed it but I think it will get by this one time.