jcjr

Hello,

I have always changed my own oil.....tonight the filter would not go on easily...i did no try to hard but worried about stripping the filter screw on the engine....

How easy is it to dmage that screw???

It was a bit darker then normal in my garage...i usually do it during day time...I stopped for now and will resume in AM...

Usually it just slips right on....a bit concerned

code58

I don't think you probably stripped it. It a little hard sometimes to get it lined up just right to go on immediately, especially where it's located. I think you'll be fine in the morning when you can get some good light on it. Good Luck with it!

salimshah

More likely you cross threaded the filter and compromised the filter threads. Very unlikely that you damaged the threads on the engine side. Undo the filter, inspect the threads on the engine side and install a new filter.

Salim

tromly

Great advice Salim, that's why you're a Lexus Champion !

Lexmex

Here's a closer look at that area from my RX. The front engine coolant drain plug is just to the right.

Lexmex

One other note.

Should the piece shown above be stripped, the part number is 90404-19013, it's about an $8 part.

jcjr

Thanks guys.....

I am going to get a new filter this morning and try again....I usually replace the filter from the top with no problems..Have done it ever since i bought my 2001 Rx 3 years ago..

Last night though I just could not find the smmoth thread point......i even took the bottom shield off and tried from below...no luck

I hope a new filter will do the trick...

I dont want to have to replace the screw on the engine...its hard enough to get to to put the filter on let alone replacing the screw!!!!

Thanks for the part number Lexmex.

jcjr

Great!!!

All fixed....new filter went on easy in daylight...

Lost one filter in the process....that is what I get for changing my oil late at night after a long day at work

From now on all changes will be done during the day!!!

Thanks again guys....this is the best auto forum around

salimshah

Daylight or no light makes no difference ... it is all by feel for me. I think the overnight rest made the difference. Glad it worked out.

Salim

jcjr

Another question Salim.....

I just received some WIX oil filters that I have wanted to try......I did noy have it this morning when I finished my oil change..

If I change out just the filter now...how much oil will I lose???

Should be just the amount in the filter ..right??


I want to get the WIX on there...

Thoughts????

salimshah

I have never removed the filter and topped up ever. In theory it should be the oil absorbed by the element + capacity of the filter + oil in the pressure line.

Just use the dip stick and fill if needed. My GUESS is that you can put 3/4 of a quart from min to max level. Making it hard to go wrong.

I always used toyota/lexus filter so cant comment on the type you want to use.

Salim

code58

If the vehicle has set for a few hours or over night, all you will lose is what the filter holds, and I truly doubt that will be more than a pint. It's not a large filter. I trust you will like the Wix, I used Wix when I was in my teens and I've been retired for over 3 yrs., and they have ALWAYS been a top notch filter.

jcjr

Thanks Code58.....

I am still deciding whether to chnage it now or wait until next oil change...


With all the trouble I had this time I am not sure I am ready for any more stress....

code58

JCJR- I would, as they say, "let sleeping dogs lie". The miles will roll around soon enough, don't waste the filter you struggled to put on (though I realize you didn't struggle with this one), "Wix Time" will be here soon enough.