Oil change question

Some filter have anti-drain back valve in them (OEM ones do) and some don't - suspect that's difference. Unless the oil looks like chocolate milk - not to worry. If chocoloate milk - suspect head gasket, head or timing chain cover --- worry then $$$$.

the 22RE's I've owned take little over 4 qts with filter.

This morning the oil level is right on target. I do however have some spotting under the truck so there may be a small leak somewhere. I had this same thing happen at 125k. I changed the oil and then started having leaks. Probably because of increased oil pressure. They replaced something and didn't have the problem again. The oil on the dip stick and spots is new clean oil.

Oil drain plug gaskets. These things come in a variety of materials. Nylon, fiber, crushable fiber surrounded by copper, and MY FAVORITE ... solid aluminum.

This gasket should be replaced every time the oil is changed. Few places do this and even fewer have the solid aluminum gasket.

-Philip

time.

Check it after you first shut it off because overnight the oil can drain out of the engine and into the pan. I always check mine warm after a change.

Checking the oil after the engine has been sitting for at least an hour is the correct/accurate method. All engines have oil systems that 'drain' back completely to the crankcase eventually. In some engines, particularly those with the oil filter mounted horizontally or with the threaded end down WILL drain overnight, the oil level can rise 3/4 of quart compared to checking the level right after the engine is shut down.

-Philip

Mine used to be copper which compressed when tightened. Now they are rubber. Supposedly you can use the gasket up to 3 times but I replace my every time.

Makes sense to me.

Both types are known to weep and loosen with time. The only reusable gaskets are the solid copper or solid aluminum. All the rest are one-timers. More than once and you're on your own.

-Philip

Maybe I'm not understanding something. I thought Toyota oil filters had an anti-drainback valve so that the engine had oil pressure quickly at startup.

Nearly all oil filters have the much ballyhooed "anti drainback valve.'' The exception are a few engines that mount the filter with the threaded end up. There is no need for this valve in those applications (ie, small block Chevys). If you will notice, the 1ZZFE engine in late model Corollas mount the oil filter, threaded end up and yet ... they still have the anti drainback valve. Why? The filter has other applications which mount the filter horizontally. In any case, those rubber disc flapper 'valves' leak. They are not a perfect one-way valve. Even with the best of filters, when mounted threaded end down, the filter WILL drain eventually. That could be a day or two instead of a few hours. WHY? because the anti drainback valve only impedes oil travel back through the oil pump. It does NOTHING to prevent oil draining through the oil galleries and crankshaft bearings. Best way to position an oil filter is threaded end up. Oil cannot leave the filter unless you puncture the canister.

-Philip

Thanks.