Good job. It is satisfiing to do things right and for yourself. No question in your mind that it was done correctly is worth something in itself . Now that you have all the tools why not keep doing it in the future ?
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They would have to prove you damaged the engine first, by using incorrect fluid or incorrect filter, etc...The main benefit of DIY isn't to save costs but ensuring it's done properly. Many mechanics and dealers will 'forget' to change the filter, crush washer, or they overtighten the filter and/or drain plug. + Many dealers are using 0W-20 when they should be using 0W-16.
The RAV4 has very nice jackpoints at the front and back. Get a floor jack and a pair jack stands. Home Depot has this bundle for a 3-ton low profile + jackstands for only $180. Harbor Freight has good deals on the Daytona and Pittsburgh jacks sometimes.
Husky 3-Ton Low Profile Car Jack with Quick Lift and Jack Stand Pair HD00120-BD - The Home Depot
The Husky 3-Ton Jack Stand pair is designed to lift up to 6,000 lbs. (3-tons) with a heavy-duty steel base with anti-sink feet for added durability and safety. This pair of jack stands have an extension
www.homedepot.com
Install a Fumoto valve or Stahlbus or EZDrain and you won't have to worry about, changing rush washers, using a torque wrench or stripped threads. The ones with a nipple are even better since you can drain the oil directly into a container. Then the only messy part will be installing the oil filter.
Thanks for your replies-
Tacoslilfriend – You are right, it is satisfying to do it and know it was done right. My next oil change is probably October. I just might do it again. Don’t forget the first time you have to think about each step. I have to figure out a way to go minimize the number of times you crawl under the truck. I think I did it at least 6 times and getting up is harder – it’s the age thing.
aVyDe – I used 2x6 wooden planks to raise it up 4 inches, another. You summarized the dealer issues pretty good. I went to the dealer just 2x with my Rav4 and I had enough. Question for you, I drained the oil first, then I took off the filter. Can I take the filter off first? The problem was after the oil was drained the pan was almost full and if the filter falls in there it would splash the oil out.
DL175 – not an issue, you don’t need dealer oils changes to maintain warranty.
Paul894 – Correct. And yes it’s not about the cost. I need it done right. Question: where do you put the jack stands in order not to damage anything? As for the drain valve, it looks like the thread is quite long and it seems to me that not all of the oil will drain out.
SLS Artemis – That’s great if you can take care of your cars by yourself. For the 2 ramp thing, helps let all the oil drain out it it’s slightly inclined towards the back.
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Tacoslilfriend – You are right, it is satisfying to do it and know it was done right. My next oil change is probably October. I just might do it again. Don’t forget the first time you have to think about each step. I have to figure out a way to go minimize the number of times you crawl under the truck. I think I did it at least 6 times and getting up is harder – it’s the age thing.
aVyDe – I used 2x6 wooden planks to raise it up 4 inches, another. You summarized the dealer issues pretty good. I went to the dealer just 2x with my Rav4 and I had enough. Question for you, I drained the oil first, then I took off the filter. Can I take the filter off first? The problem was after the oil was drained the pan was almost full and if the filter falls in there it would splash the oil out.
DL175 – not an issue, you don’t need dealer oils changes to maintain warranty.
Paul894 – Correct. And yes it’s not about the cost. I need it done right. Question: where do you put the jack stands in order not to damage anything? As for the drain valve, it looks like the thread is quite long and it seems to me that not all of the oil will drain out.
SLS Artemis – That’s great if you can take care of your cars by yourself. For the 2 ramp thing, helps let all the oil drain out it it’s slightly inclined towards the back.
IMO if you follow the 5,000 mile/6 month interval then it shouldn't really matter if you get every last drop out. If you're concerned about sediment accumulating on the bottom near the threads then it's very simple to remove and reinstall the valve with an adjustable wrench, especially since the torque specs are only about half that of a standard drain plug. Just make sure you replace the crush washer afterward. (According to their website the threads don't stick into the pan.)
Does my Fumoto valve stick out inside of my oil pan? - Customer Help Center
help.fumotousa.com
Here's a video showing how to jack up the RAV4 as well as the jack points using 4 jack stands, this channel has a lot of helpful videos on the 5th Gen. You can buy rubber pads for the jack puck + jackstands on Amazon.
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