kjbro

Ok guys, I've searched the threads for good instruction on locating my oil filter on a 95 LS400 without much success. Would appreciate suggestions on best way to access oil filter. Maybe I'm missing something, but it appears that the cover under the engine area needs to be removed. What's your opinion, and any pitfalls to avoid? Thanks.

rybikowsky

The proper way to change the oil filter calls for the removal of the panel,I dont know,how you would have a question.You can just remove the screws on the oil filter side, pull the panel down enough to acsess the filter.

kjbro

Thank rybikowskys. Made perfect sense but feel more comfortable hearing from someone who knows. Once panel is off, is access and removal of filter a "no brainer"?

rybikowsky

Si

gebo

righty tighty, lefty loosey.

mlevk

Hey kjbro ,

I suggest you do it with someone who's done it before and knows what to look out for. Sounds like you are novice at this.\

It should be simple enough but here's what can go wrong that a novice might not pick up.

1) Not tighening the oil filter enough when installing.
result : oil filter will spin off while you are driving
causing engine failure if not stopped in time.

2) "double ringed" this is when the old filter ring gets stuck on
the engine block but you don't notice it and install the new
filter over it
result: leaking oil and possible damage if not caught.

3) Over tightening the new filter.
result: you'll have a hell of a time getting it off on the next
change.

kjbro

Thanks mlevk, I have followed those instructions on prior cars owned. As a "true novice", I once was so proud of the first time I changed oil in my first car. When my Dad got home, I announced that the "job was finished", however, when I went to move the car, I found that I had drained the transmission fluid and put 5 qts. of additional oil in the system. Car wouldn't move and my face was "beet red". You only make that mistake once. Fortunately, Dad & I finished the work together and still laugh to this day.

Are you using an OEM filter or are you buying a specific brand at auto parts store? Thanks.

gebo

kjbro,

I would highly recommend the Toyota filter 90915-20004. It is a Japan made filter just for your LS. CHeck out the pictures in http://bananags.netfirms.com/ They have cut open some oil filters for cpmparison.

mlevk

Hey kjbro ,

Just wanted to make sure you didn't end ruining your car for something simple.

I have used the Toyota filter 90915-20004. It's a little pricey here in Boston for that , about $12.

The Toyota -YZZB5 is a US equivalent for about 5-6 bucks but I think it DOES NOT have a by-pass valve.

My thinking is this, The chance of the filter clogging is small if you use Mobil 1 or Castrol Syn and change it every 3-4 K ? That's what the by-pass is for , as for the Filter itself vs Japan's Filter element , I would think they are equal. They are both TOYOTA.
The Lexus Filter was about 18-20 ! We only have 3 dealers in the area.

mlevk

Well according to this site, they are equivalent,
check it out ? and the posts for 90915-YZZB5. they do have a by-pass valve.

http://mkiv.com/techarticles/parts/t...ter/index.html

In the site he compares it with the 90915-2004 vs the SUPRA FILTER, another number for the in-line 6 .

gebo

mlevk,

Do some more checking on the difference between the "Japan made" oil filter and the "American made" oil filter. They are not alike. You can go to several www and buy either one for your V8, however, the guts are nothing alike. Japan made is about 2X the price of American made.

I've got to go to work, not trying to be a weiner and just pass the buck, just do an oil filter search......

Of course, everybody has an "OPINION?"

mlevk

Hey Gebo , no prob because I didn't do my own research.
I am just going by what sharp-ls says, but being an mech engr.
I am tempted to sacrifice a 90915-YZZB5 since we have pics of the 90915-2004 in that thread.

Shrap LS says the following :

The good Toyota filters are the ones made by Denso in Japan. Just make sure they say Denso and made in Japan on the filter and your good to go. Be careful cause there the ones that say Toyota made in USA are of poor quality. (These are cheap, completely different fragile element inside!) If your not sure just look in the filter and you can tell the quality of it.

Now as far as
90915-20004-Lexus V-8 filter
90915-YZZB5-Toyota V-8 filter
These two are the same filters except 20004 has a orange rubber seal gasket and YZZB5 has a black gasket. Both are by Denso and made in Japan. If you want to pay higher prices at Lexus just for the peace of mind then go ahead but it’s really the exact same filter at Toyota for half the price if not more.

We all work hard for our money so why spent it foolishly. An educated consumer is the best consumer.
PERIOD

The 2nd paragraph says they are the same ? Yes no ?

hyperopt

Alright, I have been using 90915-YZZB5 for the last two years and they are labeled made Japan for <$4 ea. I went to Lexus dealer yesterday to pickup some more but the parts guy said 90915-YZZB5 is obsolete number and the new number is 90915-2004 for 3X the cost. Total BS to me! Sound like 90915-2004 is the higher price version of 90915-YZZB5.

Can you imagine getting your oil replaced at Lexus dealer for $60+ and when you look at itemized part cost and see a $4 oil filter? That wouldn't make you feel good would it? Hell, you would rather see a $15+ put on your pampered Lexy wouldn't you?

SharpLS-96

Guys,

The YZZB5 does have a bybass valve. It's the same filter just a different color o-ring.
You have to buy the filter at Toyota! If it's a Genuine Toyota Oil Filter and made by Nippondenso (Denso) in Japan it does. These are not American made!

Here

http://www.toyota.com/html/shop/deal...l_filters.html

SharpLS-96

Here
http://www.toyotaguys.com/casoftoyoilf.html

Just so you know a pressure relief valve =bybass valve)