Anyone else hate the plastic oil housing?

I’m having a lot of trouble with the plastic housing on my Tundra. It seems like it was overtightened during the last oil change. The side fans are cracked, and I can’t loosen it at all.



They have aluminum ones on Amazon, I think they’re originally for the Toyota Avalon. I swapped mine out too. I also added a Fumoto valve and an RCI skid plate—makes oil changes a breeze, takes me about 15 minutes now.

@Afton
I got the aluminum one but I can’t get the plastic one off.

Ridge said:
@Afton
I got the aluminum one but I can’t get the plastic one off.

Take your time. Mine was tough to remove too, but it eventually came off. It’s just plastic in the end.

@Afton

@Ridge
That’s rough, at least it’s plastic—might be time to start cutting it off!

Keagan said:
@Ridge
That’s rough, at least it’s plastic—might be time to start cutting it off!

I’m worried I might chip or damage the aluminum underneath if I cut it.

Ridge said:

Keagan said:
@Ridge
That’s rough, at least it’s plastic—might be time to start cutting it off!

I’m worried I might chip or damage the aluminum underneath if I cut it.

Try using a chisel and hammer on one of the solid corners. It might break the bond.

@Keagan
Tried that, but I don’t have a strong enough chisel.

Ridge said:
@Keagan
Tried that, but I don’t have a strong enough chisel.

Try using a large screwdriver instead of a chisel.

@Ridge
Man, that really sucks. Sorry you’re dealing with this.

@Ridge
That looks brutal, man. Feel for you.

@Ridge
Were you able to get it off?

Afton said:
@Ridge
Were you able to get it off?

@Ridge
Sorry to see that, man. Don’t give up; you’re not the first to deal with this.

Afton said:
@Ridge
Sorry to see that, man. Don’t give up; you’re not the first to deal with this.

Maybe try opening the oil cap? Could relieve some suction if it’s vacuum-sealed in there.

@Afton
Oil cap was open and the engine was fully drained.

Ridge said:
@Afton
Oil cap was open and the engine was fully drained.

I’m out of ideas, sorry bud.

Afton said:

Ridge said:
@Afton
Oil cap was open and the engine was fully drained.

I’m out of ideas, sorry bud.

Maybe try heating it up slightly? Even a hair dryer could help loosen it a bit.

@Afton
Maybe try a large easy-out bit in the center threads? It might grab enough to unthread it.