I don't think Mazda changed my filter!!!

[slenser]

I go to change my oil tonight (it's 2nd) and all was fine until I tried taking the filter off. HOLY CRAP!!! I have never had a hard time taking off filters, but this one would not budge. I'm not trying to brag, but I've got one hell of a grip. So I looked and it's a Mazda filter. I specifically remember them saying they used Penzoil filters, but mine isn't. How much you wanna bet, someone tried taking it off on my last oil change and couldn't, so just left the thing on there. I've heard people say the Mazda factory filters are on really, really tight. I can't wait to call the dealer tomorrow.

BTW, it's still sitting on the ramps with no oil and that damn filter still on! I'm leaving everything on and taking pictures for my own protection.

 

[SpicyMchaggis]

good idea..******* mazda dealerships suck sooo much..

 

[InitialDMP5]

yes they do....ohhhh boy they do

 

[hitncry]

I had the same problem. I did my p5s first oil change 2 weeks ago and it tooke me over 45minutes to get that thing off. Then when I got it off the thing was BONE dry inside I don't think oild had ever even filtered through it.

when I took the car in for a basic new car free inspection I told them about it and I'm pretty sure they didn't check it out. The service writer wouldn't even make a note of it for the tech.

I dunno it I should worry about it though.

any thoughts?

 

[Coqui258]

Basic new car inspection?

 

[Darin]

Get a big screw driver...and a hammer. Pound the screw-driver thru the filter, and twist away...

ONLY use Mazda OEM filters, btw...or other filters w/ an anti-drain back feature.

(thumb)


WHen you re-install the new filter, put some old oil over the gasket...and pre-fill your filter as much as you can, with new oil, before installing. Tighten ONLY hand-tight.

 

[p5mica]

Get yourself one of these from Snap-On, one of the best pieces of equipment i've ever used.

 

[PeaB0dy]

You don't need to prefill, makes things messy..

But yes use the old oil on the gasket for a seal..

when you start the car up for the first time after the oil change it's get in to the filter really quickly, and there is always a little old oil left in the system

btw, be carefull where you put the screw driver in, do it as near the bottom as possible, cause I think there is a hose that goes down part of the way (could be wrong, don't remember..). Or go to napa and get the proper sized tool to remove the filter..

 

[Darin]

You don't need to prefill, makes things messy..
when you start the car up for the first time after the oil change it's get in to the filter really quickly, and there is always a little old oil left in the system

Your motor gets it's oil from the filter...I'd think anyone wants as much oil as they can, right away, to the engine. 'They' say 90?% of engine wear occurs within the 1st few seconds of starting the motor, right?

Would you likewise say not to pay for a filter w/ an anti-drainback device?

 

[PeaB0dy]

no I wouldn't say that...

BTW, are you going synthetic?

 

[slenser]

When you have a filter that points up, like ours, it doesn't make much sense to try filling it before installing.

I called Mazda today. They say the Protege gets Mazda filters. He also says they only hand tighten. I find the hand tighten thing to be bulls***, but whatever. The guy didn't know who I was or why I was calling, other than to find out what brand they use on their changes.

I've seen those filter wrenches before, but don't know where to get one and I'm not likely to see a snapon truck drive by my house. I'm afraid to do the screwdriver thing right now. I have watched someone do that and end up with the case completely off and still not have the filter removed! Of course this was a Fram filter, so no other explanation is really needed.

I am going synthetic. Mobil 1 with Pure One filter.

 

[Darin]

points up? Maybe I'd need to be reminded how the filter attaches...I can't imagine the thing screws down ONTO the motor..

weird.

 

[p5mica]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_...&group_ID=1534&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[Dexter]

points up? Maybe I'd need to be reminded how the filter attaches...I can't imagine the thing screws down ONTO the motor..

weird.

it does.

 

[Greg S]

Get yourself one of these from Snap-On, one of the best pieces of equipment i've ever used.

Don't bother with Snach-On prices for that you can get them at Auto Zone, I picked one up during my first filter change cuase it was a pain like everyone else's.

Don't get me wrong, I love Snap-On tools but for stuff that they don't make or says Bluepoint htey don't have a life time warrenty so why pay the extra money.

 

[p5mica]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the filter attaches horizontally on the engine. The picture shows that.

 

[Darin]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the filter attaches horizontally on the engine. The picture shows that.

SEE???? I'm NOT Crazy!

Pre-Fill your oil filters peeps - it'll help ensure a long engine life!

 

[Dexter]

how does the oil not dump out from the filter if you have to put it horizontally into the engine?

 

[slenser]

I got a Craftsman tool. Actually, I got 2. I bought one of those strap wrenches ($10 junk) and something similar to the snapon tool ($7). It took both hands to do it, which isn't easy, but once I got it to grab, it turned. After that, I was able to turn it by hand.

Thanks for the advice on the tool, it helped a bunch for what to look for and worked wonders!

I take back most of the bad things I said about you all. j/k, you guys are a great bunch.

Thanks again,
Sam

edit:

I did end up making use of that strap wrench! The Mobil 1 5qt bottle lid was tearing up my hand when I was trying to open it, so I used it. Guess it wasn't a total waste, but an aweful expensive bottle opener.

 

[Darin]

how does the oil not dump out from the filter if you have to put it horizontally into the engine?

Hold the filter up to the motor, as full as you can get it....perpendicular - then, in one quick motion, plug the thing in. I do it like that w/ my miata...I've got occasional spillage..nothing more than a quarter-sized drop, unless i fill to the extreme.