Changing Oil Filter

[Akaveli]

Rosenthal Mazda has a good deal on filters and includes the wrench:

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=MAZ3MISCL321

thats the same place where I got my Mazda from

 

[goldwing2000]

I just used a rubber strap-wrench.

Until I changed to a spin-on filter, that is. Now I just use a glove.

 

[jhowey]

Careful with aftermarket oil filters for the 2.3Liter engines, many afermarket companies are making them to big, and they end up splitting in the middle once installed, this has become a key tactic for our service department in promoting having the dealer changer their oil.

 

[goldwing2000]

That's exactly why I switched to the 2.0L spin-on filter. LOTS more filter options. I'm running Mobil1 filters and oil for the past 16k.

 

[tsunami]

yeah i had a hell of a time installing a napa filter that last oil change was fine this time its ID was to small and the big oring was to large.... god what a pita especially when im doing it in my drive way and its 10* outside...

 

[NTIMD8R]

Switching to spin-on oil filter

That's exactly why I switched to the 2.0L spin-on filter. LOTS more filter options. I'm running Mobil1 filters and oil for the past 16k.

How do you switch to a 2.0L spin-on filter? Is there a kit that you have to buy? I'm about to do my first oil change (just bought the car a week and a half ago) and have bought the 2.3L filter cartridge from NAPA. I'd much rather have a spin on type.

 

[Rotus8]

How do you switch to a 2.0L spin-on filter? Is there a kit that you have to buy? I'm about to do my first oil change (just bought the car a week and a half ago) and have bought the 2.3L filter cartridge from NAPA. I'd much rather have a spin on type.

http://www.trademotion.com/partloca...fo&PartID=377250&siteid=214264&catalogid=4010

 

[goldwing2000]

There ya go.

When I did mine, they didn't have a "kit". I just had to buy the parts separately. Same stuff, though. Good price, too!

 

[NTIMD8R]

Thanks a bunch! Just changed the oil last night and put in the 2.3L NAPA filter with Mobil 1 oil. Went better than I expected. Is it just my Mazda or does everyone's hole in the plastic guard underneath the engine not line up with the oil filter housing?! Geez! Gonna buy the conversion kit and change the filter over on the next oil change. Thanks again for your help!

 

[Albert]

Will that work without any problems for the MS3, too?

That's exactly why I switched to the 2.0L spin-on filter. LOTS more filter options. I'm running Mobil1 filters and oil for the past 16k.

 

[TheMAN]

that "kit" is for the non-turbo engine
parts you need for the mz5/ms3/ms6/CX-7 instead:
L311-14-311 oil filter mount
LF11-14-342 oil filter mount gasket

then a filter of your choice... mazda one is LF10-14-302

I did this conversion on a mz5 last weekend... was NOT exactly a walk in the park because the oil cooler bolt is right below the starter and there's not a lot of room there... make sure you disconnect the battery first before you start working on this!

 

[SharkDiver]

Im going to change mine in a few days..Do I have to have the tool?I cant just twist the filter housing thing out by hand?

 

[TheMAN]

no

 

[Rotus8]

Thanks a bunch! Just changed the oil last night and put in the 2.3L NAPA filter with Mobil 1 oil. Went better than I expected. Is it just my Mazda or does everyone's hole in the plastic guard underneath the engine not line up with the oil filter housing?! Geez! Gonna buy the conversion kit and change the filter over on the next oil change. Thanks again for your help!

The conversion kit will not make the filter line up with the hole. You still need to pull the cover to change the oil. You could make the hole bigger though...

 

[MM3Canuck]

The conversion kit will not make the filter line up with the hole. You still need to pull the cover to change the oil. You could make the hole bigger though...

I did my oil change over the weekend, and I made a hole for filter as well. Should just come out and take only a few minutes the next time.

I can only recommend this.

 

[MM3Canuck]

The conversion kit will not make the filter line up with the hole. You still need to pull the cover to change the oil. You could make the hole bigger though...

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the cartridge type?

 

[Rotus8]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the cartridge type?

Advantages:
Less metal in the land fill
Can completely drain it before putting in the trash (less oil in the land fill)
Can check for metal bits in the oil without cutting open the filter
Smaller to store on the shelf
Cheaper

Disadvages:
Messier than a cannister
Has separate O-ring/gasket

 

[MM3Canuck]

Advantages:
Less metal in the land fill
Can completely drain it before putting in the trash (less oil in the land fill)
Can check for metal bits in the oil without cutting open the filter
Smaller to store on the shelf
Cheaper

Disadvages:
Messier than a cannister
Has separate O-ring/gasket

So Cartridge is better then. Why change it? The only thing that I have noticed after I took the old (aftermarket filter) out. It was twisted. Which probably reduces its efficiency?

 

[goldwing2000]

Advantages:
Less metal in the land fill
Can completely drain it before putting in the trash (less oil in the land fill)
Can check for metal bits in the oil without cutting open the filter
Smaller to store on the shelf
Cheaper

Disadvages:
Messier than a cannister
Has separate O-ring/gasket

The metal in a conventional filter can be recycled if you're really worried about filling up landfills.
You can drain all of the oil out of a regular filter, too. You just have to poke a hole in the bottom.
A magnetic drain plug can also check for "metal bits" in the oil, if you really feel it's necessary.
It's not that much smaller.
And it's definitely not cheaper (last time I checked).

Also, it's easier to crack/cross thread/damage the plastic cartridge cap, thereby losing all of your oil and seizing up your engine (it has happened).

 

[dommo_g]

I did a write up for the 5 a while back, should be the same for N/A 3s.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=123643941