Had to do it... cut the belly pan.

[AO928]

I got so fed up with removing the belly pan every time I wanted to change the oil filter, that this past Saturday, I cut an access hole. It's perfect! I can now change the oil in about 10 min. They must have intended to use a different engine with that belly pan.

Anyway, so far, so good. I'm happy. (upyours)

 

[Fivo]

You just need to remove the three front screws from the pan. This gives plenty enough room to change the filter.

 

[AIMWO4]

You must have a different pan. (wink)

You just need to remove the three front screws from the pan. This gives plenty enough room to change the filter.

 

[MD5]

Did that almost 4 years ago after my second oil change.

 

[canalligators]

Where did you cut that hole? Will it be obvious when I look carefully?

 

[nftyper]

cutting a hole for the filter + fumoto valve = easiest oil change ever

 

[AO928]

Where did you cut that hole? Will it be obvious when I look carefully?

Very obvious.

cutting a hole for the filter + fumoto valve = easiest oil change ever

I have a fumoto valve on my 928. Where did you get yours for the 5?

 

[nftyper]

Very obvious.

I have a fumoto valve on my 928. Where did you get yours for the 5?

I dont remember, i just googled it.

 

[Heat]

Here is a link to the thread on the Fumoto Valve which includes a link to the Fumoto website.

And a link to the cheapest Mazda oil filters that Ive found, $27.40 plus shipping for five plus a free filter wrench. If you have an 09, look to see what type of oil filter you have before buying. Later 09s as well as 10s have a normal spin on oil filter.

And here are a few posts from other threads talking about the Fumoto valve / slicing the belly pan. Im still not sure if its worth the money, its not that hard to just hold up the used oil bucket to catch the oil when its streaming sideways. As for slicing the belly pan, I'm still thinking about it.

When I did my 40K oil change few months ago, one of the plastic piece that holds one of the screws broke off. So I decided to extend the hole in the cover so that I don't have to remove the cover the next time I change the oil. So when I did my 45K Oil change a few days ago, I removed the cover for the last time (hopefully). Got my dremel and just extended the hole.

Did my oil change today and installed a Fumoto Valve too. Let me tell you, this is the messiest oil change I've done. I thought our Odyssey was bad, but this filter tops it all ! Why oh why Mazda/Ford ?!# All in all it was easy except for the messy filter.
Here are some pics including the filter wrench I bought ( I guessed the size) which was a PERFECT fit.
Fumoto Valve

Wrench Top

Wrench Inside

Yes bought it direct from them. I asked which is for the 5 and they told me the same as the 3 so that's what I ordered.Yes, the adapter is here in this pic (red arrow). You need it to clear the "bump" in the oil pan:

 

[red headz]

I had a Fumoto on my VW Golf TDI - but I took it off. I didn't seem like the oil was flowing fast enough during oil changes.

So no Fumoto for the Mazda5, but I am considering cutting a hole in the belly pan.

m.

 

[Heat]

I had a Fumoto on my VW Golf TDI - but I took it off. I didn't seem like the oil was flowing fast enough during oil changes...

It definately looks slower (narrower stream) but wouldn't it just be another minute or so of draining?

The image is from the Fumoto Valve website: http://www.fumotovalve.com/

 

[dieseldriver]

I just use Pela 5000 dipstick oil pump that I used to use on my VW TDI's. I get to pull oil when warm in few minutes and hardly any mess. For removing the filter, I use a long extension socket plus cut half cut 2 liter soda bottle.

It definately looks slower (narrower stream) but wouldn't it just be another minute or so of draining?

The image is from the Fumoto Valve website: http://www.fumotovalve.com/