How difficult is it to change oil on 2.3L?

[WalksInDarkness]

Hi All,

Sorry for the multiple posts, I originally askes this in the "How To" section, with no replies.

I guess this goes under the "How To" section.
How difficult is it to change oil on 2.3L?

I have heard that there is some funky "cartridge" oil filter on the 2.3L, is it hard to reach or disassemble?

Can you reach the oil plug without jacking up the car?

I want to do my own changes, as I want to go to Mobil1 synthetic after the break-in.

TIA

 

[Biznass]

It's always a p.i.t.a the first time. Have a look at this http://robert.aitchison.org/tiki-page.php?pageName=Mazda3+DIY+Oil+Change

Biznass

 

[tsunami]

just did mine today actually, i would suggest redline over mobil 1... but that just mho. it took me about 1.5 hours... (i was in no rush and yes you have to have it up on jack stands or the like. and yes there is a cartridge filter... check the link above for the how to... it helped me a ton

 

[mobomelter]

no one has been able to confirm if the 2005 has the cartridge. i've never had a problem having valvoline changing the oil. oh and i'd recommend amsoil over redline seeing as redline is expensive as hell. i had amsoil in my focus and never ever had a problem. no vibration from the engine or anything. i did, however, have bad vibration when i used mobil 1.

 

[tsunami]

no one has been able to confirm if the 2005 has the cartridge. i've never had a problem having valvoline changing the oil. oh and i'd recommend amsoil over redline seeing as redline is expensive as hell. i had amsoil in my focus and never ever had a problem. no vibration from the engine or anything. i did, however, have bad vibration when i used mobil 1.

red line isn't cheap, and the only place in town that sells it is stopping... but i did find that they are selling off the rest of their stock at 5$ a quart... that is almost half price... i bought 10 quarts today and will probably go back and get what i can asap... thats a damn good deal...

 

[mobomelter]

who wants royal purple for 5.69 a quart and free shipping?

 

[deaconfan34]

Thats a great deal. Has it already been run through a motor. J/K You selling it or a site

 

[mobomelter]

Thats a great deal. Has it already been run through a motor. J/K You selling it or a site

pick it up right here

 

[TomH]

no one has been able to confirm if the 2005 has the cartridge. i've never had a problem having valvoline changing the oil. oh and i'd recommend amsoil over redline seeing as redline is expensive as hell. i had amsoil in my focus and never ever had a problem. no vibration from the engine or anything. i did, however, have bad vibration when i used mobil 1.

I guess I can confirm that. Last week I switched the cartridge over to the spin-on mount on our 05 5 door. With the spin-on mount I can honestly say that this is probably one of the easiest oil changes out there. Heck, even switching out the filter mount was a piece of cake, once the underbody panel was removed that is.

To anyone who hates the overly complicated cartridge filter on the 2.3, I wholeheartedly recommend changing over to the spin-on mount. This is one mod you won't regret.


P.S. For sale, one slightly used cartridge filter mount and cap for 04-05 2.3. Make offer! (lol2)

 

[mobomelter]

i guess valvoline sells cartridge filters then.

 

[djltoronto]

I agree with TomH

I changed mine to a spin on oil filter about 3 oil changes ago, and cut out the lower splash sheild so oil changes take me about 15 mins or less now

Link...
This is from a Mazda6, but the parts and procedure are identical!

 

[Gambino]

Just curious. I have heard a lot about royal purple oil....whats so special about it? is it worth the extra money? (if it is extra.....i've never bought oil before)

 

[mobomelter]

its just very high quality synthetic.