mx5cartalk.com

So - never seen anything like this before. The Mazda 6 does not seem to use a 'metal canister' style of Oil Filter like every other car I have ever seen.
You apparently have to unscrew a 'cap' where the metal Oil Filter would normally be and this releases a paper filter that you replace (???)
What genius thought of this? The paper bit is $21. so it isn't cheaper.
Is there anything special that I need to know about changing one of these?
(It appears that I have to remove a big plastic tray underneath the motor in order to get at the Oil Filter - is there any reason why I can't cut a big hole in it underneath the Filter so I don't have to go through the timewasting and awkward process of removing the tray every time?)
Fair dinkum, there is more and more bullshit involved in cars all the time. I liked it lots better in the '70s.

SP23 had the same crappy cartridge oil filter so I purchased a "Spin-On Oil Filter Conversion Kit: Mazda 3 & 6", http://www.streetunit.com/Spin_On_Oil_Filter_Conversion_Kit_Mazda_3_6_p/sum3soofca.htm to make oil changes easier - worth every cent!

Revlimiter did a nice write-up on changing the cartridge: http://revlimiter.net/blog/2010/01/mazda3-2-3l-oil-change/

See also: https://howtune.com/articles/102-changing-the-oil-on-a-mazda-3-2-3l

I did the cartridge oil filter change ONCE - it was very messy and I bought the conversion kit straight after so that it was available for the next oil change.

The conversion is pretty much just an ADM NC oil filter housing.

The idea behind a cartridge filter is less waste. Its a better solution for a wasteful world, and most euro manufacturers only use cartridges. From memory Merc have 2 different filters for their entire lineup

Thanks Guys. I have watched the YouTube video on how to change it - which was useful.
The big plastic tray takes longer to remove and refit than the change of oil and filter - at least it did when I did my Son's Mazda 3.
The Mazda 3 was ridiculous - there were little metal clips on the top of the plastic that you had to tap into with the screw from underneath. Took me and the Son ages to get the damn thing back on.
Is there any reason why I can't just cut a big hole in it under the Filter? (The next Model has one I notice.) I doubt that the plastic would prevent the filter being damaged in the event of a hard hit to that specific spot.(At best the plastic tray might prevent it from getting dirty)

The under cover is there for aerodynamics and engine cooling. It keeps things clean too. I wouldn't cut a hole in it or it might fall to bits as its only a cardboard type of material. The small bolts (about 12) that hold it on screw into the metal frame so are easy to relocate. Yes, it takes a bit of time but isn't that hard and makes access to the filter and drain plug easy. It also allows you to have a good look under there to check the rear engine mount and other stuff that wears and/or leaks. You only need to do it every 6-12 months....and you're retired anyway.

R & R of the filter is very easy and not messy with a drip tray under the filter area. You want messy - try an NC MX-5.

My method:

Remove under tray
Remove filter centre plug with allen key, let it drain.
Remove filter cover (with element) and let a bit more oil out. A cup type oil filter wrench makes this easy.
Wipe the filter housing clean.
Replace O rings (oil them) and element.
Re-fit centre plug into filter cover, re-fit filter cover with element.
Replace under tray
Wait 5,000 - 10,000 km and do it again.

I do the same process as JBT on both my MZR 2.3L engines. Luckily one of the cars has 300mm ground clearance and I can just crawl under it. The SP still needs to be jacked up and on stands.

Just make sure when you undo the filter housing drain bolt. Let it sit a long time. Otherwise heaps of oil will spew out when you take off the housing.

And yes, every time I do oil changes. The want to punch the engineer whom signed this idea off in Hiroshima boils to the surface.

Mercedes have used paper cartridges for years. They usually mount them in a plastic tub up high near the front of the motor and they're quicker and cleaner to change than a full metal one. From euro parts stores they usually cost around $5-$10. On some of the engines the base of that filter tub leads to a straight tube into the bottom of the sump so the oil can be sucked out with a pump, rather than have someone go underneath and open a sump plug.

manga_blue wrote:Mercedes have used paper cartridges for years.

Same for BMW. Open bonnet, unscrew filter cover and remove with cartridge. New cartridge and O rings, screw back on, done.

...and I wouldn't be grizzling about the Filter if it was like you describe but to hide it behind a panel that takes ages to remove and refit, and does not have an access hole is just stupidity and like PRR, I would like to kick the ass of the person that allowed it to happen. I don't enjoy lying on my back with my nose pressed against the bottom of the car so much that I want to do it for any longer than I absolutely have to.

Re the item on eBay as per below: I notice it says "74mm" whereas the You Tube video I watched specifically says the wrench is "76mm - 14 Flute - Size B". What do you reckon - take a punt? It's only $19. plus $4. shipping so I might just buy it and see how it goes.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Oil-Filter-W ... Sw2xRYQgs5

Mine has 75.6 / 14 stamped on it and fits like a glove. It has a 3/8 inch square drive hole. I'm stuffed if I can remember where I got it - Repco or Supercheap. My Mazda6 is a GH with 2.5 engine.

Warning about Ebay. I bought one for the NC from there. It was bigger than the size they advertised and thus needed a plastic packing piece glued to each flute to make it work.

None available straight out of the stores up here in the sticks but there is one on the Supacheap website that I can order online.

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Produc ... 8/SPO82409

Seems to suggest it fits both 74 & 76 mm. Not sure how that works. At least with a 'bricks & mortar' store I can take it back if it doesn't fit.
The eBay one does have a 'fitment list' that lists the Mazda 6 even though the wrench is listed as "74mm".
Think I will order the Supacheap one.

Yes, mine looks like that one ^^ but with different numbers on it.

Yep, all done. $16.99 plus $13.95 shipping. Love it when the freight is almost as much as the item.
Oh well, I'm saving all that money on oil changes, aren't I.

76mm is the correct one. I got mine of ebay many moons ago.

Most of the car and accessory stores will order items in that are in their supplier base.