mx5cartalk.com

Just went to do my first oil change on nb8a they have to be kidding what kind of idiot designed this. Bought a swivel oil filter wrench and after several attempts and scratching my arms up Ive given up.
So how do you guys remove the filter?

Sorry guys should've checked youtube first....you can do it by hand dont need a tool arggh!!

If it is still too tight by hand, then removing the intake manifold brace gives you the space to fit a oil filter wrench in there.

Up to you whether you put the brace back on or not. Fwiw, mine has been brace-less for 10+ years now and nothing has cracked, broken or fallen off..

Removing that brace makes a huge difference to access from above, but because mine is usually up on stands when I do an oil change I usually remove the drivers side wheel and reach up from below.

Sent from my SM-G781B using Tapatalk

The motor was originally designed for FWD cars meaning the filter would be against the firewall (and hopefully easier access).

Agree re removal of the brace, using filters that have the socket-like fitting also helps. Over-tightening does not help.

A remote filter solves the problem, but probably only really warranted if an oil cooler is required - the car is being tracked.

I use one of those caps that go over the end of the filter on my NB8A. The 3/8" square drive cap, 3/8" ratchet handle & small extension go around the manifold brace ok going in from the front.

Ratchet drive cap all the way. Hand tight is the goal but I've come across more than enough that the cap has easily paid for itself many times over.

Also the NA8 is the best access of the 1.8's. NB8A is worse and NB8B is worse again.

When changing the filter, watch out for the oil pressure sender wire.

The first time I changed the oil on my NA6 I bumped the wire loose. It didn't come off until I took the car out for a run. Cruising along nicely and the oil pressure just dissappeared.

I eventually found the issue, but it scared the whatsit out of me.

This has been in my family over 50 years. It has never been defeated

Toledo still make it
https://www.totaltools.com.au/oil-filte ... ylon-strap