Filter Tip

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 4:08 pm

NB8B is due for an oil change and as always it is a big production as Mrs Rocky freaks out at the mention of putting the car up on the ramps (cars wheels spin on the slippery garage floor & ramps move too.)
Even up on the ramps, the oil filter is very difficult (almost impossible) to unscrew (all up about a 1 1/2 hour job, swearing and sweating)
I am thinking about relocating some of the poorly positioned stuff in the picture (whatever the hell it is) but it also occurred to me that just unbolting and removing the top horizontal part of the Strut Brace might be sufficient to allow me to get my arm down to the filter.
Anyone taken either of these approaches to getting at the oil filter?

Postby **NitroDann** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 4:12 pm

Oil filters are almost always WAY overtightened.

If you move the carbon canister to get to it that should work but next time just put the filter on FAR looser.

Dann

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 4:28 pm

why does it take 90 minutes to do a 20 minute job?

car up ramps 5mins, drain oil 10min, remove and replace filter 1min, fill with 3L oil 1min, drive car off ramps 1min. fill last 1L of oil 1min.

make mrs rocky go for a walk when you do it.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 4:50 pm

I did a filter change just before Xmas and for the first time I could not get the filter off. My arms were a mess and a very strong relly could not remove it either. I somehow must have overtightened it last time . I was rescued by an MX5 business loaning me the proper removal tool- just slips over the filter and attach a ext bar and easy peasy off she comes. Thats the answer- it is a bit awkward to get to but get the right piece of kit and we are in business. I would not bother trying to re route gear or those other change the position kits either. For many cars mechanics will tell you that filters do not always cooperate and it was a common ploy to bang a screwdriver thru the side of the filter but on an MX5 that would seem impossible in its possy.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 6:14 pm

The filters are near impossible to reach with any kind of grip outside of 2-3 fingertips.

I find the easiest way is to remove the wheel and reach in from below, it lets me get a better grip on it.

For next time though, Morlock's suggestion is best. If you can't find the tool though Autobarn have a brand of filters called "drift"
These filters have a nut welded to the end, I use them now so it's as simple as putting a spanner on and undoing them.

MrRevhead · Postby **MrRevhead** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 6:24 pm

I agree, in most cases, especially when 'mechanics' service a car, they over tighten oil filters.

I have never had much problem removing the filter on my NA6, especially when using the smaller filter. Simply apply oil to the seal and tighten firmly, until it grips, than a little more.

Another option is to purchase one of these handy wrench/adaptors:

http://mx5mania.com.au/product1154.htm

doc · Postby **doc** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 6:32 pm

Love that link in the last post!
You mean someone would even try without a oil filter wrench?
Come on now!

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 6:45 pm

Z436 - so small you can get a good hand grip on it, no clamp needed.
Z79A - not so much, need a clamp.
Z632 - bigger again, clamp or fail
R2604P - stupid design, why'd mazda do this!

i use a adjustable oil filter wrench, works on multiple sizes, totally destroys the filter with clamp force, and cos the handles are 15 inches long, the leverage means tight filters is still no effort.

MrRevhead · Postby **MrRevhead** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 6:47 pm

doc wrote: You mean someone would even try without a oil filter wrench?
Come on now!

I don't use a wrench, but I don't over or under tighten and have no problems, and that applies to all the cars I have owned and serviced.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 6:51 pm

project.r.racing wrote: use a adjustable oil filter wrench, works on multiple sizes, totally destroys the filter with clamp force, and cos the handles are 15 inches long, the leverage means tight filters is still no effort.

The problem is access.

I haven't found a filter wrench that will fit in the space given and still allow some spanner movement.

And access with the hand is compromised by the intake manifold and chassis.

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 6:54 pm

hks_kansei wrote:
project.r.racing wrote: use a adjustable oil filter wrench, works on multiple sizes, totally destroys the filter with clamp force, and cos the handles are 15 inches long, the leverage means tight filters is still no effort.

The problem is access.

I haven't found a filter wrench that will fit in the space given and still allow some spanner movement.

And access with the hand is compromised by the intake manifold and chassis.

ha! more space in the mx5 than in the transaxle 323.

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 7:00 pm

i use one of these biatches to get filter off. clamps on so tight you end up with 5mm dents in the filter. filter comes off with ease. can clamp it to any part of the filter, not just the end/tip.

http://www.oildepot.ca/the-best-oil-filter-wrench/