Oil filter Help

roshmx5 · Postby **roshmx5** » Sun Feb 26, 2017 6:47 pm

I have a NB SP and tried to remove the oil filter today. It is in the worst location and I could not even budge it it is on over hand tight. How do you access it.
Cheers

aka_juffa · Postby **aka_juffa** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 10:24 am

I think most, of not all members of this forum have come across this in the past, me included.

Remove drivers side wheel, and reach up to get at the filter from below. If you still cannot undo it, then try again with a oil filter tool, such as one from MX5mania.

An alternate method is to drive a screw driver through the body of the filter and loosen.

J

Postby **NitroDann** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 11:12 am

If you follow the instructions on the filter you will never have this problem again.

~Until the o-ring seal touches the engine and then just one quarter turn further.

Do it tighter than this and suffer the consequences later. I know this doesn't seem all that tight when you do it but the o-ring seal will swell as soon as the very hot oil runs over it and starts to impregnate the seal and the filter will be tighter when you go to remove it than when you fitted it.

Dann

roshmx5 · Postby **roshmx5** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 11:34 am

Thanks Dan this is the way I always do it, unfortunately this is the first time I am doing the oil change since I have bought it.

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 4:59 pm

Relocation kit, with or without adding an oil cooler.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 5:25 pm

You can buy a removal tool which has 3 legs which removes the filter though its still hard to access ( these things tighten up when you turn an extension bar) - Burson did have them- make sure its not too big. Sometimes just a strong person can do it or try a belt wrapped around it to give some purchase with your hand. I had some probs last time I did it but still got it out by hand. Relocation should not really be necessary. Remove the cross bar in the engine compartment for a little more wriggle room.

roshmx5 · Postby **roshmx5** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 5:58 pm

Tried the 3 leg tool. Mazda are doing the oil change and filter for $62. I supply the oil and filter which I have bought. I told them put filter hand tight then a 1/4 turn.

roshmx5 · Postby **roshmx5** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 5:58 pm

Even the placement of the filter is not good oil will go everywhere.

LiteIsRite · Postby **LiteIsRite** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 6:48 pm

roshmx5 wrote:Even the placement of the filter is not good oil will go everywhere.

Yeah, one of my pet peeves too. A guy on the big forum suggests covering the filter with a plastic bag before removing from the engine. I'll be trying that at the next oil change.

roshmx5 · Postby **roshmx5** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 9:01 pm

That's a top idea and I am going to use the K&N filter with the nut head on the end.

bigdog · Postby **bigdog** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 9:26 pm

I decided many years ago to remedy this issue on my SP. Step 1 was fitting a NoPro (Suzuki Cappuccino) washer bottle conversion. That freed up the location for a remote oil filter instal.