Changing the oil filter
#1
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![Question](https://www.rx8club.com/images/icons/icon5.gif)
Has anyone tried changing the oil filter themselves? The manual indicates that the filter should only be changed by the dealer because it requires a special tool.
I'll use the dealer for the normal scheduled service but I would like to change the oil on a very regular basis, (probably every 3 months) and would like to avoid the £80 dealer charge.
Thanks
Graham
I'll use the dealer for the normal scheduled service but I would like to change the oil on a very regular basis, (probably every 3 months) and would like to avoid the £80 dealer charge.
Thanks
Graham
#2
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Re: Changing the oil filter
Originally posted by epgs1
Has anyone tried changing the oil filter themselves? The manual indicates that the filter should only be changed by the dealer because it requires a special tool.
I'll use the dealer for the normal scheduled service but I would like to change the oil on a very regular basis, (probably every 3 months) and would like to avoid the £80 dealer charge.
Thanks
Graham
Has anyone tried changing the oil filter themselves? The manual indicates that the filter should only be changed by the dealer because it requires a special tool.
I'll use the dealer for the normal scheduled service but I would like to change the oil on a very regular basis, (probably every 3 months) and would like to avoid the £80 dealer charge.
Thanks
Graham
I do use the mazda oil filter wrench to remove the filter, then tighten the new one by hand, but the tool was $5 at the dealer.
If you are used to changing your own oil, this has been one of the easiest cars to change I have ever owned (25 years).
No worries.
#3
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If you are used to changing your own oil, this has been one of the easiest cars to change I have ever owned (25 years).
I did not even have to jack the RX-8 up to drain the oil pan. Was able to reach the drain plug from the passenger side. Picked up my filter wrench at Wal-Mart.
#5
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Thanks for the advice folks - that is really helpful. I have always done inter-service oil changes myself. It all sounds straight forwards and a great deal easier than on the two cars I run at this moment!
Thanks again
Graham
Thanks again
Graham
#6
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Anyone know the deal on the filter wrench size? I called the dealer and verified that the replacement filter PN matches my stock of Miata filters -- fine, great! But the OEM Miata wrench is too big for the original filter on the 8, and that li'l bugger just ain't coming off by hand.
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#8
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Here is a little tip for getting the filter off the first time. Try sticking a little sandpaper around the inside of the filter wrench. It will give you a little better grip that is much needed with the factory installed filter.
#9
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Originally posted by rxeightr
Picked up my filter wrench at Wal-Mart.
Picked up my filter wrench at Wal-Mart.
I've read my manual and I was surprised to read "requires special tool."
#10
Revvus Maximus
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I used the "standard" wrench from my Miata to remove the factory fitted filter. Of course the wrench is too big, so I drilled a hole in the side of the wrench and threaded a screw into it. I then put the wrench on the filter, screwed the screw good and tight onto the filter and with a long extension and a torque wrench for leverage removed the filter. Leverage is your friend. The good news is that once you've got the factory filter off you can then use the standard wrench to install and remove the filter in the future.
Another tip: I put an absorbent shop towel around the base of the filter so that any remaining oil in the filter wouldn't leak all over the place.
Another tip: I put an absorbent shop towel around the base of the filter so that any remaining oil in the filter wouldn't leak all over the place.
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Boy sometimes I hate to post but effini 8 said that the dealer in Irvine is charging 10.00 for a oil filter. I'm here in the northern most city in the united states and I only pay 6.75 for a filter at the dealer and 25cents for the oil plug crush washer. And that includes all the "expensive freight" to this north country. I'd say the dealer in Irvine is making a pretty profit. Found an oil filter wrench at a Pacific northwest chain parts store here for 3.99. Shucks auto parts just like Pep Boys.
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I am not even going to get into my first experience changing the filter. FYI for those who haven't seen it yet, it is under the hood and behind the engine. kind of an awkward place. Has anyone read the factory installed filter? It is great...it says "Hand Tighten." As for the tool...go to Walmart or a Pep boys...or whatever. Find the filter specified for your car (they should have a catalog or it will be in a computer somewhere) take the filter and find what tool fits it.
#15
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Hey guys,
Trussville shows that there are new different oil filters and a VIN is required to determine which oil filter you need.. hmmm
Was there some big change on the cars to have different filters?
Trussville shows that there are new different oil filters and a VIN is required to determine which oil filter you need.. hmmm
Was there some big change on the cars to have different filters?
#18
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You can find the 5W- 20W Castrol at Walmart. I have been using Castrol for 30 years and never had a engine oil problem. All cars and trucks driven well over 150,000 miles.
#20
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
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Originally posted by noahprtlnd
Is there anything wrong with taking my car to a Jiffy Lube type place for oil change? Going to the dealer is a super pain, and there's a Mobil quick change place on my corner.
Is there anything wrong with taking my car to a Jiffy Lube type place for oil change? Going to the dealer is a super pain, and there's a Mobil quick change place on my corner.
#21
"...I'm a Dapper Dan man"
Size/Type "F" wrench.
All you need is a Type/Size "F" oil filter wrench. Paid about $6 at Pep boys.
And No there is no seperate gasket for the filter. It is assembled with one at the factory. He may have been refering to the crush washer for the drain plug which, yes it needs to be replaced everytime the plug is reinstalled.
And No there is no seperate gasket for the filter. It is assembled with one at the factory. He may have been refering to the crush washer for the drain plug which, yes it needs to be replaced everytime the plug is reinstalled.
Last edited by Rotary Nut; 02-14-2004 at 06:45 PM.
#23
Bottom feeder
Originally posted by JaxFL_RX8
(a dollar for a crush washer??? Ouch.)
(a dollar for a crush washer??? Ouch.)
#24
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
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Originally posted by Squidward
We spend $30,000+ for a car, I don't think 1 dollar is going to hurt, but yes, it's pretty ridiculous since it probably costs less than a penny to manufacture.
We spend $30,000+ for a car, I don't think 1 dollar is going to hurt, but yes, it's pretty ridiculous since it probably costs less than a penny to manufacture.
#25
Ex- member.
Originally posted by G8rboy
drain plug (always torque the plug to the right specs).
drain plug (always torque the plug to the right specs).
I couldn't find it in the owners manual since it just say's to take it in to the dealer. Did the first oil/filter replacement recently and just got it fairly tight. (not going to fall off, but I didn't have it screamin').