Sorry if this post is a repeat, I searched but was unable to find anything which hopefully means this is B.S.

I am a relatively new RX-8 owner as I am approaching my first oil change which will be done at the dealer. I plan on doing all oil changes myself but because my first one is free and I need a few parts replaced, I am going to the dealer. Recently I heard from another RX8 owner that Mazda uses a special tool to remove the filter and that taking the car to another dealer or doing it yourself will void the manufacturers warranty. Is this true? I hadn't heard of anything like this so I am hoping he is just full of it. Thanks

 

Yes there is a certain oil filter wrench that is used to remove this filter, but no, the warranty is not voided if you choose to change your own oil.

I think Rosenthals Mazda sells the wrench, like $15 or something.
Look for it in the maintenance section of www.finishlineperformance.com (site sponsor)

 

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...&preadd=action

Oil filter wrench. $6.95

 

You can pick up any "type F" oil filter wrench and it will fit. As far as voiding your warranty, I don't think so... unless of course you use the wrong FLUID (something instead of motor oil). Just remember when you do start doing your own oil changes, you should replace the drain plug's CRUSH WASHER each time. Stick with the recommended oil viscosity and use a quality filter (I like to stick with the Mazda filters until the warranty period expires).

 

There are two different size standard Mazda oil filters. The one from the factory is longer than the one that the dealers are using. Not sure if the diameter is different too. Just wait till after you get that first oil change before you buy the wrench so you can be sure to get the correct size.

There are a couple of DIY's on oil changes in the tech garage.

BTW...in case you don't already know this... don't try to put 7 quarts in after you drain the oil. Half the oil in the system doesn't drain because it is in the oil coolers. You'll probably put about three quarts in and then start checking the dipstick so you don't overfill.

 

FYI - helpful hint: use a center punch or screwdriver to punch a hole in the top of the old oil filter while the engine is draining of oil - also remove the oil filler cap. Both trick promote a more thorough draining of the oil system. And punching the filter hole drains out the filter so that you don't get oil everywhere when you remove the filter.

 

Helpful hint on the helpful hint---if you're going to punch a hole in the filter, do it after you break the filter free just a bit. You don't want to have a non-removable filter with a hole in it.