Go48

Did you read this entire thread? If not, do so since there are excellent instructions on how to remove the filter on this car.

Compared to the filters on some other vehicles, this one is a snap. Try crawling under a Honda Prelude to remove a filter and have the hot oil run down your arm and onto the floor. Now that's awkward.

setenza

This DIY was a great help, I just changed my oil on my 8 for the first time...what a cinch! I did have the filter splooge some oil when I when I pulled it off (pun intended) lol but outside of that easy... Good job all on all the details

AdamK

Justed changed my oil for the 1st time. It really is pretty easy. I put together a web page with some pictures of the process.

http://koczarski.com/RX8/Mods/OilChange/Pics.htm

ArthurY

AdamK,

Thanks for the fine illustrations.

The ramps that you have in those picts seemed like regular vanilla type of ramps. How did you get the RX-8 up there without hitting the front spoiler?
Are those low-rise ramps? Where did you get them?

Also, where do you get the Mazda oil filters online? Are the washers available online, too?

AdamK

I'm able to use the standard ramps because my driveway slopes down from the street and the fact that the street also slopes down from the driveway. As for the filter, I used a FRAM. I inspected the existing crush washer and reused it since it looked to be in good shape.

BlueRenesis82

FRAM is prob one of the worst oil filters that you can use.

ArthurY

That made sense. Thanks!

AdamK

Well, I've seen many filter debates on the RX8 boards and many of the motorcycle lists I subscribe to and have heard all the arguments both ways. The bottom line is I haven't heard of one person that actually had a problem with a FRAM or any other filter that caused any engine damage. I've personally used them off and on for 30 years without an issue.

OnRails

OK, I just did my first oil change. For the record I went with a M1-108 filter and Castrol GTX Dino oil. I bought the F style filter wrench and it fit the M1 filter perfectly but I had the same problem with the OEM filter as a previous poster did. The OEM filter was a little too big for the F style cap wrench. I tried using a band style wrench but couldn't budge the OEM filter. Man that thing was on tight! At the suggestion of another poster I went to Pep Boys and picked up the claw style universal wrench and FINALLY got the OEM filter off. Hey it only took me two days of trying! From now on I can just use the F style which is much easier to use IMO. Whoever puts those OEM filters on needs to be checked for steriods. There is really no sense in a filter being on that tight. Next up is the Diff and tranny change to Royal Purple. Guess I'll have to order those since the local places only have RP motor oil and no gear oil.

coll

this is my first of many oil changes. thank you so much for posting this, it helped alot ^^

here is a pic of me changing it.

BlueRenesis82

man, get rid of that front plate! Gotta have that extra airflow for the radiator

Go48

Most of that area of the grille opening is solid anyway so that's not a problem.

RX8Maine

Not to mention the front of the car looks awesome without the damn plate. That said, front plate is required here.

Sarah05Jean

i hear you're supposed to changethe oil on a rotary more frequently. is that true? and if so, how often should i change it?

expo1

Since an oil change only replaces about 1/3 of the oil ( oil cooler lines ) doing it every 3,000 is a good idea.

BlueRenesis82

have you read the manual?

Stavesacre21

Just changed mine for the first time...

I must say that this DIY info did make it shorter and easier then it would have been intially.

However, i was surprised to find how tight the quarters were around that filter! Wow...it looks accessible but once you try to get yur hand in there, it's impressivly SMALL. And with the car sitting so low the the ground, i second the idea of getting a fram suredrain for next time. It would certainly cut a decent amount of time off that ordeal!

All in all its not really THAT tough of a car to change...toughest part was probably getting the old filter out without soaking the engine with oil.

Oh yea, and BTW...on my 05, there is no crush washer. Just a regular washer thats whole and plain. Another part you would LOVE to no longer deal with after using a fram SD-2. I must add...that I find is sooo funny that FRAM discontinuted their ONE product (suredrain) that was useful and a success with everyone i've talked to. Guess they just can't have quality products

thanx again for the write-up!

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

*insert plug for Fumoto Drain Valve as better alternative to Fram SureDrain*

Stavesacre21

i coulda sworn that i saw somewhere else in this emensely huge thread that the fumato hangs lower due to a required extension...

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

you do use an extension, but it is PARALLEL to the ground; it does NOT extend further down than the SureDrain; I've had mine on for over 38000 miles, it has been working flawlessly

Stavesacre21

Sounds like a pretty sweet deal...i'll likely be looking into that soon...it would totally save the 5-10 minutes it takes to jack the car, then get under and torque that screw off with hardly ANY arm room, then get out, lower down and go to other side and jack up! I'd imagine you won't even have to jack it up at all if you didn't want...that's awesome! thanx zoom

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

i haven't had to lift the car up to do oil change since 2004.......

danielk015

iTrader: (1)

^^ it is definitely possible to change the oil on the 8 without jacking up the car, but i think I will continue to jack up the car to get as most oil out as possible... instead of the normal 4 quarts or so, i can get 5-6 quarts out using the jacking method... getting more cleaner oil in the 8 always is a good thing... just a personal opinion i guess

redcivic

No one likes ramps or what?

BlueRenesis82

jackstands ftw