This weekend I was preparing to park my 8 for the winter. Everything went smooth until I had to remove the oil filter. Brute strength was no match for this filter. I tried for 45mins and even got my bigger brother to give it a shot, no luck. I began researching and tried every trick. For example, screwdriver, oil filter wrenches etc. nothing worked.

Then today I thought why not put 2 screws through the hard plastic oil filter wrench and put the socket wrench to it. TADA. The oil filter wrench that kept slipping off previously was now stuck on tight. A few tugs, no dirty thoughts boys, and it was loose. For a second I thought I was going to have to call a mazda Master tech to come solve this problem. Shitty thing is the closets mazda dealer is 600kms away.


Conclusion - if you can not remove your oil filter, put two screws through it with a drill (robertson, with a long bit) and you will effortlessly get it off.

PS.
Day 1 left me with severe hand wounds

 

why would you want a *plastic* oil filter wrench in the first place ?

a metal one like most people have should be able to take the filter off without any problems.

 

The metal tool can also slip. Screws come to the rescue for that, too.

 

heres another couple tricks.... dont use the GI Joe kung-fu grip to put it on, and try warming it up before you change it

 

When you are installing a new oil filter, it should be hand tight. I never use a wrench to tighten it.

 

My last last oil change was wrench tight(did it at a shop)

I did my first oil change 2-3 weeks ago, yes it was a bitch to try to get it off.

I tighten it with my hand now, no leak whatever. and I think it should be easier to do it next time(Oil change due 1 and 1/2 month from now)

 

Another trick is to put a lyer or two of saranwrap over top then force the cap wrench on tight - sometimes it's just enough to take out the "play" and get it off.

S

 

Jugga -- Just wanted to thank you for the idea of the screws. I spent a couple of "minutes" today trying to get an overtightened (oops from last time) oil filter off. Bought a little strap wrench from the store-no go. Bought a metal socket from the store-no-go; just slipped around. Tried the saran wrap idea from above-no-go; just slipped around. Drilled one hole in the side of the metal socket, and found a 1" screw that fit it. Placed the socket on the filter, punched a hole in the filter with a scribe, inserted the screw and with a twist of the wrench, the filter came right off.

Talk about a stress reliever!!! Thanks again!

MD

 

next time try putting sandpaper between the filter wrench and the filter, worked like a charm for me. Last resort start punching holes in the filter.