I have changed the oil on this car at least a dozen times and always hand tighten my filters and take them off in the same manner. However this time, it is being stubborn and acting like a 800 pound gorilla put it on. The engine is dead cold right now and I still can't get it off. I ended up rubbing some skin off of my hand and tearing my arm up off some of the intake manifold. Any ideas on how to get this thing off? I've tried a oil filter wrench and the cap that goes on top of it. Running out of ideas short of slamming a screwdriver through it.

 

You've used a oil wrench but have you actually used a wrench? I believe it'd be a 3/8" drive and use a swivel-socket to get to it, you're probably gonna need a extension as well... My buddies did the same thing and we got it off using this way...

 

Yeah, I'm weak and it's a bitch. Go to parts store and take RX8 oil filter, and match to one of those oil filter wrenches for the top with a 3/8 hole for rachet on top. They aren't make perfect because they should have socket welded to top, but just put tube rubber on top of oil filter, and it'll work fine. Wrench should cost about $5.

 

Yeah I''ve tried that too, I got a K&N filter on there and its got the 1 inch nipple but I don't have a long enough extension to get to it. I'm trying to save my self a 4th trip to the store at this point.

 

When you do make that trip to the store, pick up a strap type filter wrench. Not the kind that has a handle built in, but the kind you stick an extension into. That can give you a grip down lower on the filter, which will also tighten the harder you twist. Not saying the nut on top of the filter won't be adequate, but in case it strips or if the case distorts this is a big step better than ramming a screwdriver through it.

Ken

 

slam ascrew driver through it and be done

 

Lol, I still have the problem of room to turn it.

 

I have a tool that has three fingers that slips over the top. The fingers tighten down as you try to turn it. A socket wrench fits in the top.
The only time I had a problem was with the first filter change.

 

i love my fram filters

 

Fram filters suck... I would never trust them, I have heard too many bad things about them to trust them on my baby. I only use Mazda OEM filters. I'm currently trying Royal Purples oil filter, cost $15 each (ouch) but we will see if it's worth it.

 

Either one of these tools will do the job very easily with a swivel and extension




I know you dont want to make a trip to the store for more parts but either one of those tools are going to work if done correctly..other option is to remove the upper intake manifold to access the oil filter easily

 

Proper tool for the job.

I'm just sayin.

ADJ JAW FILTER WRENCH

* 3/8" square drive for hand ratchet or flex handle, fits into tight spots
* Steel jaws engage oil filters 3-1/8" to 3-7/8" in diameter
* Spring return



Part#: OF632

 

How big is our filter? I've never measured one. lol

 

In the end I got it off. The K&N filter won't let those top caps go on, I've tried them. It had a place to put a 1 inch socket on but I had no room to get a wrachet in there so I ended up buying an extension and bends. Rediculous how something I put on hand tight last time ended up on there like that. Put a Mobil 1 filter on this time so my filter removal will be easier next time. It's times like these I'm glad my second car is a Challenger SRT8 where its easy access and comes off without a issue.

 

I like to use K&N oil filers. Since i could not use a end cap oil filter wrench due to the 1 inch nut, I bought a Gear Wrench 1-Inch Combination Ratcheting Wrench.


I then cut the wrench a little shoter than in half. I use the ratcheting half and it works great. Makes oil changes even easier.

 

Yeah, this car has special needs that's for sure. I bought my rx8 back in 07 and loved it till recently. Put the car up on craigslist now To small for me anymore, I've got a bad back now and it sits to low and is to hard for me to get in and out of. Looking to buy me a second Challenger now for the wife.

 

Wix is the only filter for me

 

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=21&blockType=
this is the one to buy

 

Did you grease the o-ring before putting it on?

 

This one scared my cat, he thought it was a three legged spider...


Works like the two legged one posted earlier.

 

+1 -- has saved my a$$ more than once on a couple cars!