so i can barely get my hands on it, let alone the wrench i have to loosen it. do i have to remove the IC to get to it?

 

no.

Use a band wrench is necessary, and wear some latex gloves to grip it. turn CCW.

 

Smak a hole into the top of the filter with a screwdriver to let the pressure out and drain the filter. That will make it easier to remove and drain the extra oil back out into the motor instead of it spilling over the motor when you finally lift it up

If it has been installed too tight, you may need to get the proper size filter wrench ($5 local auto parts store) or poke a second hole through the side of the filter and shove a screw driver through to use as extra leverage.

 

i wanted to change my filter, since i have the stock one on there still, and i was wondering what a good brand is to get?

 

they make a oil filter wrench that clamps on the top and you put a ratchet in and just twist it off..works like a charm

 

nothing is better than a mazda oem filter. if anything, please dont use fram.

 

Seen the top of an oil filter spin completely off using this method (worked at an oil change).

This is why you apply oil to the o-ring and only hand-tighten.

 

Won't get one of those on with the intercooler in place on a T2. Use a band wrench instead.

But yes, they work ok on an NA.

 

Whats wrong with fram? Thats whats on my car

 

They are the cheapest filters of them all. Poor paper quality, poor sealing, poor anti drainback... cut one open and compare it to the stock filter, or a Mobil 1.
Fram also crushes the smallest under the same amount of pressure, as there is less structure to them.

 

But they have the cool sure grip on them!!!!

 

Hehe, reminds me of the first time I popped the hood to change the oil and thought "wtf??" Well, plain ol' elbow grease worked for me, I was to scared to break anything on a "rotary" engine at the time! Umpteen oil changes later, now my "Snake style" kung-fu grip is unmatched by any of my car friends! You will eventually get it off, and when you do, make sure and hand tighten the new filter on, man, it's a breeze getting it off the next time. But I found it extremely difficult to reach with any tools, so I'm suggesting to just tug at it until it gives, it will.
Mark-
You sure that's a great idea? I've heard horror stories of broken bits of oil filter falling into the oil pan that way, so I've never done it. You're the guru though.

Steve

 

I can take my oil filter off with my bare hands. Then again, I do wear Mechanix gloves and take steroids as well(j/k about the steroids!)

 

Well I only use Mazda or Mobil 1 filters on my FC3C and they all have a metal strainer inside the element that would prevent any larger pieces from falling. The paper should prevent smaller pieces from falling in.

But remember your only poking a little hole in the top to release the pressure. The metal in the Mazda filters are fairly soft as well, so it bends rather than shreds.

I suppose it is possible. But I have been poping the filters like that on rotaries for 20+ years and never had a problem of metal falling back in... knock on wood

 

try wedging a channel lock in there.. works for me

 

I have the ratchet thingy. It works great, you just put it in there with an extension and turn the ratchet and it pops it right off. They should have it at pep boys or autozone or whatever is in your area

 

Worst case you can pull the intercooler off. That takes a whole 5 minutes or less. I think in the 2 years I had mine I only pulled the IC off one time to change my oil.

 

I know this sounds wacko, but it's worked for me every time. Your car is turbo'd so I don't know about clearance for leverage, but I'm assuming you can get your mits on it somewhat firmly.

Get one of those rubber jar openers and rub a little pine tar on the filter. The grip is amazing. Unless it's completely seized this should work. Otherwise you better call Jesus, because he's the only one that'll be able to set things straight if the rubber grabber doesn't work. I'd say it's full on possessed if you ain't havin' any luck by hand.

 

whatever you do, dont poke a hole in the filter. what happens if you cant get it out? jeez. take off the intercooler and use a oil filter wrench or a "jaw" clamp with your ratchet.

 

Well, I'm realizing that this all probably isn't much help, so I thought I'd tell you how I did it. Instead of using my right hand(I'm right handed), I turned my left hand upside down and passed it underneath the hoses, along side the engine and intercooler(don't recommend this while the engine's hot!). I was able to get a pretty decent grip this way, and after a lot of tugging, some pretty dirty hands, and maybe a small scrape or two, it came off. I have fairly large hands, and I'm decently strong(work out), but I don't know how strong or what size hands you are. But I think most anyone could do it. If this is hard to understand, or you need clarification, lemme know! Hope it helps.

Steve

Uh oh!

 

BTW when you replace your oil filter make sure the seal isn't stuck to the filter housing. Those seals have a habit of sticking to the housing.

 

jam a long screw driver in the oil filter's side.... now you haddle... all yea gotta do is pull the screw driver. it works for me

 

maybe a good bite might help. drink a lot of milk for stronger teeth and try clamping down on it!!LOL!!

 

changing oil filters are over-rated

j/k

 

big adjustable jaw pliers. the easiest way though is using a socket for the oil filter. don't poke a big hole just something to let it vent. Geez