FYI: Oil Filter information, comparison, & tests
 

Perhaps some of you are researching for information and filtration tests on various brands of oil filters (Purolator, Wix, Mobile, etc. etc) I came across this link as I prepare to do an oil change this week. Just thought I'd share the link with you guys/gals in case you haven't come across it in your own searches. It's got some really good info and nice pictures of cut-open and disassebled oil filters of most the popular brands. It'll help you be more informed about your filter choice.

http://home.mindspring.com/~ed_white/id7.html

Here's another one that's been thrown out in various posts in this forum:

http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfi...lterstudy.html

-ninjarama

I wanted to change my oil on my own but looking at the position of the filter, I can't figure how it get it out without taking some difficult to remove bits first. :scratchhe

Any instructions or pictures that you can offer would be a great help. :)

I was able to just reach the oil filter and unscrew it with my hand (i stood by driver-side fender... did not have to use any tools to remove). Depending on how tightly the filter was placed, you may need to use a tool. Removing the dipstick helps to give more clearance for the filter (just don't forget to put it back!).

If you search some of the other posts here, you'll find many members using a socket/cap adapter to remove very tight filters. They have great pictures, too.

I imagine if you've got larger hands or popeye forearms, reaching the filter by hand may be very difficult to do with all the hoses in the way (or if you're 4ft tall). I can still post a pic for you, but I assure you, it's quite easy to twist off with just your hand... or at least it's quite easy to reach.

Cheers for that. I'll see if I can unscrew the filter tomorrow. Then I will have to find out which filter to buy.

Thats the filter location for the past 13B engines, I have no idea why cant Mazda relocate that space to somewhere better, even just a little bit :(

If you have K&N filter, u can just get an 1 inch socket to take it out.

IF you're using other regular filters, get a filter wench and u can get it off *fairly* easily

Its really hard to get it off with hand, I did it couple of times but it really hurts.

I bought a "reuseable" oil filter with surgical steel filtration elements but unfortunately it was too large. I was a bit skeptical anyway of it's filtration ability so I returned it. Then I went and bought a Purolator Premium Plus filter... it fit nicely, but felt really light and cheap so I returned that too and finally settled for a Wix filter. It's well constructed and the black color is stealthy under the hood =) I turned it just enough so if you look down there you see the nice WIX logo. While I was at it, I also installed a Green Air Filter... even put the Green sticker on the air box! =P