after I stab it w/ a screwdriver and let it drain, I use a pair of channel lock pliers to break it loose. Anybody have an easier way to take it off?

Btw, I will never pay to have my oil changed again. The only time I did, the ****'s pulled off my map sensor hose, and you know what happens then!

 

I use my hand.

 

G-Man,
I tried that, but it wouldn't budge. Maybe I'm twisting it on too tightly?

 

spin it on till it hits then turn it another 1/4-1/2 turn. I don't know why people always crank those damn filters on. Oh yeah make sure you put a little oil on the o-ring .

 

Try using something that will grip it, sometimes I use latex gloves. Or a little rubber jar opener, it works perfect. I change mine every 1,500 -2,500 miles. If you want to pony up the extra cash get the K&N oil filter, it has a nut on top and you can use a wrench to take it right off.
Sometimes my old filter is hard to grip becuase its got some old oil on it, then I get a papertowl and some windex and clean it off, it works great to clean it off and get that extra grip.
Hope this helps. Could always get a oil filter wrench, but it would be kind of hard to get in there and a waste of money if you ask me.

 

True Dat. LOL
I put a little oil in the filter and around the threads too, just so it has a little to start with, no dry startups.

 

How bout you use an oil filter wrench...



sorry bout the size, only pic of one I could find....

 

Damn dude thats funny. I've actually had to do that before. NOT on the 7!

They make "oil filter wrenches". I just use my hand cause I don't crank them down, much faster.

 

the adjustable belt style filter wrenches are hard to use in the 7. I use the kind of wrench that slips over the top of the filter and squeezes it as you turn. It has very good grip and it not large or bulky at all.

 

my question is how do you keep the oil from spilling, is it just me, or anybody that thinks this inverted setup is stupid.

 

Its just you.
Why would you want it any different? It makes it so much easier. Its better than being under the car having to reach through the hot exhaust manifold (most hondas) or pulling back fender lining and reaching through front suspension components (like a Berretta). Just clean what little oil is left up with a shop rag. Besides if it really bothers you that much you could relocate it to where ever you want.

 

just dont tighten on so much there Arnold. It comes off with your hand and I have yat to spill a drop.

 

Wait till St. Patty's Day and if you find a little Leprauchan or a little person, throw him in the engine bay and have him unscrew it.

 

Usually if you change the oil when the cars warmed up it won't leak any at all but if you do it when it's cold you how one hell of a mess to clean up. just drive the car to get the oil and filter.

 

Are you punching a hole in the top of the filter before unscrewing?

If not thats ur problem, plus it doesnt hurt to keep a rag at the base while unscrewing just in case.

 

LOL, this thread has been helpful as hell, seriously. I bought my FD in Jan and I was like s***, how am I gonna get that off without spilling oil into the whole bay?!?! So you guys whack it with a flathead so the oil drains? How do you catch it? And I have always been told to change the oil when it's cold so the oil itself isn't hot and won't sear your skin.

 

I think using your hand is the most senseable idea... I think punching a hole in it is pretty dumb... some of you guys are weak...
P.S. If your hand isn't working use an oil filter wrench... the kind that slides onto the top of it...

 

The shops always make it extra tight, requiring a filter wrench. Once you get it loose, if you change it yourself, you can just hand tighten it.

My filter wrench is similar to the one in the pix on this thread except that it doesn't have a handle. I can use a socket wrench w/ an extension socket to turn the 'hoop' that goes around the filter.

In the tight space there, it's not really possible to use the wrench pictured above.

I fill the filter with about 1/2 qt of oil before installing it. It's amazing how much oil the filter element inside absorbs. Just fill it to the point that it won't spill back out when you invert it. Put a little dab of oil on the gasket too.

 

Drain the oil first. I've never had any oil spill out when I remove the filter.

 

can someone tell me what size the nut for draining the oil is on an FD? is it a 15 metric, or larger? I need to know since I lost my larger box ends, and I am just gonna borrow one till I buy my own.

 

Next time your near a hospital, pick up a box of those "surgical" gloves. They grip well (and keeps you hand clean). The new "Fram" filters have a texture added to the end of the filter that make going on and off easier.

 

Yeah i drain my oil first and also i use the K&N oil filters that won't let it run back out. I only hand tighten them but they even have a raised head that fits a socket.

 

the reason for punching the hole in it is to let the oil drain outa the filter( mazda oem and pure one filters have silicon anti drain back valve)

but if you use a POS fram, or any cheapo filter they dont have them so its not a problem for those users

but us with the valve either have to a) put a rag around the filter and pray
b) wait overnights or so for the majority of the oil to leave the filter
or c) punch a little hole in the top then take it off...so not messy puttng a hole in it

 

19mm or 3/4"

 

I use the OEM Mazda filters and never had a problem with oil spilling out when I took it off.