Ok I feel pretty dumb asking so bear with me, I did check the facts and do several searches with no results so now I feel even dumber.
What is the best way to remove the oil filter on a 95? Do I have to remove the elbow? If so how many bolts (are there any underneath that can't be seen?)?

Thank you!!

 

You don't need to remove the elbow. If you feel more comfortable with removing it to get to the filter, there's only 2 nuts underneath the elbow.

 

No, you don't have to remove the elbow. I use a 3/8" drive rachet with an 8" extension and a flex head to an oil filter socket. No problem.

 

just stick your right hand in there and start twisting.

 

...yah, may take some manuevering (sp) but it's possible to remove the oil filter w/o removing the elbow. If it is hard to grip on...you can get those oil filter cap wrenches too.

 

well I guess the previous owner decided to torque the hell out of the filter. and the filter seems to be too tall because I can't get my filter wrench on. The filter is pressed against some plug and some lines on the other side.
Sorry for the rediculous question, but thanks for answering!!

 

Poke something like a screwdriver through the upper part of the filter and use that to twist it loose.

 

Hah, it's not a dumb or ridiculous question...I asked a few in the past that seemed dumb to me but when I did find out (regardless if get dissed at or made fun of along the way)...you eventually find out the info you need! And yah, I did a search too at time but no results came up (no, not trying to take easy way out...haha)..it was a basic question thus why it didn't show up. But hey, learning is learning. Good luck!

 

Also helps oil drain out of the filter, into the engine, not on the floor

 

LOL, I've done that on quite a few cars, including my FD!

 

It sounds like someone may have used an oversized filter on it...taller than OEM. The one time I tried one it was kind of a bitch too. But at least I didn't torque it down.
In this case, it might be just as easy for you to pull the elbow to make it easier to get that one off. I've done the screw driver through the filter too, but without the elbow, a standard filter wrench or strap-wrench might also work.

 

just manuever your hand and you will be fine..

 

I use a braided belt to get mine off. Screwdriver is the last resort.

 

thanks guys I feel better now,
round 1....filter
I just finished eating.....ding ding....round 2

 

While we're on this subject, I just used a WIX filter on mine and it's taller, so it is not possible to use a filter wrench. Nippondenso and Mobil 1 filters are shorter so they are easier to get out. Guess I'll just have to do some training to make sure my hand is strong enough to get it out (starts searching for more ****).

 

yeah thats how i took mine off old fasion way always works.

 

Maybe some rubber/latex gloves will help improve the grip. I use the old fashioned hand method as well. I also use them Atkins rotary filters aka OEM Mazda and never had an issue with removal.

edit: I was actually worried the first time I removed the filter fearing that I'd spill oil everywhere. Unlike my civic, the FD oil filter is angled down so that it drains back into the engine I still have yet to be able to change my Civic's oil w/o spilling

 

Lefty loosey...

 

the that was on there was a valvolene filter. I had to cruch it to get it out. I'm replacing it with a mobil 1 filter which is tiny!
QUESTION: I found a little rubber O ring under the oil filter. It was just laying in the bottom of the thing the oil filter screws onto. It is broken, but I don't know if this is from the old filter or something that is needed....????

 

Possibly from the old one. Just clean things up. Make sure to wipe a little oil on the o-ring of the new filter.

 

on that note... i now always check filters when i take them off to make sure they didn't leave the ring behind on the engine. when you put a new one on over it out pops the o-ring and there goes your oil. probably only happens every 1000 changes with a substandard filter, but worth checking. owner of the garage i work at got me in the habit.

 

i dont see how much easier it can be said
the filter can be seen from the side, unless your hand doesnt fit in there

 

my hand barely fits in there, I can barely grip the filter. It's ok I like it tight
Anyway, I got the new filter on and put 4qts Mobil 1 in there. I'm so used to changing the oil in my Z28 that I started to put in a 5th. Got me thinking I should go ahead a ask the next stupid question....How much oil?
I have the car up on ramps right now so I don't think I could get an acurate reading on the stick. I don't want to risk anything so I'm asking...

 

5 is fine. But then again, I'm R1. Also, I use the Mobil 1 M-110 filter, which is the MX-6 filter. It's taller than the M-109 (I think) RX-7 filter. I figure, larger filter = more filtering area. *shrug*

 

The filter is the M-108 I think. It is a tiny little thing. I'll just have to trust Mobil 1 on that I guess. I'll have to read about the R1; I don't know how they are different. My car does have a Petit streetport if that makes a difference on the number or quarts?
Does the oil pump kick on when the key is turned to on? If not, I guess the oil filter just stays dry for a few seconds after it is started?