Feel free to laugh at me, but I haven't done my own oil change in a while, because they've always coincided with work being done at the shop. The brand new Mazda OE oil filter I bought had a little crush washer taped to the outside of the box. It would appear that this goes on top of the threaded portion... but the aftermarket filter I removed doesn't have one. Looks like a pain in the *** to install too, since if will have to rest just so while i cram my hand and filter in there to screw it on.

Is this definately supposed to be used, or is it for another application?

 

I dont think I have ever had an extra washer for any of the vehicles i have owned, but i may be doing it wrong... Otherwise i guess use the washer and see what happens!! :-)

 

The washer is almost certainly for the oil drain plug and doesn't go anywhere near the oil filter.

-Max

 

Absolutely!! Drain plug.

 

I third that, it's to replace the drain plug crush washer.

 

... which I've never bothered to replace on any car.

Actually, I used to own a Subaru, and they used the crappy one-use crush washers. I replaced it with one from a Honda that was solid. Never had any problems.

 

i need to get a new drain bolt period...its starting to strip on me
imagine a stripped drain bolt in the oil pan....

 

hey buddy i worked for mazda and im a tech im the rx7 lead tech in the dealer that washer its certainly for the drain plug

 

Thanks guys, I'm glad I asked.

 

In case you missed it the first 5 times,........; It's for the Oil Pan Drain Plug!!

 

Coincidentally, it fits perfectly in the indentation around the threads in the filter, hence my question. Thanks all.

 

No such thing as a stupid question...especially with these jewels we own.