First Oil Change
 

I am going to be performing my first oil change on my Protege ES.
I am considering AMSOIL synthetic 5w-30 or 0w-30.
Mazda factory oil filter.
Where is the oil filter located, will i defenately need ramps.
What is the recommended change interval for the first oil change.

Any help appreciated

Here are some things you will need:

1) Ramps (unless you are a midget and then you may not need them).

2) Oil Filter Wrench (The Cup socket kind work the best. If it is the factory oil filter then it will be a PITA to get off. ie Mazda Gorilla)

3) Wrench for oil plug

4) Something to catch the oil in.

5) Rags

6) 3.? Quarts of oil

7) New Oil Filter

The brand of oil you use is something you need to figure out for yourself. Every one has there opinion. Listen to a few and then do some research. Then decide.
Other than that its not hard. Just be clean about it and make sure you don't get any dirt of debris in the engine while your changing the oil.

Have fun! A couple of beers (or Crown and Coke or 3 also help)

The engine takes 3.7 quarts with a filter change, and you will need a new drainplug crush washer too. I would also save the Crown and Coke until AFTER you're finished. I learned a long time ago that it's unwise to attempt ANY mechanical task while under the influence. :D

Ummmm....I've been doing oil changes (a few myself, and a few at a local lube joint) since day 1 and have never replaced the crush washer.

I've also never had a leak or a problem - 42,000 miles.

Why does the washer need to be replaced? And is it supposed to be replaced at every oil change? Why?

~HH

i wonder if you can find these copper crush washers at your local hardware store.... they look generic enough, probably can get a bag full for like $2??

use either 5w30 or 10w30 thats what the manual says. as far as brand thats up to you. the 626 v6 filter fits as well so it will take an extra .2 or .3 quarts. i put 4 quarts in and the level is perfect. you can get oem filters for 4 bucks a pop at www.mazdaformance.com when you go to do the oil change, you WILL need ramps, a cresent wrench and a bucket or something to put the oil in.
to get to the oil filter, you will have to reach up through the exhaust piping and the axels to get to the filter, if this is your first change, do it while the exuast is cool b/c until you have mastered getting in the perfect position to get the filter off, the exhaust will burn you. i didn't have a problem getting the stock filter off, but i also have extremely strong hands. remember when putting on the new filter to put oil on the rubber ring and only put it on hand tight. the drain plug you will need to put of pretty dang tight. i couldn't tell you the socket size b/c i lost my drain plug and had to go get a new one and its bigger than the last one. honda oil caps fit aswell if you want a different oil cap.

the recommended first oil change is whatever the manuals says for normal changes(either 3k or 5k miles, can't remember). people say that the new engines don't have that much wear and you don't need to change the oil right away or something, i changed mine at 500 miles to synthedic just to be safe.