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Drain gasket+= auto parts stores!

The end caps for removing the filters are sold at walmart, Canadian tire and most good part strores. I have the one that attaches to my socket wrench. I am assuming that we are talking about this filter cap!!!! Black in color. $ 5.00 canadian at walmart

ex_MGB

A few thoughts:

1. Use only Mazda filters. But 10 or so online. Always change the filter when doing oil.
2. Take a filter in to Walmart and buy a 3/8" drive oil filter adapter (sorta a large socket) which fits the Mazda filter. Its only 3 bucks. I use one for my Astro as well, different size. Many manufacturers are going to this.
3. Put film of oil on new gasket and maybe pre-soak the filter real good. Use Mobil 1 oil. Make sure you wipe down gasket surface on engine before screwing on the new filter.
4. The instructions on the filter say tighten one and one sixth turn AFTER gasket makes contact. This is WAY more than hand tight.
5. The drain plug gasket can be reused alot of times, it's not really crushable like my Maxima's. Tighten down good but not too hard and strip the threads. Maybe get a torque wrench if this is your first time. It'll come in handy when you change your spark plugs. Get a 1/2" drive one as well for your lugnuts.
6. Collect used oil in 5 gallon can and take to your local recycle place.

You are certainly on the right track doing your own oil change. Disposable latex gloves are nice for oil and filter changes.

shumax

I had to punch a screw driver through it and twist it off. Of-course its tight in there so I had to loosen it and then punch another hole....


I wouldn't suggest that method at all. I have read, and seen, where people hit the thread post for the filter and break it clean off of the engine. You want to talk about a major repair bill? I understand that sometimes you don't have a choice. However, I think I would search very thoroughly for an alternative before I did that again.

Curt B. Shumaker