Oil Filter Question

[playjon]

I like to change my own oil in my cars. This is the first car I ever owned that does not have a traditional oil filter. I found where it is located but it looks really hard to remove. You also have to go through alot of trouble it get to it. Does this mean I don't have to change it or just not as often. Can anyone help me?

[wongster]

here you go..

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123642148

read this link.

[gpd323]

Changing the 7's oil was a piece of cake. I purchased the replacment filter element from a local store that carries Baldwin filters. They have excellent quality filters.

http://www.baldwin-filters.com/default.htm?gclid=CNvx2q2X8IkCFQEBYQodQAX4GQ

Also, at less than $6 bucks each, this is a bargain. The lower plastic splash cover comes off easily and as the other link specifies, a allen wrench and a filter removal tool works excellent. I used a standard filter metal strap type that slips over the removable cover and it spun off quickly.

I put in Mobil One 10-30 weight and of couse I logged in the log book.

I do all my own work and my other cars are a Subaru WRX, and a 1989 Mazda 323 GTX AWD Turbo.

GPD

[CX7andMiata]

Changing the 7's oil was a piece of cake. I purchased the replacment filter element from a local store that carries Baldwin filters. They have excellent quality filters.

http://www.baldwin-filters.com/default.htm?gclid=CNvx2q2X8IkCFQEBYQodQAX4GQ

Also, at less than $6 bucks each, this is a bargain. The lower plastic splash cover comes off easily and as the other link specifies, a allen wrench and a filter removal tool works excellent. I used a standard filter metal strap type that slips over the removable cover and it spun off quickly.

I put in Mobil One 10-30 weight and of couse I logged in the log book.

I do all my own work and my other cars are a Subaru WRX, and a 1989 Mazda 323 GTX AWD Turbo.

GPD

gpd323,

Question, did you ask you dealer about using synthetic oil? I asked about using it at my first (break-in) oil change and the master service tech said not to use it. He said over the long term it would damage the turbocharger and that you would be sorry it you used it. Just curious if you have heard something different...

[Copper Red CX]

gpd323,

Question, did you ask you dealer about using synthetic oil? I asked about using it at my first (break-in) oil change and the master service tech said not to use it. He said over the long term it would damage the turbocharger and that you would be sorry it you used it. Just curious if you have heard something different...
This is something that some of the Mazda techs say. They have been telling folks with the Mazdaspeed 6 that this engine was designed to run on dino oil. If that was the case, why would it come with semi-synthetic from the factory? The argument is that the synthetic oil will damage the seals in the turbocharger. However, technical explanations have been obtained from others in Mazda that say this is not true. Synthetic oil is MORE resistant to heat break down, turbo engines run hotter, so it is actually a win win. Synthetic oil also flows better than dino or semi-synthetic oil which gets it where it needs to be quicker and reduces wear. Besides, if Mazda really beleive that synthetic oil was going to damage your engine, wouldn't you think they would tell you in the manual? They tell you to run the engine for 30 seconds after you have had the car in a high load situation before shut down to preserve the turbo. All it says is use SAE grade 5w-30 oil. Point is, I don't beleive there is any truth to this claim that the techs have made about synthetic oil and the use of it in this engine.

[gpd323]

This is something that some of the Mazda techs say. They have been telling folks with the Mazdaspeed 6 that this engine was designed to run on dino oil. If that was the case, why would it come with semi-synthetic from the factory? The argument is that the synthetic oil will damage the seals in the turbocharger. However, technical explanations have been obtained from others in Mazda that say this is not true. Synthetic oil is MORE resistant to heat break down, turbo engines run hotter, so it is actually a win win. Synthetic oil also flows better than dino or semi-synthetic oil which gets it where it needs to be quicker and reduces wear. Besides, if Mazda really beleive that synthetic oil was going to damage your engine, wouldn't you think they would tell you in the manual? They tell you to run the engine for 30 seconds after you have had the car in a high load situation before shut down to preserve the turbo. All it says is use SAE grade 5w-30 oil. Point is, I don't beleive there is any truth to this claim that the techs have made about synthetic oil and the use of it in this engine.

This is absolutly correct. I have run M1 in my 18 year old Turbo GTX forever.
Synth is a better product, and I highly recommend using it. I also use M1 in my 6 year old WRX from day one.

My Mazda dealer will use synth oil if you request it when they change the oil. Of course, I don't trust anyone to do this correctly. That is why I do all my regular services.

Here are several reasons, how about the new CX7 guy who said the dealer forgot to put his oil cap back on and he had a fire because of the oil spray coming out of the fill hole? My Mom' VW Westfalia, the quicky lube place forgot to put oil in her van. Engine destroyed. My step mom's Impalla, dealer forgot to tighten the oil filter and it popped off and engine destroyed.
Celica at Horton Performance, big hole in the block where the piston rod went through it. Lube place did not tighten the oil pan bolt and it fell out and lack of oil destroyed the engine.

If I were you, I would become very familar with your 7. I know I am.

GPD

[CX7andMiata]

This is absolutly correct. I have run M1 in my 18 year old Turbo GTX forever.
Synth is a better product, and I highly recommend using it. I also use M1 in my 6 year old WRX from day one.

My Mazda dealer will use synth oil if you request it when they change the oil. Of course, I don't trust anyone to do this correctly. That is why I do all my regular services.

Here are several reasons, how about the new CX7 guy who said the dealer forgot to put his oil cap back on and he had a fire because of the oil spray coming out of the fill hole? My Mom' VW Westfalia, the quicky lube place forgot to put oil in her van. Engine destroyed. My step mom's Impalla, dealer forgot to tighten the oil filter and it popped off and engine destroyed.
Celica at Horton Performance, big hole in the block where the piston rod went through it. Lube place did not tighten the oil pan bolt and it fell out and lack of oil destroyed the engine.

If I were you, I would become very familar with your 7. I know I am.

GPD

Thanks for the input! I had suspected that was the case but just wanted to confirm. I have a Miata and have always run M1 in it and planned on the same with the 7. However, I have never owned a turbo before and when the tech gave me the warning it gave me pause... I am reassured enough now to continue with what I had planned which was to use synthetic...

[gpd323]

Modern turbos are oil lubricated and water cooled. They are a very durable part.

Just allow the engine to warm up before romping on it. Let it cool down if you have driven it hard for any length of time to allow the turbo to cool.

I have a turbo timer on the 323 GTX that allows me to vacate the car and it idles on its own for a pre-set amount of time.

But, just be nice the the 7 when its just started and let it idle for 30 seconds or more before you shut it off.

I have had turbo cars for 18 years. I have never had a turbo failure. And I take my GTX AWD Turbo out for track days and in 2 days of lapping in Spokane I lapped the track 600 miles and 8 tanks of fuel. I get 6-8 mpg on the track.

If you google.video and search for Downing's Mazda 323GTX I have several videos. One at Pacific Raceways in Kent WA. Also a few autocross clips.

Greg D

[WEZOOMN]

I run Synthetic in everything I own and have owned in quite a few years.
I talked to My service advisor and he said that a lot of folks ask for and get synthetic oil installed at the dealership. Never had any long or short range problems.
Some MAZDA techs only read DOs/DONTs only so far and go away mis-informed about MAZDA cars.
MADZA says DO NOT - REPEAT "DO NOT" run Synthetic Oil........
in ROTARY ENGINED cars!!
It has nothing to do with non-rotary engines.
The rotary engine is, sorta, like a two stroke. It doesn't mix gas and oil together.....but it does have a oil injection system for lubrication of the cylinder walls. The problem comes into play for proper amount. I don't know specifics, I am just passing on by what was explained to me by a person that works for MAZDA.

[jdp526]

I am still waiting for a return call from service manager in regard to first oil change I had performed on our 7. I had the oil changed at 600 mi before going on road trip that I am on at this time. My invoice from dealer states that model is a V6?, crazy. And, under parts used they show 4 qts 5w-20 all climate (valvoline). Just wish they new what they were doing at the dealership. It will be interesting to hear what manager says about quantity and weight of oil used. I did have to add a qt on trip. The dealer offered 1 year of free oil changes but it doesnt appear that they are using the correct weight, quantity, or a semi-syn like durablend.

[jdp526]

I am still waiting for a return call from service manager in regard to first oil change I had performed on our 7. I had the oil changed at 600 mi before going on road trip that I am on at this time. My invoice from dealer states that model is a V6?, crazy. And, under parts used they show 4 qts 5w-20 all climate (valvoline). Just wish they new what they were doing at the dealership. It will be interesting to hear what manager says about quantity and weight of oil used. I did have to add a qt on trip. The dealer offered 1 year of free oil changes but it doesnt appear that they are using the correct weight, quantity, or a semi-syn like durablend.

[Raider]

Well, that is still 1 quart short of the 6 needed for your car! Hope it is not too low to cause a problem. A turbocharged V6? Lucky, you got a prototype or something! :). Sorry, just tryin to make ya feel better.

Keep us informed, ok?

[jdp526]

The oil level was almost a quart low when i checked and added some. I have left two voice mails for service manager to call me back in regard to oil change but he hasn't returned my calls yet. Any idea who I could email with Mazdausa to check on my situation?

[erhayes]

Some Mazda mechanics/service writers are telling customers that Mazda says no to synthetics. I emailed the Mazda technical department and the response from Mazda's technical service is that: " Mazda CX7 owners may use a full Synthetic or synthetic Blend engine oil provided it meets the grade & Viscosity requirements in the owners manual" I had to take a copy of the email to my dealer as they were telling me NO Synthetic. The service manager said he would take the email to their Monday morning information meeting an inform their mechanics. Man, I hate self appointed experts passing on rumors or what they think is correct regardless of facts or Manufactures recommendations. I wonder how many engines, transmissions and other components have been trashed by this nonsense. End of rant.

[Raider]

Yeah, the Service Manager at the dealer we love told me that, the Master Tech told me synth is fine. This guy's problem is they messed up his car possibly, being so low on oil.

Mazda Customer Assistance
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