Oil filter access

[CaptainSlow]

Just checked the filter positioning on my Mk1 1.6. Looks like it's going to be a trickier one to get to esp with strut brace. Any tips please?

[Howard-]

I've always been able to reach down next to the inlet manifold through to mine and unscrew it fairly easily. Changed the oil pressure sender unit in the same way too. I'd say I have average-sized arms/hands.

Dunno about with a strut brace though, got a photo of your engine bay?

Edited by Howard- on Sunday 1st August 12:54

[worldwidewebs]

As above, it's easy enough from above. One tip though... make sure the filter is clean and dry and remove it wearing a pair of rubber/latex gloves. You get a good grip and it should come off easy enough

[bluetone]

Top-tip No.2 - put a rag/old towel underneath to catch the old oil!

[Howard-]

Tip it up as you're removing it so as little as possible drips down

[snotrag]

worldwidewebs said:

remove it wearing a pair of rubber/latex gloves.

A section of sandpaper/wet+dry/glass paper in your hand is the easiest way to get them off - super grip even when oily!

I can JUST get a hand on mine from the top, down the side of the inlet manifold - i crack the seal like this, then grab it from underneath to actually remove it and pull it out over the steering rack (near the alternator).

[CaptainSlow]

ok job done in under 45 mins, managed to get both hands down from the top. Washing up glove was a good help.

[skinny]

did mine today. much easier when the brace is removed and you use a long filter from the ford probe / mazda 626. still end up with a dirty driveway from the pissy filter tho despite lots of kitchen towel down.

[franv8]

I've found the best thing for oil changes and not spilling it all over the driveway is an old (or new shiny from Teco's or Wilkinson's) plastic washing up bowl.

I think the MX5 is one of the easiest cars to do an oil change on - half the time you barely need to jack it up (if you want to put one side up a kerb) and you don't have to bend down too far/get under the car to do the filter! Small hands and a wrist with 400 joints in it help.

When you put the new one on, make your life easier later by only doing it up as much as it needs (firm, but not knuckle braking hand tight - and fresh oil smeared on the 'O' ring!)

HTH

[skinny]

you use one of those oil sucker things...?

i can't get my shoulder under the front of my car so i can't reach the sump nut without jacking it up

[franv8]

No, access is pretty good underneath. In truth I do take a couple of minutes with the jack and some axle stands.

[mgrays]

The alternative is lying along side car on your front, with steering lock hard left and then reaching in from behind the front wheel. Probably works better if you have long arms .. and so less likely to have small hands to fit down beside the inlet manifold; I always find it a bit tight and a bit too hot (as the engine should be just off the boil when you drain) to go down beside the inlet manifold. Still need a rag or two and after filling the new filter with oil, then oiling the O ring.. it is a bit of a faf to get onto the spindle as you cannot see when coming from the side.

1.6 had no oil/water cooler at the filter so is a bit easy to get a tool over the end of the can; normally a fabric loop driven by a 1/2" ratchet is mostly likely way unless you have a nice pressed steel filter socket to go over the end (but Japan and Euro filters are different sizes so most of the time mine is the wrong size)