i heard there is a special tool that you need in order to perform oil changes yourself. where can i get this tool?

i am intrigued....what kind of special tool??

i'm not even sure, my buddy said that he heard people had to take the car into the mazda center to get oil changes because a special tool was needed. i hope that is not true cause i'm gonna be doing my own oil changes pretty soon.

You must have the 4 cylinder engine correct. Tool needed is to replace the oil filter. It is a cartridge type and not a standard screw on. Assume you can probably get one aftermarket. specs for it is 75.6mm diameter with 14 flutes. Mazda part # is AK575140 and is available from MStore to dealer for $11.15. Will probably be some mark up on top. Make VERY sure that if you do your own oil changes that you change the large 'O' ring the seals the oil filter cartridge cover. A new one should be provided in box with the filter if bought from dealer. Have seen first hand and heard thru others that reusing the old 'O' ring increases chance that will get pinched when reinstalling filter cover and does not take very long to dump out entire crankcase when this happens. Have put in two engines after oil changed at quick lube due to this.

babyhuey...so the filter is an exposed element style, similar to that of the mercedes benz and bmws?? while working as a tech, i know that the bimmer and benz's as well as a few other newer cars, use the exposed element filter...i think that GM's new ecotec uses an exposed element filter as well....but when i changed those, i just used a 22 or 24 mm socket...

would i need to buy a special tool for my 05 mazda6 3.0L? or just use socket wrench?

No special tool needed for v6. 15mm wrench for drain plug. plug washer is part of plug and not replaceable. regular screw on oil filter at front of engine by left exhaust manifold down pipe. Access from underneath only but could easily do in driveway. Oil will pour all over exhaust so have some brake clean handy to wash off.
Yes it is an exposed element style Patrick. Took picture of one today so you all could see. Black cap in center of pic is filter cover. It is only plastic so that is why tool is recommended.

local://upfiles/1377/B973F4E6CD7E456B8307CF0FA809FBBD.jpg

ok..that is similiar to what the old aurora has...thank you!

would a filter strap wrench work?

what is a filter strap wrench, is that the thing that tightens around the filter to pull it off?

Yes a filter strap wrench will work. Was what I had to use before Mazda came out with the special cap cover wrench. Strap wrench is exactly that. It tightens up around the filter as you pull on it and provides leverage to get tight filters off. Can't use one for your 6 gray_mazda_6 because there is not room to fit one up there. You will see first time you go to change oil!!

so you are saying that i will need a cap cover wrench then?

You can convert the Mazda 6i to a spin-on oil filter instead of the cartridge. It utilizes parts from the Mazda 3i. The link below is a write up, with pictures, provided by the administrators of the Mazda 6 Tech website.

http://www.mazda6tech.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=49

The first time you change your oil on your v6 will be very tight and you may need some help getting it loose. I think they hire sumo wrestlers to put them on at the factory[sm=headbang.gif]. After that filter will only be on as tight as you make it. Lube the rubber filter gasket with a little oil and will not only seat better but will come off much easier at next oil change.

i had no problem changing the oil myself on the 6

Does changing the oil yourself void any of the manufacturers warranty?

I have a 2006 Mazda 6s (V6).

Also, any thoughts on using a synthetic oil rather than standard?

Thanks...

Damn it, babyhuey always beats me to the answers that I know! :(

no maan it will not void your warranty if u change your own oil. the V6 should be a spin off type filter only the V4 have a carthridge filter. but if u do a carthridge just make sure that u are screwing the cover on evenly because u can really mess up the filter cover n u gotta but a new one.

Same topic, different angle,...

I'm planning on switching to Royal Purple motor oil this weekend and am wondering about the oil and air filters. Since I'm moving to a performance oil, I assume I should upgrade the filters as well. Any suggestions?

I plan on going to CAI in the coming months, but can't afford it right now. So, stick to air filters that fit into the stock housing.

Thanks.

I've been using the K&N oil filter for a better filtration process... no complaints on it at all.

I was told the warranty holds as long as you keep your reciepts for oil/filter and such. You can also get a universal oil filter wrench at most auto places that works well enough.

ORIGINAL: babyhuey

No special tool needed for v6. 15mm wrench for drain plug. plug washer is part of plug and not replaceable. regular screw on oil filter at front of engine by left exhaust manifold down pipe. Access from underneath only but could easily do in driveway. Oil will pour all over exhaust so have some brake clean handy to wash off.
Yes it is an exposed element style Patrick. Took picture of one today so you all could see. Black cap in center of pic is filter cover. It is only plastic so that is why tool is recommended.

local://upfiles/1377/B973F4E6CD7E456B8307CF0FA809FBBD.jpg
I never had any problems with oil splash on the exhaust. And there are actually 2 rubber ring gaskets which come with the factory filter. The smaller goes on the torx plug in the center of the cap. You can remove the plug to drain oil from the cap before removing the cap so it's less messy.

On my V6, I wrap the exhaust downpipe in tinfoil before removing the oil filter.That keepsthe oil splashoff of the pipe itself,saving you a week of that lovelyburning-oil smell! (If I really NEEDthe burning oil smell, I drive my Alfa Romeo!)Then remove the tinfoil and all is clean. Cheers,

David

Also, FYI: The "end cap" oil filter wrench that NAPA sells, 93mm w/ 15 flutes, is the one that fits the oil filter on the V6 engine.

David

I have the tool its the same as the VW Audi one, makes things a lot easier.