Oil filters, and a warning to new import owners.

KSCRIM · Post by **KSCRIM** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 7:39 pm

Following the Auckland Tech day on the 31st, I went home determined to get
the stuck oil filter off my 98 NB import. I havn't had it long and
discovered the problem when I did an oil change. As everyone knows, they are
not the easiest to change. I eventually made a right angle strap type
remover and cut a hex on the end of the plastic bar to take a 14mm socket. I
had to put about 30 ftlb on the bar !! to unstick the filter. It just spun
off after that. Needless to say I didn't tighten the replacement anywhere
near that tight. (The oil I removed was not too dirty, I've seen much worse)
I cut the old filter open and found the filter medium totally clogged with
what looked like varnish. I think the filter was in total bypass.!! I have
picked up about 6lb pressure with the new filter. I have no idea how long
the old filter has been on the engine, but I would guess "far too long".
I'll bring it along to the "Snail race" to show how it was and as a warning
to owners of "new imports"

Kevin.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 9:33 pm

Hi Kevin...

Interesting to hear about your filter experience! Have just bought a NZ new
NA 1800 , changed the oil and picked up oil pressure. My mechanic (who rents
out MX5s!!) advises 5000k oil changes (not 10000k as per manual), and uses
Fram filters rather then Mazda oil filters, as the Fram are about 30%
bigger...
Unfortunately, although my car had had very regular dealer servicing for
almost all its life..the last 20,000k before purchase is a bit of a mystery.
My car lved the new Castrol Magnatec and filter, immediately noticeable on
start up and on the guage when hot!

Cheers, Ian

Okibi · Post by **Okibi** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 9:48 pm

.. changed the oil and picked up oil pressure. My mechanic (who rents
out MX5s!!) advises 5000k oil changes (not 10000k as per manual), and uses
Fram filter

If you look at this website :
http://mymiata.paladinmicro.com/MiataOFilters.htm

You might not be so keen on the Frams.

- Dave.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 10:14 pm

Thanks very much Dave, certainly food for thought.
I assume there is only one Fram MX5 filter (unsure where NZ Fram filters are
sourced from), although my oil pressure experience does not coincide with
the author's 10-15psi drop - my pressure matches factory spec.
Will use factory filter from here on in unless someone has a better idea
(car had a Ryco filter when purchased)

Ian