Engine Bottom Shield Mod

[07MZ5SA]

Since it's a hassle to remove engine shield for oil change. Has anyone done any kind of modification to make life easier (other than longer OCI).

I'm thinking about cutting a hole for oil filter.

[mambo]

I just Changed my oil yesterday and I have to agree with you on the need. I had an older VW with a similar setup and the plastic panel didn't survive too long after repeated oil changes. I think the Mazda setup is more solid so I'm hoping it lasts longer but it definitely makes the oil change more time consuming.

Besides the hole for the filter, would there need to be a modification to the back to allow the oil to drip without interference?

[fam]

My plastic is jacked already from morons doing oil changes, its ruined. I have to crawl under and fix it all when they finish because some of its broken now (i have to put certain flaps in 1st then bolt it down to stay). Road salt and water and misc crap isnt good for your motor and can quickly destroy your alternator, the less its exposed the better. :-)

[king57721]

I just cut the new hole... I think if our MZ5 is 2.0 and with regular oil filter, then the hole will be line up...

[Rocket]

I think even if you cut a hole you will not be able to reach up and get the filter. It will have to be a big hole, and you will drip some oil on the shield anyway. The amount of time you spend figuring out how to do this and then get it done will likely equal the amount of time needed to remove and replace the shield 30 times. Just a guess ;) but you get the picture.

[07MZ5SA]

Just cut a 8x9 hole on the shield. Will post pics once done.

[07MZ5SA]

I'm ready to upload the pic files but each 2.2-3.9MB. How do I reduce the resolution?

[AIMWO4]

Depends on what program you have on PC. Do a Save-As (JPG/JPEG) and reduce the res under options.


I'm ready to upload the pic files but each 2.2-3.9MB. How do I reduce the resolution?

[DeanSweet]

if you are running windows XP, try power toy 're-sizer' from microsoft?

http://www.microsoft.com/Windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
Once you get it installed, simply right click the picture and select 're size'. it comes up with a box showing you your options.

Dealer asked me if it was okay if they trimmed a hole to make future oil changes easier on our MPV. That was 7 years ago.

[07MZ5SA]

Here are the pics.

[AIMWO4]

So, how does the new door work?


Here are the pics.

[07MZ5SA]

It's held by 5 clips/screws like the one on aftermarket mudflaps.

[scaleautoworks]

I cut 3 sides of a "door" under the filter approx 6" square, and left the front edge as a virtual hinge. I also made the cuts slant towards the center of the door at the top side (instead of completely vertical), so the flap holds itself in place when your done, but it does need to be "flexed" to pop it back in place. You have to hold or prop it open while you're working, but not having to use any fasteners to R/R it makes it worth it for me.