oil change [Archive] - Mazdas247.com

ping

10-01-2003, 08:47 AM

AND... the all-important piece of aluminum foil to cover the halfshaft and prevent unsightly oil splotches all over the underbelly! Who the HELL thinks of oil filter location when designing cars... they're NEVER easy to change!

PHILLY-ORANGE

10-01-2003, 09:24 AM

I use Tanning oil works great and gives my motor a tan to ,zoom zoom!

bazooka joe

10-01-2003, 09:41 AM

how do you guys decide which weight to go with?
0-30
15-50
i live in the norhteast so i need a weight that will work within the temp range for this area too!

MSPDAVE125

10-01-2003, 11:32 AM

AMSOIL 20w50.......Heavy I know, but peace fo mind ya kno!!!

OEM Filter

Gonna try the MOTUL 15W50 in the spring. I'm starting to save now!!!

twiztedjeckel

10-01-2003, 11:36 AM

Mobil 1 10w-30 and Pure1 filter

Black Majik MSP

10-01-2003, 11:40 AM

Can we get a concensus here on something good for people down south like me. I'm at 2900 miles now, so I need to figure this out soon.

mazdaowner123

10-01-2003, 11:51 AM

Well put, Black Majik. Can you guys give us newbies some reasons why you picked the oil you did? What's the absolute best? Royal Purple? Thanks.

~brian

MSPDAVE125

10-01-2003, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by Black Majik MSP
Can we get a concensus here on something good for people down south like me. I'm at 2900 miles now, so I need to figure this out soon.

MOBIL1 15w50 is good for hot southern climate.

MSPDAVE125

10-01-2003, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by conekiller
Well put, Black Majik. Can you guys give us newbies some reasons why you picked the oil you did? What's the absolute best? Royal Purple? Thanks.

~brian

What is your application? Daily driver? SOLO I/II
Weekend 1/4 miler?

Your oil will depend on that. Expecially how much you want to spend.

Help US.......Help YOU!!!

Black Majik MSP

10-01-2003, 12:07 PM

90% daily driver
8% 1320
2% auto-x/track

Flat Black

10-01-2003, 12:09 PM

I run 15w50 for the pure fact that synthetic is thinner than conventional oil anyway. Its lubrication ability makes up for the fact that its a 'heavier oil'. I run nothing but 50 in all my turbocars, which now consists of only 2, now that I've sold my 300zx TT and the SW20.

mazdaowner123

10-01-2003, 12:10 PM

Daily Driver, AutoCross once to twice a month, 1320 very rarely (couple of times a year maybe?)

The car is driven every single day though, so I can't have something that'll effect reliability or anything. I'm willing to pay a fair amount of money for good oil. Thanks a lot guys.

~brian

bazooka joe

10-01-2003, 12:12 PM

daily driver in heavy traffic

Flat Black

10-01-2003, 02:09 PM

With a heavier oil, it tends to lubricate the engine better under heavy loads and severe heat, i.e. prolonged driving, or driving under autocross or drag.

RyanJayG

10-01-2003, 07:24 PM

most damage is does at startup because the oil is all in the pan. 0w or 5w oil circulates faster then heavier oils circulate rather slower (relatively). the problem with this is that light weight oils don't do so well over time, they break down and lose viscosity faster.

the God given solution is light wieght SYNTHETIC oils, with have the best properties you look for in a lubricant. I personally use 0w-30 or 5w-30 Mobil 1 syn.

02.5 P5

10-01-2003, 10:26 PM

http://www.motoroilbible.com/

this guy had some good info for you to read if you are interested, i bought the motor oil bible and really enjoyed learning more than i already knew.

bazooka joe

10-02-2003, 06:51 AM

thanks guys!

Larone

10-02-2003, 10:34 AM

I use 10W-30 Mobil 1 Super Synthetic and I bought my oil filter from the Mazda dealer. The oil weight really just depends on where you live and the temperatures that the oil will have to endure. I live in South Florida so 5W-30 wouldn't really make a difference for me because it will never get that cold down here - if I lived in Canada then that's what I would get. The first number defines the oil characteristics at low temperatures and the last number for higher temps. Hope this helps. The manual has very good explanations too.

osudewd

10-14-2003, 09:43 AM

Amsoil filters are the best. Mobil 1 has a good filter too. Mobil 1 and Amsoil are also both good choices for oil, although Amsoil has a stronger additive package so it can last longer. Pure 1 filters have good filtration but they also impede oil flow a lot more than mobil 1 and amsoil and have a lower capacity.

funnylittlman

10-14-2003, 10:08 AM

Warmer Temps:
10W 30

Cooler Temps:
5W 30

I got this right out of a mechanic's mouth

I ran Mobil1 10w 30 until this past week
now I run Mobil1 5w30 for the winter :D

Limited Edition

10-14-2003, 10:19 AM

i agree with funnylittleman, I use the same oil for cooler temperatures.
Mobil 1 5W-30 is the way to go. Here in Toronto, it's not extremely hot in the summer and not extremely cold either in the winter, so all around i use 5W-30 in my car.
that reminds me, time to book my appointment with the damn dealer!:(

StuttersC

10-14-2003, 10:29 AM

The Mazda OEM filter is your best bet...It's a good price and a great filter.

Get the V-6 version and you have better filtration and it'll fit!

Pmpkinhead

10-14-2003, 11:33 AM

I've been running Castrol GTX 10W30 and Fram oil filters for over 200,000 miles in my Mazdas.
88 323GT Turbo 155,000 Mi. Engine and turbo good when sold
99 Prot ES 59,000 Mi. Engine like new when traded
03 Spicy MSP 7,500 Mi. TBD
1244 (msporange

MSP Chris

10-14-2003, 04:18 PM

Mobil 1 Syn 5-30W
Mazda V6 filter can't go wrong.

oldzoomer

10-14-2003, 11:33 PM

I plan on using the dealer since their prices seem to be good and my first service experience was positive.

I've used Fram filters on all of the do-it-yourself maintenance I've done on cars for 20+ years. They are very dependable and high quality.

I've used Castrol for many cars. Lately I've been using whatever oil is available for the Maxima. Hasn't hurt it in 50k miles.

Isn't motor oil all the same as long as you check for the ILSAC and/or API Service Level SL labels on the bottle?

StuttersC

10-16-2003, 11:37 AM

I've heard that fram filters are crappy. The flow rate varies between fliter's of the same size...Which can ultimately lead to problems.

bazooka joe

10-16-2003, 12:04 PM

changing my oil this weekend, any hints form the other "do it yourselfers"? thanks

StuttersC

10-16-2003, 12:09 PM

Originally posted by bazooka joe
changing my oil this weekend, any hints form the other "do it yourselfers"? thanks

HAVE FUN!!! Seriously, I enjoy changing the oil, and it is fun to play with stuff under the hood.

Oh yeah, a leather belt is sometimes the easiest way to get a hold of the filter to get it off if it is giving you problems.

I will never forget my first oil change on my Pro. Two hours and several attempts finally ending up with an insane tool to get it off.

ARunto

10-16-2003, 12:26 PM

yeah i find it a pain to get the oil filters off...i wish other companies would use that grip stuff that fram uses on their oil filters. i don't like to use fram filters but i've always recommended the STP filters which are Bosch filters rebadged.

no_more_jettas

10-16-2003, 01:21 PM

Next weekend I'll be doing the first oil change too. Going to use a K&N oil filter and Mobil 1. Never changed my own oil before, so I am looking forward to the learning experience. Also putting a K&N drop in air filter.

StuttersC

10-16-2003, 02:29 PM

The Mazda OEM V-6 filter is really good. Actaully the OEM filters are really good...

Personally, I don't see spending extra money for a filter that is on par or marginally better then the OEM filter.

oldzoomer

10-16-2003, 10:59 PM

since we are discussing changing the oil - when should it be done?

I talked to the Mazda service rep today and he told me 1st change at 5000 miles and then every 5000 miles. I've never run a new car 5000 miles before the first oil change.
When did ya'll get your first oil change done?

Familia323

10-16-2003, 11:12 PM

So is there a number for this Mazda V-6 filter?

erikvonb

10-16-2003, 11:15 PM

Originally posted by bazooka joe
changing my oil this weekend, any hints form the other "do it yourselfers"? thanks

I usually use an elastic band to get a grip on the oil filter. You know the ones that they use at the grocery store for the broccoli. Works great.
Since I started using the elastic, I haven't used my oil filter wrench. (anyone want to buy it?) :D

-Erik

arkitek

10-16-2003, 11:59 PM

8100 E-TECH 0W40 ESTER 100 SYNTHETIC

Would this be good year round in northern climate? Toronto to be exact. And can it handle the occasional autox in the summer?

CarlM2

10-17-2003, 10:15 AM

Originally posted by oldzoomer
since we are discussing changing the oil - when should it be done?

I talked to the Mazda service rep today and he told me 1st change at 5000 miles and then every 5000 miles. I've never run a new car 5000 miles before the first oil change.
When did ya'll get your first oil change done?

That is correct for today's cars/engines. They usually don't put that weird break-in type oil in new cars anymore. I have 4900 miles on my original oil... going to replace it soon with either Havoline or Castrol... This car won't last long enough to warrant the excessive money spent on synthetic...

I've had one car that got better gas mileage using synthetic but, that was 1 in 4. I've never noticed any other differences... The synthetic vs. dino vs. blends debate is a big can of worms and you'll find a lot of people ridiculously passionate about it.

Follow the manual and do what makes you happy.

StuttersC

10-17-2003, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by Familia323
So is there a number for this Mazda V-6 filter?

There is only one...

Familia323

10-17-2003, 01:18 PM

k.. thats all I wanted to know then.. thanks

StuttersC

10-17-2003, 01:40 PM

No worries...The thread pitch and size are the same.

If you are running the MSP oil-cooler it'll be kind of a tight fit.

PhreakV

10-17-2003, 01:49 PM

Yeah, to all first time do it yourself-ers, the oil filter is a be-otch to remove, at least mine was the first time. synthetic oils are nice but not completely necessary. (it is kidna nice to get basically the same oil out that you put in v. a really dark, scary-looking substance.)
Personally, I enjoy Bosch filters (i.e. repackaged as STP and then repackaged as Deutsch) but just go to your local auto place and check out the info on the package. Boschs tend to be upwards of 98% filtration. Its all what you are comfortable with.

I personally run Mobil1 5w30 syn with a Bosch (platinum? maybe)filter.

P.S. To all of those who are wondering, the first of the two numbers in a weight of oil is the viscosity when cold (lower = thinner at cold starts for better lubrication) and the second is viscosity when hot (higher = thicker for more protection for hot internals). Just a rule of thumb for those who were wondering but didn't want to get flamed for ignorance.

(redp5)
(wrc)