Engine Bottom Shield Mod
- Thread starter 07MZ5SA
- Start date
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?
Besides the hole for the filter, would there need to be a modification to the back to allow the oil to drip without interference?
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. 
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.
but you get the picture.Depends on what program you have on PC. Do a Save-As (JPG/JPEG) and reduce the res under options.
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.
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.
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scaleautoworks
SV650 trackhead
- :
- 2002 P5
engine shield mod for oil filter access
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.
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.
- :
- 2008 Mazda5 GT
Figure I share these pics before I delete them since I no longer have this car. This is only for '06-'10, I believe +'12 uses a proper undertray.
Rough guestimate where the center is (this is not 100% center but close enough).
Start with a cutting with my tool to get within 1/4" of circumference I marked. Here's a pleasant surprise. The plastic is a very tough but pliable, not hard in the sense that it may crack. Because of its compound, I find that the easiest tool to use is a simple dollar store box cutter! Takes a few mins and you have to cut away slowly but you have a lot more control. Also, b/c some sections are thicker, using the power tool free hand may cause it to 'jump' when you unexpected catch the thicker sections (don't think I'm explaining this properly).
Finish product. Use the box cutter and cut at 45 degree angle to round out the edges -done. Easily done by anyone during your routine oil change. Notice the dollar store box cutter's end broke off but I've gotten my money's worth from using it all these years and it's prob time for a new one. Automatic upgrade!
Interestingly, my new used ’08 comes with a precut access hole for the filter. This car was service since day one by the same Mazda dealer. The PO informed me it was the Mazda service department that made the access hole! You can tell it was cut using a power tool as the ends is jagged but it looks like more of a circle than mine
Rough guestimate where the center is (this is not 100% center but close enough).
Start with a cutting with my tool to get within 1/4" of circumference I marked. Here's a pleasant surprise. The plastic is a very tough but pliable, not hard in the sense that it may crack. Because of its compound, I find that the easiest tool to use is a simple dollar store box cutter! Takes a few mins and you have to cut away slowly but you have a lot more control. Also, b/c some sections are thicker, using the power tool free hand may cause it to 'jump' when you unexpected catch the thicker sections (don't think I'm explaining this properly
).
Finish product. Use the box cutter and cut at 45 degree angle to round out the edges -done. Easily done by anyone during your routine oil change. Notice the dollar store box cutter's end broke off
but I've gotten my money's worth from using it all these years and it's prob time for a new one. Automatic upgrade!
Interestingly, my new used ’08 comes with a precut access hole for the filter. This car was service since day one by the same Mazda dealer. The PO informed me it was the Mazda service department that made the access hole! You can tell it was cut using a power tool as the ends is jagged but it looks like more of a circle than mine
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