Well I thought I knew how to do an oil change with no problem.
There was one caveat: Using super thin SAE 0W-20 oil on the oil filter gasket doesn’t work well.
I was changing the oil in my 2016 Mazda 3.
Tools Required: (Those last two messed me up)
- 8mm socket
- 8mm Allen/hex key
- Flat head screwdriver
- Philips head screwdriver (optional)
- Small extension (optional)
- Ratchet
- Lubricant for oil filter gasket!
- Oil filter wrench!
First problem was that I took of the wrong plastic cover piece. There is one closer to the front of the car. I thought it was for the drain plug. I was wrong. One (slightly larger about 15″x15″) cover piece allows access to both the oil filter and drain plug.
When I was taking off the old oil filter, I could barely get it off. I spent about 15 minutes getting in just the right position and used all of my hand strength.
I was confused why it was so difficult, because I put the last one on myself, and I would have been careful not to over-tighten it.
When I put the new one on, the directions said to turn it 3/4 to 1 full turn after contact with the block.
- I lubricated the oil filter gasket with the brand-new SAE 0W-20 oil.
- I got it to 1/2 turn, then it wouldn’t budge. Totally stuck.
- I couldn’t even loosen it!
Now, I was discouraged and laying under a hot car, debating whether to leave an improperly tightened filter as-is and hope for the best, or actually fix it.
Thankfully, my neighbor had a large set of pliers and I was able to get the filter off!
I retried the installation using a 3-IN-ONE multipurpose oil. It’s the kind that is used for bike chains, casters, etc.
This time, everything felt normal. I was able to turn to about 3/4 turn perfectly. Hopefully, the oil is still on there when I got to take the filter off!
In addition to using better filter gasket lubricant, I would never risk doing the job without something to take off the oil filter with force. Oil filter wrench is probably ideal, but at least something like large enough pliers.