Could someone explain the oil filter in the 2.3? I assume there is a resusable canister that houses the filter element. What is the procedure for changing the filter in this engine. Thanks.

 

exactly the same as it is an onlder style system....
you just remove the cap, pull out the old filter, slide the new filter in the housing, and reuse the rubber o-ring on the cap unless a new one is provided with the filter.

 

i would advise always using a new set of rubber gaskets and crush washer for the drain plug

 

The O-rings come with the filter if you buy it at the dealer.

When the 2.3 canister filter first hit the street you had to buy each part separately, but now the entire kit costs less than the filter did in 2003/04.

 

Edwin posted a way to convert the canister style filter to a generic spin-on filter if anyone is interested in that.

 

That may have been copied from the Mazda6tech site.

http://www.mazda6tech.com/index.php?...d=47&Itemid=57

 

thats a very good write up.

 

How much does the filter cost at the dealer? I bought mine from KRAGEN $12-15 (can't remember exactly)