Whaddup, let me start by voicing my extreme dislike of Mazdas decision to go to a cartridge style filter. Anyways, I was changing the oil on my 05 2.3, when I took the old filter off, the pleats looked like they had been twisted around. That doesnt seem like it would be normal--I think I must be tightening the filter down too far-----how tight are you supposed to go with these things? I just dont want the ish to leak...

 

Welcome to the site! hopefully a 3 guy can chime in because I have an 'old school' type filter so I'm not sure. I do know it's just a couple parts to convert your 3 to the other style of oil filter, no more dealing with o-rings and crap ever again

 

Oil fliters should just be hand tightened (with a fresh glove that's not full of oil). You should also replace the two o-rings and add some grease and it won't leak. After you finish the change, start your car and check for leaks before you put the under-car-guard back on.

 

Sweet, thanks for your help!! (%#&'n cartridge filters!!)

 

ha ha sounds like you have worked at sears auto center lol

and i would agree with him all the way...good luck