Miata Mailing List: September 1993, Message #101
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   From: steve@laforge.ksc.nasa.gov (Steve Davis)
Subject: RE: Vacation, tan, top, crash, oil/filter/washer, and Shell Gas
   Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1993 10:34:59 -0400

>>>>>
My understanding is that the Mazda oil filter has a check valve in it to
prevent oil draining out of the engine.  This allows more instantaneous
lubrication on starting. Starting is supposed to be the worst wear period for
an engine. I notice some oil spills from the Mazda filter each time I change
one.  Perhaps you are not using factory filters?  Do you get valve lifter noise
on starting?
<<<<<

Interesting.  Yes, I use factory oil filters.  I've done two oil changes so
far.  The first was done by the dealer; the second by me.  For the las
change, I used the factory filter and Mobil-1 10W-30 oil.  Since then, I 
haven't heard any lifter noise; I usually did before.  Strange.

Maybe my previous filter had a defective check valve; I guess I'll find out
next time I change my oil.  Last time, there was absolutely no oil draining
out when I removed the filter.

Regards,

Steve