Miata Mailing List: June 1994, Message #224
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   From: "Robert Cohen" 
Subject: Re: Changing my oil
   Date: Fri, 10 Jun 1994 17:42:34 -0400

        Reply to:   RE>Changing my oil
Ronnie B. Kon writes (6/9/94):
>Is there a good place in the center-front of the car that I can jack
>up both wheels at once?

The shop manual recommends jack placement at the midpoint
of the center U-brace (the one with all the small round 
vent holes, just in front of the oil pan) to lift both front
wheels simultaneously.  However, I just use 2 nailed-together
2x6" boards (about 4 feet long), and drive up on them.
More safe and faster, IMO.

>Do you get it from above or below?

I use the Mazda filter wrench from above.

>How do you keep the oil from dripping onto the bottom of the car?
Put a disposable diaper under the filter before unscrewing.

>How do you lube the car?  

Put a light grease on the door, hood, and trunck latches/arms.

>Also, I'm planning on changing my transmission fluid for Redline MTL.
>Is this going to be hard?

Good move.  For this, you might need the floor jack and jackstands, and
certainly an oil pump of some kind.  Most auto stores will sell you
a small hand pump for dispensing the transmission and differential
fluids (upwards).  It's also a good idea to replace the drain plug washer
(it's the same size as the oil plug washer).

Hope this is not duplicative, but I just returned from out of town, and 
saw your posting, without a response, among my two days worth of mail.

Hope this helps.

Bob.

robert_cohen@sdm.buffalo.edu
SUNY at Buffalo
(716) 829-3845 voice
(716) 837-7623 fax