That reminds me

"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit) 12/17/2015 at 16:34 • Filed to: notacamry, mazda3

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My 3 needs an oil change.

And my pan is currently held on with zip ties and has a huge hole cut in it. THANKS FP!

Ike > Takuro Spirit 12/17/2015 at 16:37

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My pan went missing long ago, sucks for mpgs, helps with oil changes!

Takuro Spirit > Ike 12/17/2015 at 16:38

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Mine has been flapping in the breeze, mostly held on by zipties. Someday I’ll fix it properly. Maybe.

Urambo Tauro > Takuro Spirit 12/17/2015 at 16:44

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I always change my own oil, which requires removal of a similar plastic panel. It’s held in by those plastic “Christmas tree” retainers.

One day while changing the oil, I discovered that the panel was GONE. Somehow it came off without my noticing, and I’m pretty sure it was due to my re-using those push-pins. I got my hands on a replacement panel, and am NOT making the same mistake again.

CounterTorqueSteer > Takuro Spirit 12/17/2015 at 16:48

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I know, mine needs a change as well.

Ike > Takuro Spirit 12/17/2015 at 16:51

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That describes how my front end is held on

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Takuro Spirit 12/17/2015 at 16:55

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You really don’t need to remove the pan on the 3 to change the oil. It’s just that 1/2 cup that runs down your arm when removing the oil filter that’s gonna get you every time.

Takuro Spirit > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 12/17/2015 at 17:02

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And that’s no fun. I love that after many many years they figured out that the “inspection hole” they put just off to the side of the filter could be placed directly BELOW it, and make everyone’s lives easier.

TheJMan92 > Ike 12/17/2015 at 17:05

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I took my pan off because oil changes. I didn’t notice a drop in MPG but I wasn’t really looking for one. I’m getting 30 pretty steady though!

TheJMan92 > Takuro Spirit 12/17/2015 at 17:07

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Mine got a brand spanking new tire and drivers half shaft yesterday! Because the half shaft completely separated itself from the car on Tuesday and took my tire with it. 30 ft-lbs my ass.

On a happier note, I’m just 13 miles short of 150K! Would post picture if I wasn’t too lazy to type my burner password on my phone.

Takuro Spirit > TheJMan92 12/17/2015 at 17:22

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That also reminds me. I got a torn boot on the driver’s CV shaft. That’s gonna have to wait till after winter tho.

TheJMan92 > Takuro Spirit 12/17/2015 at 17:25

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That’s how it started. Now here I am, 4 half shafts and a tire later.

Takuro Spirit > TheJMan92 12/17/2015 at 17:37

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....time to trade mine in on a Challenger!

CaptDale - is secretly British > Takuro Spirit 12/17/2015 at 18:22

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Mine is missing off my GTO, but that is common because it is steel and weighs a ton.

TheJMan92 > Takuro Spirit 12/18/2015 at 12:31

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I was thinking a newer 3, but I was actually told that my local dealership couldn’t give me more than $500 because rust. I wasn’t seriously considering it but that was my “Yea, no thanks” moment. That and the hipster salesman who literally interrupted our conversation to comb his beard.

greasemonkey235097 > Takuro Spirit 12/18/2015 at 16:14

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Same issue, i cut it with a circular saw, thought it was an aftermarket cover failure, what is the deal Mazda? Crappy 2.3, and can’t line up access holes?

Takuro Spirit > greasemonkey235097 12/18/2015 at 16:15

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The official word I got when working for them was that it was an “inspection hole” for assembly line workers. Nothing more. It was never meant to line up with the oil filter.

greasemonkey235097 > Takuro Spirit 12/18/2015 at 22:02

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Lines up with engine pan, i don’t see it, ill take your word for it, access is king, aerodynamics be dammned.