I've got a bit over 13000 miles on the Element. I chane the oil every 3000 miles, so tis is my fourth time.

It makes me crazy how difficult it is to get to this filter on this car. Its a mess, it's hard to get off, hard to get back on, it just plain sucks.

I've never had a car ith such a poorly situated filter.:?

Larry, you should only be changing the oil every 5000 miles at the most, the manual recommends every 10,000 miles. I agree that theoil filter is situated in a poor place for the average shadetree mechanic to attempt to remove without oiling half of your neighborhood, but it is as easy as pie on a lift. My Honda dealer has yet to complain.

Are you kidding?? I can get the filter from the top, or from underneath with the front on ramps! The E is a dream to change the oil! You wanna see tough? Try changing the filter on my Lincoln Mark VIII! That one is tough, and when you get it off, you have to twist and turn it all over the place to get it out around hoses, tubes, and suspension members and you end up spilling the oil all down your arm because you have to turn it upside down!

The worst thing about the E was the oil spilled on the CV boot.

I would suggest you follow the longer interval that Honda recommends. It is not necessary to change your oil that often with API SM oil.

Use a garbage bag taped over the cross member and CV boot.
No more drips and no mess to clean once the bag is removed.

Oh....and what they said about oil change interval.

I too change my oil every 3000 miles. I talked to a buddy of mine who works for Acura and he told me that they have a special tool that helps to deflect the oil dripping from the oil filter and prevents it from getting into the subframre and passenger side axle. It stays in place using a magnet that is placed against the oil pan and works on all K series motor. The part number is VSB02C000023. Hopefully your local dealership will be willing to help you get this item. This makes changing oil a whole lot cleaner. Originally I tried the saran wrap method but this tool is way easier and cleaner. I hope that this may have been of some help.

I just changed my oil today and 4,800 miles (nice weather today). Did not think it was too bad after I figured out how to do it. I don't own ramps, but was able to get it from the top by kneeling on the valve cover. I also have the proper oil filter wrench (bike takes the same one) to make it easier.

Ken

I've got all he tools and lifts etc. that we can use at work. We have some guys here who used to be mechanics, even they say the filter is situated goofy.

As far as 3000 mile interval, except for spending a little extra on oil and filters, I really think that fresh oil, often, prolongs an engine. My vehicles before the Element were 8 cylonder full size vans all with over 100,000 miles, I attribute the longevity to frequent oil changes and maintenance.

Anyway...the oil filter situation still stinks.

LDK

Don't get me wrong, I wish the damn thing was in a better place. But I have had other vehicles that were more of a pain then the "E".

Ken

"Fresh" oil?? The oil is made to last with full effectiveness, for in excess of the 10000 mile interval. It does not wear out in that short period.

With today's API SM rated oils, You are just wasting money.

I don't know, if it looks dirty, it has dirt in it.

Whe I raced motorcycles, we changed the oil every race. This not only helped performance, but helped ensure motor longevity.

My buddy races dragsters, after every run, we drain the oil and replace.

I'm not advocating that daily driving simulates racing, but oil companies boast about oil effetivenss as a function of marketing.

I'll stick to "wasting" money for the peace of mind it give me.

LDK

Its certainly not a Toyota for oil changes....which are generally always VERY easy.

But the Element is certainly easier than my Honda Accord. THAT car is a REAL pain to access the filter.

I reach the filter on the Element from above, and use the Matco "spider" wrench on it, which makes it easy to remove. A plastic bag or whatever if you are worried about oil on the cross member.

And I only change the oil every 5000 miles per recommended "severe conditions" recommendations from Honda.

..."I'll stick to "wasting" money ..."



Well, alrighty then.

This should cure everyone's "problem" with the location of the oil filter and worrying about getting oil all over the subframe of the E.

http://www.spiderautomotive.com/enoilfilremk1.html

I have not got one yet but it is on my list of must haves for the E.

This should cure everyone's "problem" with the location of the oil filter and worrying about getting oil all over the subframe of the E.

http://www.spiderautomotive.com/enoilfilremk1.html

I have not got one yet but it is on my list of must haves for the E.



Very cool. I just emailed them to see if they make it for the 2005 and 2006 Element. I would guess they are the same, but they have only the 2003-2004 listed.

My only concern would be does this void the factory warranty?

Ken

I just broke down and ordered it. I got tired of putting it off. I will let you all know how it works as well as posting some pictures of the install.

My only concern would be does this void the factory warranty?

It can't void the warranty unless they can prove that the item you installed was the direct cause of the malfunction.

I.E. The part fails and all your oil drains out of your engine and the engine seizes...I would venture to say in this instance they would not give you a new engine.



I don't think they can complain about you wanting to have extra filtration and oil capacity on your E.

I just broke down and ordered it. I got tired of putting it off. I will let you all know how it works as well as posting some pictures of the install.



It can't void the warrenty unless they can prove that the item you installed was the direct cause of the malfunction.

I.E. The part fails and all your oil drains out of your engine and the engine seizes...I would venture to say in this instance they would not give you a new engine.





I don't think they can complain about you wanting to have extra filtration and oil capacity on your E.



Cool! Please post some photo's once you install it. Would love to see it.

Ken

I prefer the lazy man's method - bring to dealer, wait 20 minutes, pay $23, go home.

I prefer the lazy man's method - bring to dealer, wait 20 minutes, pay $23, go home.

I would too, but I am using Mobil 1 and it is quite a bit more money to have it done. I can do it twice myself for the same $$$.

Ken

I reach the filter on the Element from above, and use the Matco "spider" wrench on it, which makes it easy to remove.


Honu, are you talking about the one with 3 knurled legs that grips the filter? Thanks in advance.

Honu, are you talking about the one with 3 knurled legs that grips the filter? Thanks in advance.

no knurls on my filter remover. Its a very simple $11 spring-loaded "spider" with flat "legs". The edges of the legs bite into the filter as your tighten. The harder you reef on it, the more it bites, so it will not slip. period.
Its very low profile too, and also works great on my wifes accord and both my daughters' Toyotas. You just have to make sure you get the right size range. Its the OF636 on the Matco tools site.

no knurls on my filter remover. Its a very simple $11 spring-loaded "spider" with flat "legs"......


Like this ?

http://imageserver.isnweb.com/LIS63600.jpg

Mine came from the local auto parts place....maybe $10.("Lisle" brand I think, made in USA too) Works great, very handy 'cause it fits my Element and the wife's Subaru.


Will

Cool! Please post some photo's once you install it. Would love to see it.






I am still in SoCal atm. I am expecting it to be at my house when I get back off vacation. I will post some pictures of the install.

Like this ?

http://imageserver.isnweb.com/LIS63600.jpg

Mine came from the local auto parts place....maybe $10.("Lisle" brand I think, made in USA too) Works great, very handy 'cause it fits my Element and the wife's Subaru.


Will

That would be it! You are lucky, my local auto parts stores did NOT carry this type. Its one of the best $10 investments you can make, IMHO.

I too change my oil every 3000 miles. I talked to a buddy of mine who works for Acura and he told me that they have a special tool that helps to deflect the oil dripping from the oil filter and prevents it from getting into the subframre and passenger side axle. It stays in place using a magnet that is placed against the oil pan and works on all K series motor. The part number is VSB02C000023. Hopefully your local dealership will be willing to help you get this item. This makes changing oil a whole lot cleaner. Originally I tried the saran wrap method but this tool is way easier and cleaner. I hope that this may have been of some help.

for those that are interested we just added that part:
http://www.HandA-Accessories.com/elementmaint.html
it goes under the axle but above the subframe so it will protect the frame but not the axle. Unscrew the filter really slowly this will help to keep the oil from flinging onto the axle.

-Trevor

getting a bit easier, foubd out I could get at the filter from the front, through the front suspension. Still considering the filter by pass.

If you go remote make sure you get the set up that has the real by-pass, this will filter down to 1 micron.
Check out the Amsoil web site. http://amsoil.com

I saw an oil change pan sold on h&a , that has a magnet that redirects the oil over the crossmember for 20 bucks . Take off the right front tire , it makes it alot easier , plus don't forget to install new oil pan plug ring every time . I'm using Mobil 5w/20 5000 wow what a difference in mpg , getting 26 , since I switched up from 22 and fram filter tough guard