Where is ...

[Chris da Silva]

Hi. Does anyone know how I can access the AZ-1's dipstick and oil top-up cap on the engine? The AZ-1 uses the Cappo's F6A engine and the vehicle was originally designed by Suzuki before it was purchased and marketed by Mazda under the Autozam logo.

I opened the rear engine compartment lid today, but I couldn't see any of these! Does that mean I have to access it through the passenger compartment by forwarding both seats and removing the trim behind the seats?

Considering that it's the factory tweaked (i.e. Mazdaspeed) version of the AZ-1, the engine compartment looks very cluttered from what I saw when the boot lid was opened!

Thanks, if anyone can help.

[Ian Linden]

There's a yellow "line" on the pic to the left of the air cleaner gubbins, towards the front of the car - could that be the pull for the dipstick?



There's a black circular something showing forward of the brake fluid reservoir - maybe the oil filler?

[Chris da Silva]

I'll check it out in the morning. Thanks.

[Chris da Silva]

Hello Ian. I think I found it!

Looks like the oil filler cap is six inches to the left of the yellow-looped dipstick and sitting unobtrusively on the rocker cover of the F6A engine! It's so difficult to spot initially because it's also the same colour as the engine; but I found that it's also difficult to get my hands on it - unless you have a small hand - to undo it for an oil top up because of where it's located! (There are so many small parts/assemblies bolted around it, obstructing access!) How annoying is that!

But to proceed with an oil top up, I had to use a funnel because of its awkward position with some of the engine bay bodywork getting in the way! At least I didn't have that issue with the Cappo and Honda Beat!

So just to conclude, that is where the oil filler cap is - although it took some confusion to locate it initially!

[Chris da Silva]

Here's the next (and obvious) query....

Is there a special tool available [from Mazda or Suzuki] which can remove/replace the oil filler cap?

[Ian Linden]

How about this?

Maybe you could visit a specialist tool retailer?

[Chris da Silva]

Thanks for your reply, Ian.

I've now sent an enquiry to the seller about purchasing the part and I'll see what happens in the next few days. Fingers crossed.

As an aside, how have you been keeping?

And yes, I still have my ABC (AZ-1, Beat, Cappuccino) collection which I'm very happy with.

[Ian Linden]

Bit of a chance getting it from the US - it may not fit.

I'm fine thanks, Chris. Not driving the Cappo much now, as I've got an electric Fiat 500 convertible, which is the bees knees.

[Chris da Silva]

I'll see what they say in their reply and put you in the picture so you can update our members if they also need a similar tool.

Cheers!

PS: I don't have an electric car as I'm an "old school" bloke! I'll just stay with my internal combustion toys.

[Chris da Silva]

Ian, Re tool for removing the oil filler cap on the AZ-1, the site you gave me below is for a US firm called K&L Supply Company in San Jose, California; and they are wholesalers to the motor trade.

They gave me the name of an outlet here in Australia called Rollies Speed Shop, based in Queensland. The original importer's name listed on K&L's site - eAutoTools.com - has ceased bringing items in from K&L; and this was taken over by Rollies. FYI, there is only one outlet for items here! I think that if anyone who also has an AZ-1 and wants the same tool, is to log in to the K&L site to get the name of the retailer listed in their country.

K&L's I/D of this part are: SKU 35-69000; and Category YB-69000.

Hope this info helps.

[Ian Linden]

Great. Let us know if it does the job when you get it.

[Chris da Silva]

Will do.