I change my oil the other day and I think I over tightened the filter. when I put the new filter on it screwed it in until the rubber set and then went a couple more turns with the filter wrench socket tool. I figured I'd go til it got snug. I could still turn it more if I wanted but I thought this was tight enough.

I've ridden about 30 miles since and then let it sit a day. Yesterday I went out to check for oil leaks and sure enough a spot about the size of a quarter on the pavement right under the oil filter. I thought it might just be left over from the mess that occurs when you take out the old filter but I remember wiping this area down pretty good when I was done. Also I took my finger and ran it along the bottom of the filter at the gasket and it was showing new oil.


Is it possible that I overtightened the filter and this is causing a small leak here?

it may be some of the oil that drips out during the change. if you dont get it all cleaned up, it would appear as a leak.

you don't have to kill the filter when installing it. make solid contact, the 1/4 to half turn more. they tend to get real tight when warm, so getting it off could be a fight.,,,

Did you oil the gasket before you installed it? If not, maybe you distorted the gasket/o ring. Two turns after contact is much more than needed.

The filter is HAND tight only....never use a wrench/socket to tighten it. Just snug....ignore any torque ratings regarding the filter. If it is still leaking....tighten it more with hand only.

Always lube the gasket....never install dry.

It is a good idea to fill the filter with oil when installing as well. Make double sure the old gasket came off with the old filter so you never (double gasket).

Changing the oil and filter is a simple procedure on these motorcycles....and on most machinery as well.

Since the o ring is free standing with no pocket or means of capturing the outer surface, you can squeeze the snot out of it until you actually split it, or at the very least seriously destort it.Contact and 1/2 turn more with the surface coated with oil is all you need, and a bit more. I use the wrench but mark the filter with a marker to keep track of it's rotation. Seems like my hands are always too slippery to grab the little bastard for the 1/2 turn extra.:D
Ron

ORIGINAL: ssbogger

I change my oil the other day and I think I over tightened the filter. when I put the new filter on it screwed it in until the rubber set and then went a couple more turns with the filter wrench socket tool. I figured I'd go til it got snug. I could still turn it more if I wanted but I thought this was tight enough.

Is it possible that I overtightened the filter and this is causing a small leak here?



Ummmm, yeah. It's possible. [:o][:o][:o]

Clean it off with brakekleen or simple green and see if the spot returns. You may have overtightened it. 1/4-1/2 turn is best.

OK. I'm a dumbass. I will fix it.