Does Punching Oil Filter Damage the Mount Threads?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Bel Air, MD
Does Punching Oil Filter Damage the Mount Threads?
I've been reading the dozens of ways that folks remove their oil filters with the least mess possible.
The combination that makes the most sense to me is to (1) use a flexible material that rests under the filter against the base to channel oil into a container, and (2) to use an awl to punch a vent hole at 12 o'clock and drain hole at 6 o'clock into the base of the filter.
I like the idea of removing the filter with minimal oil draining from the seal-end.
Mechanically speaking, it seems to me that the forces resulting from driving the punch into the filter base could be transmitted forward and damage the threads on the mount.
Many on our forum have done this successfully, so I'm thinking that the force to drive a sharp awl into the filter may not be enough to damage the threads...but wanted some informed opinions.
And is it true that the filter has two layers through which we need to puncture to get max oil drainage?
So I turn to my trusted forum friends for (1) the knowledgeable insight and experience from the serious among us, and (2) the inescapable condescension and sarcasm from the ball-busters among us.
The combination that makes the most sense to me is to (1) use a flexible material that rests under the filter against the base to channel oil into a container, and (2) to use an awl to punch a vent hole at 12 o'clock and drain hole at 6 o'clock into the base of the filter.
I like the idea of removing the filter with minimal oil draining from the seal-end.
Mechanically speaking, it seems to me that the forces resulting from driving the punch into the filter base could be transmitted forward and damage the threads on the mount.
Many on our forum have done this successfully, so I'm thinking that the force to drive a sharp awl into the filter may not be enough to damage the threads...but wanted some informed opinions.
And is it true that the filter has two layers through which we need to puncture to get max oil drainage?
So I turn to my trusted forum friends for (1) the knowledgeable insight and experience from the serious among us, and (2) the inescapable condescension and sarcasm from the ball-busters among us.
Last edited by Lightyear68; Jan 20, 2015 at 07:04 AM.
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From: New England
I guess the downside might be coming across a real stubborn filter and ending up crushing it upon removal (the punched hole might cause a weak area and crush or fold). I've seen that done a few times on cars but not a bike. It really becomes a mess after that.
My last couple of HD's were touring models and I've changed the oil on those many times. Cutting a large plastic Coke bottle in half length ways and slipping it under the filter prior to removal seems to work best for me. I also tuck in under the filter a couple paper towels to catch the few drips.
But hey, give your method a try and let us know.
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
"Mechanically speaking, it seems to me that the forces resulting from driving the punch into the filter base could be transmitted forward and damage the threads on the mount" ... You're not hitting it with a sledgehammer and a 2x4 ... a sharp long pinch or drift will definitely put a hole in the filter with little to no stress on any parts ...
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From: South Carolina
). I`ve been using a steel band type oil filter wrench for 26 years, and I always tighten the filter (wix 5125) a little past hand tight using the wrench, never had one stick. Oil filters stick because of a lack of lubrication on the gasket.
The best lube to use on the gasket is silicone grease (aka dielectric grease).
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jan 20, 2015 at 06:36 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 492
Likes: 139
From: Bel Air, MD
Maybe a more experienced person will weigh in on this.
It sounds like a question on a mechanics exam in tech school.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,069
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I thought about drilling a vent and drain hole but then read a post that cautioned against introducing metal shavings inside the oil filter that could end up inside the engine. It sounded like a good reason to stay away from drilling...but damned if I know whether it's even possible for metal shavings to get inside from this method.
Maybe a more experienced person will weigh in on this.
It sounds like a question on a mechanics exam in tech school.
Maybe a more experienced person will weigh in on this.
It sounds like a question on a mechanics exam in tech school.