oil filter stuck
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 312
From: Out of Commiefornia!
I had this issue once, and used a pair of needle nose pliers - opened them up, drove the ends through the top of the filter, and used the handle as leverage to spin the filter. Messy but effective.
Roger
Roger
Stage I
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Covington,La
getting oil filter off 1200 sportster
changed the oil and filter on 1200 H.D. sportster yesterday, couldn't get filter off, tried all the old tricks but nothing worked it was like that fregin thing was welded on, so after beating it, running a screw driver thru it and using a crow bar to rip it apart I gave up. woke up went out to the shed got a cold chisel put a slit on end of it then took a 2 inch wood chisel drove it in the slit about an inch put a pipe wrench on the back gave it a turn and off it came. If anyone else has this problem give it a try, took 5 min.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,492
Likes: 103
From: Stuttgart, Germany
The srewdriver trick may get you in big trouble as it may twist the filter in two parts and all that's left is a sharp-edged stub sticking out you motor 
Maybe Del's trick can help
Maybe Del's trick can help
Novice
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: East Tennessee
I want to add one for the sheet metal screws. Back in the day when I rode BMW's I had that issue. Problems is the filter is on the bottom of the engine and fully enclosed by the engine case. (OilHead) Drilled out the filter wrench in about 6 places and ran sheet metal screws through it. Probably overkill, but worked like a charm.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 514
From: Getzville New York
Do yourself a favor when you replace the filter, use the K&N wrench off filter.There is a hex nut on the end of the filter and a 17mm wrench or socket is all you need to remove it. No screwing with s***y oil filter wrenches that don't work.
Cheers!
http://www.knfilters.com/wrenchoff_oilfilter.htm
Cheers!
http://www.knfilters.com/wrenchoff_oilfilter.htm
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 189
From: east texas
when you finally get it off, be sure to coat the new filter 'O' ring with oil.
then screw it on until the rubber just touch's the plate , then hand tighten another 1/3 turn.
then on the next change , no wrench required , just your hand .
then screw it on until the rubber just touch's the plate , then hand tighten another 1/3 turn.
then on the next change , no wrench required , just your hand .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 32,851
Likes: 17,888
From: Newcastle, OK
The srewdriver trick may get you in big trouble as it may twist the filter in two parts and all that's left is a sharp-edged stub sticking out you motor
Maybe Del's trick can help
Delboy's Garage, Motorcycle Oil Filter trick..! - YouTube
Maybe Del's trick can help
Delboy's Garage, Motorcycle Oil Filter trick..! - YouTube
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Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,790
Likes: 3,003
From: NJ Shore and IRB Fla
strap wrench should do it. may need to slip something over the handle for xtra leverage. If that doesn't then you'll have to resort to the screwdriver through the filter trick as previously mentioned. If it were me, I might drill a pilot hole with going all the way through. I've never done it but I'd be concerned that trying to punch a screwdriver through would mess something up with the mount.
PS it's punched through many a 7.3 filter no problem. HD filter should be cake.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
Strap wrench with something between the strap and the filter something like cellophane. You can also try or use a metal beer bottle cap or a pull tab from a pop can. I have an oil filter too, it does complicate things. If push comes to shove just disconnect the oil cooler from it's 4 bolts and the 2 hose clamps. It's not that hard or complicated.