Can't remove oil filter!!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
You can put oil in it and ride down to the bike shop to get the filter off but you'll need to change the oil again so don't put the good stuff in.
Look inside your oil tank when it's running to see if you can see oil flowing around so you know the filter hasn't blocked the flow. I can't remember if there's a bypass built in if the filter gets clogged.
Very unusual for it to be stuck so bad you need to take it to the shop though.
Look inside your oil tank when it's running to see if you can see oil flowing around so you know the filter hasn't blocked the flow. I can't remember if there's a bypass built in if the filter gets clogged.
Very unusual for it to be stuck so bad you need to take it to the shop though.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
of course I'd feel better getting it off myself! But if I cant get it off myself, and I've jammed a screw driver through it, then I can't get it to the shop either. I'm gonna buy a better filter wrench tomorrow and leave it dry tonight.
How much oil will come out if the filter is changed after I put new oil in? I know there are pumps and stuff in there, but would imagine it isn't pretty.
How much oil will come out if the filter is changed after I put new oil in? I know there are pumps and stuff in there, but would imagine it isn't pretty.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From: Lebanon, MO
Grab a big set of pliers(channel lock or vice grips would work too) and lock on to the filter and twist. I usually find luck in crushing the filter a bit with the pliers to give me some leverage.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
I have a channel lock pliers (18") long and was able to get a good grip although it crushed the filter, and was able to get mine off also...I think the gorilla who "torqued" mine on added a few extra pounds.
Don't be afraid to really twist on it, it WILL come off
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Also, be careful if you've pinched the filter too much b/c if the flow's restricted you could take a chance at puking the engine riding it to the shop. I've changed oil in many vehicle types (from tractors to bikes to planes) and there's never been one I couldn't remove. Had to do both "open filter surgery" options (channel-lock & screwdriver punch) & trust everyone - you will get it off. Even if you have to break the entire outer casing off to get more access. Be careful at the base where the filter threads into your block...& remember to "always" put a bead of oil on the rubber seal (someone mentioned earlier), or you'll have a repeat. Good Luck & let us know when you get this fixed.