damn oil filter
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
I have had an oil filter on to tight before too. When I got it off it loosened the bolt that the oil filter screws on. Pays to check it. Its an allen head 7/16. I just carefully check it, not to break the red lock on it. I use the K&N filter for the nut. The flow holes are smaller on the K&N than the Harley, bugs me. K&N says ok.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 673
Likes: 29
From: NE Ohio
That 1/4 turn with a wrench after hand tightening can sure make your life interesting some times.
I've long heard that the rubber gasket swells a little from the oil, which would make the filter hold on tighter. Don't know if it's actually true or not, but it sounds good and matches the experience we all have with a filter being tighter getting off than it was going on.
I've long heard that the rubber gasket swells a little from the oil, which would make the filter hold on tighter. Don't know if it's actually true or not, but it sounds good and matches the experience we all have with a filter being tighter getting off than it was going on.
I've always lubed the gasket with clean oil before mounting the filter. I've been changing oil for about 45 years now & never had a filter seize up on me, so I guess that works. I always thought it was just to prevent leaks.
As far as tightening, I know the one sold by the manufacturer for my previous bike (a metric) said to tighten it 1 to 1-1/4 turns after the gasket made contact. I'd free spin it a few times to see where it stopped, indicating the gasket made contact, then try to tighten it by hand from there at least 1 turn wearing a decent pair of no-slip gloves. They were always snug when I went to remove them 5,000 miles later, but using a nylon strap wrench for the first full turn or so - as difficult as it was to get one in there - usually did the trick.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
Hand tight only!!! For stubborn filters, I use a claw type filter wrench. The more you try to loosen, the tighter it clamps.
Have yet to meet a filter it could not remove.
Have yet to meet a filter it could not remove.
Last edited by Weavr99FLHT; Mar 10, 2015 at 12:45 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
When the can rips free from the base, the removal tool is effectively beaten. I've had it happen several times thanks to a ham fisted installation.
Sometimes, the hammer and chisel are the only way to get the base off.
Sometimes, the hammer and chisel are the only way to get the base off.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 69
From: Centerville, ohio
Wow, you stripped the hole out on a steel Harley wrench ? I'd like to see that. I would have thought the can would twist off first. Take it back to Harley for warranty, I call defective.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
Some years ago, my Dad stopped by some cheap oil change place and let some punk go thru the motions on His Explorer. When He changed His oil the next time He called me up and said "Damn Son, I can't get the dogged filter off!" "Be right there, Dad".
I finished ripping the rest of the filter casing off and the flat base metal was cross threaded against the mount. Nipple busted out next. Mount removed AFTER dropping exhaust system and new oil filter mount installed. All this in the middle of a wet nasty yard.
I kept that nipple and base on a nail in my garage. What a doozie!
I finished ripping the rest of the filter casing off and the flat base metal was cross threaded against the mount. Nipple busted out next. Mount removed AFTER dropping exhaust system and new oil filter mount installed. All this in the middle of a wet nasty yard.
I kept that nipple and base on a nail in my garage. What a doozie!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
When I encounter a filter that is stuck I tear the outer shell off to get to the back of the filter. There are oil holes in the back use a wrench, I made my own out of a pair of needle nose pliers. Welded it so it would not beak or move. I welded a 1/2 inch drive end and then removed the filter housing.
I have had them stuck so bad that my 600ft lb impact would not move it.
But the 1/2 inch ratchet with a barker bar will remove it rather easily.
I have had them stuck so bad that my 600ft lb impact would not move it.
But the 1/2 inch ratchet with a barker bar will remove it rather easily.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
Sometimes the chisel come into play.
I heard a buddy say He was under a car on an oil filter that wouldn't come off. Said He got helluvabite on it, put azz into it, and strained so hard that it popped both T-Tops out of the car!
I heard a buddy say He was under a car on an oil filter that wouldn't come off. Said He got helluvabite on it, put azz into it, and strained so hard that it popped both T-Tops out of the car!
mine was not steel , but plastic , from an auto parts store , but I have used it for years with no problems