Oil Filter Help
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
let us know what you did and how it turned out.....
for those of you who know, the old 60's chevy v-8 had filters that mounted straight up on the engine....were prone to leaking if you didn't snug them up good. I had one I had to chisel of because some idiot put it on super tight. Tried everything...filter wrench, screw driver, channel locks.... until all that was left was the base. Hammer and chisel and worked my *** off trying not to gouge or damage the sealing surface. Gave me whole new respect about changing and tightening filters!!
for those of you who know, the old 60's chevy v-8 had filters that mounted straight up on the engine....were prone to leaking if you didn't snug them up good. I had one I had to chisel of because some idiot put it on super tight. Tried everything...filter wrench, screw driver, channel locks.... until all that was left was the base. Hammer and chisel and worked my *** off trying not to gouge or damage the sealing surface. Gave me whole new respect about changing and tightening filters!!
Thank you all for all of the advice. Surprisingly Auto Zone had an oil filter wrench that was basically a set of pliers that had teeth to grab on an oil filter. That worked pretty easily to get it off. It was really tight on there. Thankfully it was off, I got the new filter on with no problem, and it back running again.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: Missouri
Why does anyone mess with a filter so hard to remove even when not over tightened? I only use the filter with a nut on the end like in link. Takes seconds to remove and dont need that "special" stupid Harley tool to get filter off. I recommend everyone use a similar filter. Sure saves alot of time and hassle. HD needs to wake up and go to a similar filter.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
I can tell you why I don't use a filter with a nut on the end (K&N). Because it's imported and isn't as good as a USA made Wix filter. I buy a filter based on its ability to filter and a miniscule failure rate, not on how easy it is for me to remove it.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Jul 2, 2018 at 11:13 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 604
From: Michigan
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Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 280
Likes: 80
From: NW Illinois
Pretty much the only filter wrench I use anymore. Never slips, misses the crank sensor. Happened to find it in the bargain bin at Menards, only $2. Figured I'd throw it away if it didn't work, but now I could throw all those other ones away and never miss 'em!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 1,651
From: Olean, NY
Why does anyone mess with a filter so hard to remove even when not over tightened? I only use the filter with a nut on the end like in link. Takes seconds to remove and dont need that "special" stupid Harley tool to get filter off. I recommend everyone use a similar filter.
Funny thing happened to me once...the nut stripped right off of the filter on a K&N. Filter wasnt overtightened or anything. Just as soon as the filter started to rotate, the nut peeled right off. So, its not always a guarantee to be a simple job that only takes seconds.