oil filter
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 11,082
From: San Diego, CA
Bought a new HD filter today and was comparing it to another older new filter that i had on my shelve in the garage. The older filter has holes in it that the oil flows threw and the new filter has tiny little slots for the oil. Looks cheaply made too. Even the chrome looks likes ****. And damn HD wants $ 18 bucks for it too. Anyone run one of these 'new' filters and have you had any problems with them. I am sure the dealer puts a lot of them on.
I am a little gun shy after getting a Ford Filter from the local auto parts store that was defective and starved one of our cars for oil. Made lifter noise until i change it out. Only a day or two, but it might be harder to tell on the bike just because it's louder.
I am a little gun shy after getting a Ford Filter from the local auto parts store that was defective and starved one of our cars for oil. Made lifter noise until i change it out. Only a day or two, but it might be harder to tell on the bike just because it's louder.
What engine do you have...??
The MoCo came out with a longer, larger filter in 5/2020 that is supposed to take into consideration the higher flow rate of the new M8 oil pump... It has 25% more surface area and is 4" long, compared to the older M8 & Twin Cam filter that is 3.5" long. It's #62700296 black finish, & #62700297 in chrome finish.
As far as I know, it looks the exact same except for the length and a red dot visible if you look into the filter, deep inside at the top. They are both 5 micron rated. The longer one has the same round holes and orange filter element. But... I haven't seen one since they first came out. Nor have I seen the regular, shorter filter (#63798-99A in chrome or #63731-99A in black) in several years.
Maybe they switched to the slotted holes... I have no idea...
I seriously doubt the MoCo would sell an oil filter that would hurt their engines... That would irritate the engineers AND make the bean counters look bad...
Regardless.... I switched several years ago to the HiFlo Filtro HF171RC filters.
HiFlo Filtro made the original K&N Harley oil filter with the 17mm nut on the end. They are the largest PowerSports filter manufacturer and the first to gain TUV certification. When K&N changed their oil filter manufacturer, they had several quality control issues pop up. That's when I learned about, and switched to HiFlo Filtro.. I have heard a rumor that after the quality control issues, K&N may be ordering their Harley oil filters from HiFlo Filtro again, but I haven't been able to confirm it.
HiFlo Filtro filters are available on Amazon.com for about $11 each. That's the HF171RC...
They make an HF171B (black, no nut) @ $10.00 on Amazon, HF171C (chrome, no nut) @ $13.00 on Amazon, HF171RB (black, w/17mm nut), and HF171RC (chrome, w/17mm nut) @ $11.94 on Amazon.
I've been using the HiFlo Filtro HF171RC on all my Harleys for about 6 years now...
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 25, 2022 at 09:30 PM.
I saw the WIX filter was an option. I bought the Harley filter from dealership instead. I am changing to 20-50;synthetic at 15 K miles. I dont put a lot of miles a year at this time so price is not in the equation. How many people use synthetic oil in their Hogs. I use Amsoil or Redline 20-50 synthetic on my Porsche 911 because the air cooled engine in this southern heat can easily hit over 200 degrees F. I hit over 250 running at 150 mph before fo over 20 miles. Synthetic is good for 300 degrees. Porsche has 12 quarts in sump plus oil tank and oil cooler lines. So far I have never had an issue with oil and Purolater filters are recommended due to pressure can split a cheaper housing or so I have read on Porsche forum. Since the bike is air cooled and we have really hot summers I would not risk cheap anything on my rides.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 966
Likes: 665
From: Rhode Island
All these oil filter posts popping up. You bought a new filter while having one on the shelf. Then you cut it open to compare it? If Harley filters are garbage there would be multiple class action suits.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 915
From: Madisonville, La
So if I understand your point HD went cheap on the filters. The same ones they put on new bikes to save a few cents and hope oil related warranties don't cost more than the savings? I'm not an engineer or accountant but even I can see that does not make sense or is a likely possibility.
Yes all auto and bike manufacturers are always analyzing parts performance and cost savings. I would be more concerned with a company that didn't do that than one that does.
Yes all auto and bike manufacturers are always analyzing parts performance and cost savings. I would be more concerned with a company that didn't do that than one that does.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
That does not match up with the oem filters Ive seen. Sounds like you got either a knock-off or aftermarket.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
Talking ****
Just another Harley sucks post...or 'my sisters boyfriend's cousin knows a guy who rides with an engineer for Harley and he says'... wonder why I read these forums some days...hard to not want to comment on the stupid.
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