First Oil Change Filter Removal
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First Oil Change Filter Removal
I've done the first oil change on two Harley's in my life. A 2012 Ultra Classic and now on my 2026 Road Glide Limited. Both times the factory had the oil filter installed so tight, I had to break it loose with a strap wrench and completely deformed the filter in the process.
How many on here have had the same experience?
I need to talk to a service tech and ask about this. I bet they hate doing the first service on new bikes if this is the standard.
How many on here have had the same experience?
I need to talk to a service tech and ask about this. I bet they hate doing the first service on new bikes if this is the standard.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From:
It can happen after original purchase too.
My oil filter cup/cap tool has two holes drilled into it.
The two holes allow the driving of two screws through the cap and into the filter.
When the two screws are used it removes any slippage.
My oil filter cup/cap tool has two holes drilled into it.
The two holes allow the driving of two screws through the cap and into the filter.
When the two screws are used it removes any slippage.
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From: OH
[QUOTE=skydude426;22254029 I bet they hate doing the first service on new bikes if this is the standard.[/QUOTE]
I doubt they give it a second thought
They`ve done it many times
They have the tools
The bike is on a lift
I doubt they give it a second thought
They`ve done it many times
They have the tools
The bike is on a lift
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
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last 2 bikes... no problem with the harley filter wrench tool. Tough to get off? yeah, required a little extra force... but no issue. The worst filter I had done was on my 06 FLHPI... pretty sure it had been several years before that filter was changed and i had to destroy it to get it off.
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...nch/p/94863-10
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...nch/p/94863-10
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Thanks, I like the Lisle tools I have. I just ordered one of these, it looks stout. The Lisle part number is 63600 and I ordered mine from Zoro Tools if anyone else is interested.
Last edited by skydude426; Apr 7, 2026 at 03:22 PM.
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From: San Diego, CA
Not always.......
I have a friend who has a Harley shop do all his service. I offered to do his 20K service for the cost of parts, and also update the spring tensioner pads for the cost of parts, on his 2004 Softail.
While removing the oil filter, I first used a metal filter wrench with the 3/8" drive spot welded to the top the filter cup. When I tried to remove the filter, it broke the 3/8" drive off the cup. The oil filter didn't move...
Then I broke out the oil filter cup/cap with the holes drilled through it. I screwed three long, wood screws through the cup, and into the filter. When I tried to remove it, two of the three holes broke open, and all three screws pulled out as I increased the torque on the filter cup. The oil filter didn't move...
I then fell back on the old, "drive a very large screwdriver through the filter" and get it to move.... Luckily, that worked to loosen the filter. I have no idea what I would have tried next...
I am happy to say that is the first time in all my oil filter changing that one of those two cap/cup filters didn't work. I never had an oil filter defeat the cap/cup oil filter wrench with screws before..
Last edited by hattitude; Apr 7, 2026 at 04:21 PM.
