figured that was it!
Stupid oil change question
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 427
Likes: 1
From: Hot Springs, AR
I don't know what's different but my Harley oil filter wrench worked perfectly on my 2010 RKC. I know mine had a Harley brand filter. It worked so well I'm having trouble picturing how it could go wrong.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 959
Likes: 5
From: Oswego, IL
I have been using an AMSOIL filter (Eao134 this is the black # Eao134C for chrome). It is a little smaller in diameter and I have had no problems with getting it on and off. I have never used a Harley filter so I don't know of any sensor issues. Harley filter wrench will not fit on it (waste of money).....
I have the Harley oil filter catcher...... another waste of money.... I like the frezzer bag and the tin foil ideas! Thanks!
I have the Harley oil filter catcher...... another waste of money.... I like the frezzer bag and the tin foil ideas! Thanks!
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: MI
I use a rubber strap wrench as well. I don't want to be banging around in that area with a metal wrench or metal strap. The K&N nut on the end has proven to be a great idea.
Sure, you can remove the sensor, it won't hurt anything, but you really don't have to do that. The filter will be off the treads in time for you to work it around the sensor.
You didn't mention the damn mess that the oil makes when you unscrew the filter. Well, there are many techniques to try to contain that oil so it won't drip all over your voltage regulator and all of the wiring and hoses and frame members underneath the filter. Some people don't care about it, but I have always hated that oil getting on all of that stuff.
Most of the harley techs just let it spill all over the damn place when they charge folks out the *** to change their oil for them. So do better than others.
I've tried several tricks, and there are actually some commercial gizmos that may work pretty well. But I've settled on using a freezer bag, working the bag up on the filter with the top of the bag pressed up against the filter bracket. It's not 100% effective, but about 98% effective in keeping the oil off the other stuff. The oil filter just falls down in the bag, oil and all, you zip it up and properly dispose of it. The bag works well to keep the mess contained. Again, there are lots of ways to do this, so maybe try a few to see what works best for you.
BTW...Hand snug the filter, then tighten 1/4 turn more. Done. Don't use a wrench to tighten the filter.
Sure, you can remove the sensor, it won't hurt anything, but you really don't have to do that. The filter will be off the treads in time for you to work it around the sensor.
You didn't mention the damn mess that the oil makes when you unscrew the filter. Well, there are many techniques to try to contain that oil so it won't drip all over your voltage regulator and all of the wiring and hoses and frame members underneath the filter. Some people don't care about it, but I have always hated that oil getting on all of that stuff.
Most of the harley techs just let it spill all over the damn place when they charge folks out the *** to change their oil for them. So do better than others.
I've tried several tricks, and there are actually some commercial gizmos that may work pretty well. But I've settled on using a freezer bag, working the bag up on the filter with the top of the bag pressed up against the filter bracket. It's not 100% effective, but about 98% effective in keeping the oil off the other stuff. The oil filter just falls down in the bag, oil and all, you zip it up and properly dispose of it. The bag works well to keep the mess contained. Again, there are lots of ways to do this, so maybe try a few to see what works best for you.
BTW...Hand snug the filter, then tighten 1/4 turn more. Done. Don't use a wrench to tighten the filter.
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: MI
you may have an aftermarket filter on the bike that is a little longer than the HD branded ones. I used a Fram chrome filter this last oil change and it is longer and will not allow my HD filter cup, with the recess, to go on it. Next oil change I'll remove the Fram with filter pliers and will reinstall an HD branded filter for ease of removal with the tool.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: MI
I have opened up Fram oil filters with several other brands for comparison for a car dealer display. I was shocked at how cheap and poorly designed the Fram filters are internally compared to Wix, Purolator, Motorcraft, AC, Mopar and Super Tech(Wally) I will never put a Fram oil filter on anything I own. 
I see Fram and I walk the other direction....
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Michigan NE LP
yep.
Yep. Me too.