Oil filter
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
Make a strap wrench. Wrap something thin and flexible around the filter mindful of the direction you want to remove it, grab the ends with something like needle nose pliers or the like, and twist it off. Watch out for the sensor sticking out beside the filter! Make sure gasket comes off, oil the new gasket.
Someone may have installed the oil filter with a dry seal, --it happens...
You can do it!
Someone may have installed the oil filter with a dry seal, --it happens...
You can do it!
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 663
Likes: 2
From: ...
Unless its mangled, I have to disagree with the channel locks and get the wrench. But thats your call? Its pretty tight getting in there. You risk damaging something else with large channel locks. Right tool for the right job. Put a little oil on the new filter gasket and turn about 1/4 to 1/2 turn past contact with the base. I have never had trouble getting OEM filters off after the first change.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,598
From: Danbury CT
I've got the filter wrench that goes on the end of the filter. However if it slips even once it's stretched and no longer works.
I've learned over the years that as soon as the filter reaches the snug point another 1/4 to 1/2 turn and no leaks.
The rubber band oil filter removal tool works too
I've learned over the years that as soon as the filter reaches the snug point another 1/4 to 1/2 turn and no leaks.
The rubber band oil filter removal tool works too
Yep, had a stubborn filter & that wrench just spun & the filter stayed put. K&N only now.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 651
Likes: 12
From: Broomfield, Colorado
I had the same problem the first time I changed my oil, HD must have had a gorilla working on the assembly line the day my bike was built. In the end I had to remove the voltage regulator to get enough room to get a hold of the filter and finally get it screwed off the engine. All the time I was thinking maybe that $300 1K oil change wouldn't have such a bad idea after all
Cheers,
Paul in Colorado
Cheers,
Paul in Colorado
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 2
From: Taylorsville, Utah
Had the same problem on a buddies '11 SG.
I took a #3 phillips screwdriver and punched two holes one at 12 o'clock and one at 6 o'clock, then took a large pair of needle nose pliers and turned it right off.
HTH
I took a #3 phillips screwdriver and punched two holes one at 12 o'clock and one at 6 o'clock, then took a large pair of needle nose pliers and turned it right off.
HTH