Oil filter question?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
I just switched over to a reusable oil filter, some think its a pita but this way you have to clean the element so that means you can see what if anything is forming or starting to let go in your engine. The difference between a spin on and a reusable one is like reading a book; you can look at the cover and throw the book out or open it up and read whats inside. They are used exclusively on aircraft and I mainly did if for the increased oil flow. Im using Schaeffers racing oil and they offer free oil analysis.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 32
To me Wix is the best manufacturer of oil filters. Personally I use a KN-171C for 2 reasons Chrome and the nut on the end. First factory filter I removed was a female dog. About $12 bucks unless you catch them on an Oriellys oil sale with a free KN filter and then they are free.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 32
In fact they have a sale going on now. Not exactly free but.... My son uses the Platinum Synthetic oil in his jeep. $37.99 with K&N filter minus $10 rebate makes oil cost $27.99 plus tax so yea its essentially free.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/currentad/get.oap
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/currentad/get.oap
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 428
Likes: 17
From: U S of A
KN 171C here, too. I looked (literally looked inside) at the Wix and the KN. Both appeared to have high quality materials. The KN has the fitting on the end so that you can just spin it off with a ratchet on oil changes. Oil changes are much easier now.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 7
From: Wisconsin
1. is there truth in what he is saying that All hd filters are the same?
2. If I change the filter do I have to change out the oil as well, I have only 1000 miles on this change. I will if it is needed but is it?
3. Is it common for an oil filter to leak? I think not, but not really sure, maybe it is a 103 thing?
4. are the reuseable filters worth the money??
2. No you won't have to change the oil with just a filter change, but you will have to replace any oil lost during the filter change.
3. No, I have never had an oil filter leak on any of the twin cam (88, 96 or 103) or revolution engines (1250cc)I have owned. With that said I have only used HD or K&N oil filters on these engines with no issues.
4. I have never personally bought or used a reusable filter. I looked into it, but they looked to be more hassel than they were worth.
Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
1. is there truth in what he is saying that All hd filters are the same? No, HD (like any retailer) goes for the profit margin and switches manufactures (contracts) routinely. Also, the "two" filters they carry are for different motor types (big-twin & little-twin).
2. If I change the filter do I have to change out the oil as well, I have only 1000 miles on this change. I will if it is needed but is it? No, not necessarily. You can just swap the filter & then top-off oil.
3. Is it common for an oil filter to leak? I think not, but not really sure, maybe it is a 103 thing? No, did you check the filter before installing? Thinking you either (1) cross-threaded, (2) have "doubled" rubber gasket/seal (old one stuck to bike) or (3) isn't tight enough.
4. are the reuseable filters worth the money?? To me = no. For the $$$, not enough gained. Easier to swap filters every oil change.
Pretty rookie questions I know but I am not a mechanic.
2. If I change the filter do I have to change out the oil as well, I have only 1000 miles on this change. I will if it is needed but is it? No, not necessarily. You can just swap the filter & then top-off oil.
3. Is it common for an oil filter to leak? I think not, but not really sure, maybe it is a 103 thing? No, did you check the filter before installing? Thinking you either (1) cross-threaded, (2) have "doubled" rubber gasket/seal (old one stuck to bike) or (3) isn't tight enough.
4. are the reuseable filters worth the money?? To me = no. For the $$$, not enough gained. Easier to swap filters every oil change.
Pretty rookie questions I know but I am not a mechanic.