Oil filter question?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 9,112
From: Snow Hill, NC
Wal mart filters were rated very good a few years ago but i am not sure if the same folks are making them...Thing is, even a Fram filter which people say are the worst will filter your oil and very rarely do you hear of a filter related motor problem... I would not hesitate to use Fram filters again.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
While I've never had an engine failure I could directly attribute to a filter failure, I have had three different Fram filters fail on me. Two oil filters that collapsed internally, and one air filter that tore free from its frame. That's not something that makes me happy in a filter.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
The answer to your question are all oil filters the same? Is both yes and no.
All filters spec'ed for the current HD engine will be made to HD requirements. They will filter to 10 microns, have a bypass valve rated to HD spec's and of course the proper thread and gasket.
However the components may differ such as the filter media.
I use Fram 6022 for years now. I get them at half HD's price. There is no need to overpay for replacement items. HD has a higher markup than most aftermarket suppliers.
Did you coat the gasket with fresh oil before installing? Also, before doing anything else just go and turn the filter another 1/4 turn. It just may be loose and you did not get a full 1/2 turn on it. Some turn of the new filter until contact are different by each person. I go to a strong contact + 1/2.
I have been using Fram filters since the 60's on everything from a Pinto to Vipers. I run 12 motorcycles all Fram never a issue. I have inspected the interior of the HD filter and Fram. The Fram was more substantial particularly the top disc that screws onto the holder.
All filters spec'ed for the current HD engine will be made to HD requirements. They will filter to 10 microns, have a bypass valve rated to HD spec's and of course the proper thread and gasket.
However the components may differ such as the filter media.
I use Fram 6022 for years now. I get them at half HD's price. There is no need to overpay for replacement items. HD has a higher markup than most aftermarket suppliers.
Did you coat the gasket with fresh oil before installing? Also, before doing anything else just go and turn the filter another 1/4 turn. It just may be loose and you did not get a full 1/2 turn on it. Some turn of the new filter until contact are different by each person. I go to a strong contact + 1/2.
I have been using Fram filters since the 60's on everything from a Pinto to Vipers. I run 12 motorcycles all Fram never a issue. I have inspected the interior of the HD filter and Fram. The Fram was more substantial particularly the top disc that screws onto the holder.
Last edited by lh4x4; Nov 15, 2013 at 11:18 PM.
Lots of good advice here, and I thank you alll. It is Saturday so before I leave this morning or late morning, for the sake of the motor and engine, I am just going to HD Laguna and buyng a HD filter. THis weekend is long so I want to just want to ride. When I get back I will discuss this issue of "all filters being the same" with my buddy. He is not out to screw me, I know that for sure, but I think his info is wrong; I will let him read these posts and see what he has to say. I thank you all.
Going to get ready to ride. It is samll one 500 miles round trip, but a great pool bar in between!!!!!! Ride Safe.
Going to get ready to ride. It is samll one 500 miles round trip, but a great pool bar in between!!!!!! Ride Safe.
Lots of good advice here, and I thank you alll. It is Saturday so before I leave this morning or late morning, for the sake of the motor and engine, I am just going to HD Laguna and buyng a HD filter. THis weekend is long so I want to just want to ride. When I get back I will discuss this issue of "all filters being the same" with my buddy. He is not out to screw me, I know that for sure, but I think his info is wrong; I will let him read these posts and see what he has to say. I thank you all.
Going to get ready to ride. It is samll one 500 miles round trip, but a great pool bar in between!!!!!! Ride Safe.
Going to get ready to ride. It is samll one 500 miles round trip, but a great pool bar in between!!!!!! Ride Safe.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,026
Likes: 12,548
From: South Carolina
Those old cleanable filters were a stackup of stainless steel screen disks (not something to take apart and clean in the shop, they would be sent off for cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner).
I think this type of filter was a holdover from the radial engine days, when a mech had to look inside the filter for debris, before the Spectrometric oil analysis technology was around.
The new filters used on jet engines are a cartridge type, still stainless steel, but they are not reused, they are just scrapped.
I think this type of filter was a holdover from the radial engine days, when a mech had to look inside the filter for debris, before the Spectrometric oil analysis technology was around.
The new filters used on jet engines are a cartridge type, still stainless steel, but they are not reused, they are just scrapped.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 727
Likes: 31
From: Fenton, MO
What the difference in the 6022 and 6065? I see that the 6065 is recommended but if you dig deeper on the Fram website the 6022 is an alternative to the 6065 which is about the same price as the HD filter.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 77
From: dallas
just looked up k/n 171c oil filter and the amazon parts identifier said would not fit a 2014 flhxs. I am guessing that this probable incorrect. Cant HD would change the filter. Anyone know?
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Never, never, never tighten a new one with anything but your hand. You should be able to put it on plenty tight. Only use a wrench to loosen the old one. You may have damaged the filter using the wrench and caused the leak..
