Oil filter question?
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
I use either K&N or Amsoil oil filters.
1. No they are not all the same. The element they use to trap particles sizes, first pass efficiency, etc are all different.
2. No. Just check the oil level and will have to put 1/2-1 qt back in.
3. Nope it is not common and it should be fixed. There is something wrong. Make sure you have the correct filter.
4. I have looked at them. The issues I have are the micron size they can filter out is way too big compared to other oil filters ( 10-15 microns for oil filters to 25microns or higher for re-usable). I would not feel comfortable allowing that size of particles going around in my oil. The second issue is they do not have the same capacity to filter (in terms of sq in of filter capacity.).This is important as particles get trapped on the filter there is less space for oil to travel through.
So I have stayed with K&N or Amsoil filters for now.
1. No they are not all the same. The element they use to trap particles sizes, first pass efficiency, etc are all different.
2. No. Just check the oil level and will have to put 1/2-1 qt back in.
3. Nope it is not common and it should be fixed. There is something wrong. Make sure you have the correct filter.
4. I have looked at them. The issues I have are the micron size they can filter out is way too big compared to other oil filters ( 10-15 microns for oil filters to 25microns or higher for re-usable). I would not feel comfortable allowing that size of particles going around in my oil. The second issue is they do not have the same capacity to filter (in terms of sq in of filter capacity.).This is important as particles get trapped on the filter there is less space for oil to travel through.
So I have stayed with K&N or Amsoil filters for now.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 72
From: Harleysville, PA
Marketing, they have most of us on the hook! Anything that has the Harley Davidson name that's (Parts) we are speaking about presently have 200% write-ups. So we keep feeding the mouth and the prices sore, know one to blame but ourselves.
In the earlier part of this blog someone stated not to skimp on oil filters, I agree..... buuuut WIX & Napa Gold series filters are far superior to Harleys filters. Somewhere in cyberspace is an independent MIT engineer that wrote an interesting article testing oil filters. Many of the filters we loved were bought out from another company many years ago, and now made in Mexico as the same story with engine oils, but that another blog. We are relying on the name and feel good about it, research and smell the roses!
You all know what "assume" really means, they make an a$$ out of U and me!
B Bop
In the earlier part of this blog someone stated not to skimp on oil filters, I agree..... buuuut WIX & Napa Gold series filters are far superior to Harleys filters. Somewhere in cyberspace is an independent MIT engineer that wrote an interesting article testing oil filters. Many of the filters we loved were bought out from another company many years ago, and now made in Mexico as the same story with engine oils, but that another blog. We are relying on the name and feel good about it, research and smell the roses!
You all know what "assume" really means, they make an a$$ out of U and me!
B Bop
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 541
Likes: 3
From: Sherwood Park AB Canada
Seriously, and you only use A/C Delco for your GM, Mopar for your Dodge and Motorcraft for your Ford. Lots of good filter manufacturers out there, just do your research and check the filters specs.
Best idea for a filter EVER!!!!!!!!!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Im using the KN171B on my wifes Super Glide and switched to a cleanable FLO filter for my RK. I get the KN's for $10 and they have the 17mm nut you can remove them (both filters) easily. Theirs probably something wrong with the gasket seal on the WIX, take it back and get another one, youll be fine.
Last edited by TUCCI; Mar 26, 2014 at 09:28 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 58
From: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
At $19+tax a pop for the HD filters that's only 10 oil changes.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Its more than how many filters for it to pay for itself, its the cleaning function, the advanced design and the filtering superiority not to mention theres a magnet that the oil passes over for added protection.For me the $90 was a good investment. Now if it were $150 I likely would have passed on the purchase.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
From: Galveston Bay Area, The Republic of Texas
HD Oil Filters are pretty darn good filters overall. For the heat loads these engines produce, they do a good job. Buying cheap is you get what you pay for! Old Fram commercials saying "Pay me now or Pay me later!" still applies. I use K&N filters which are good and equal in quality to the OEM. I like it for the cap nut on the end to easy remove the filter with a socket. It works good every time.