Oil filter removal

[Jim Bronson]

I made the mistake of letting the dealer change the oil last time. I started changing it today and found the filter torqued down and not removable using the normal wrench. It just slips and leaves paint residue from the filter on the wrench flats.  How can I get it broken loose? Is there a secret? Maybe large Channelocks? I guess I could drill a hole and drain the oil before I do surgery.

On a related topic, I had never checked oil level on the dipstick after draining with the pan empty. For some reason I checked it today, and it shows pretty normal on the dipstick. It kinda surprised me, but I assume that's normal.

[No Cents]

 I drive a screw driver thru the filter to get it to turn when they are stuck on like that.

[ecir50]

try adding a rag between your wrench and filter

[Ohio HD]

Won't help you today, but this is what I use. They don't slip.

A good tool to have in the tool box.


https://www.rivcoproducts.com/shop/harley-davidson/hd-021/

[smoserx1]

Large channel lock pliers have worked for me.  The oil on your dipstick is probably residue from the oil before draining.  I have had bad luck with dealers over-tightening filters, especially on cars.

[HogMike]

I use one of these.
Works every time

[kd]

    

[Hossamania]

The oil on the dipstick may be from hitting the clutch cable when putting the dipstick in. I might want to pay more attention. First day of daydrinking during this ordeal.

I use one of these.
Works every time

I use same. Never had a filter yet that I couldn't remove.

[Jim Bronson]

The dipstick situation is resolved. It seems that when you drain the primary there's still oil on the engine oil dipstick.  I can't believe I did that. Maybe time for the old folks home. Oh well, the primary needed changing anyway.

Thanks for the tips on the filter. I don't think have a strap type wrench, but I'll check. I have plenty of time, since we're in for a week of rainy weather.

[Heinz]

Are you trying to remove the filter on a cold engine? I've had a lot of trouble getting the filter off unless the engine has been run and it's hot.

[Jim Bronson]

Are you trying to remove the filter on a cold engine? I've had a lot of trouble getting the filter off unless the engine has been run and it's hot.

It was warm from a ride. I always change fluids after a ride. I was actually wondering whether it would be easier on a cold engine. I guess I'll find out.

[Heinz]

Are you trying to remove the filter on a cold engine? I've had a lot of trouble getting the filter off unless the engine has been run and it's hot.

It was warm from a ride. I always change fluids after a ride. I was actually wondering whether it would be easier on a cold engine. I guess I'll find out.

I use K&N oil filters with the 17mm nut welded on at the end of the filter. On a cold engine I tried to remove the filter and it's stripped the nut. I took the motorcycle for a ride warmed it up and I was able to get it off pretty easily.

[JW113]

As No Cents said, bang a long screwdriver through it, and push. It will break loose.

-JW

[SixShooter14]

Large channelocks do work, provided you can get them in there and squeeze them. The last time I needed them for a filter there was no room to grip the side of the filter, otherwise a pipe wrench would've worked. I had to grab the filter by the end and twist the channelocks. Of course they aren't designed for that and you don't get much leverage. But it worked, I took a 3/4" boxed wrench and hooked it on the handle to give me some side leverage and squeezed the filter enough so that the jaws made notches in the filter to grip.

It was a pita, but a stuck filter is always gonna be.

[FXDBI]

Got a K&P reusable filter in 2007. Never had filter problem since then.  Bob

[kd]

X2. Plus a Moore's Sensible Filter Relocation kit.  No fuss or mess.

[Rockout Rocker Products]

Use a cap type filter wrench & drill 3-4 holes equally spaced through the cap wrench & into the filter. Use sheet metal screws to join the wrench to the filter 

[JohnnyCashPan]

I've got the Craftsman version of this.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Universal-3-Jaw-Oil-Filter-Wrench-HU3JFW/204762449

I fear no oil filter.

[dynabagger]

I made the mistake of letting the dealer change the oil last time.

I made the same mistake with an indy. It twisted the oil cooler adapter out of position trying to get it off. Never again. I used a plier style of oil filter wrench and stuck a large screw driver between the handles for leverage. A real PITA.

[Dan89flstc]

 Deleted post

[Helmwurst]

I've never understood while some HD Tech and especially oil change center tech's think the filter needs to be cranked down like that. I usually on anything with a spin on filter, spin it till it touches the base and then add 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Almost always comes off next time with just a little bump of the wrench and never leaks.... Just sayin

[Ohio HD]

Jim has a 2015 TC touring bike. Most of those posted, including myself know that.

[Dan89flstc]

Edited to be civil...

My experience with a Rushmore touring bike, the oil cooler crowds that area pretty tight, channel locks, screw driver, band wrench, none will fit in there...

The screws through the cap filter is the way, or possibly aluminum foil between the wrench and filter in some cases.

The reason for stuck oil filters is failure to lube the gasket. You can tighten the hell out of an oil filter as long as the gasket is lubed, and it will come right off.

[Ohio HD]

Lots of suggestions as to what wrench to use, but without knowing WTF is being worked on, there is no way of knowing what fits...

Jim has a 2015 TC touring bike. Most of those posted, including myself know that.

Well, I didn`t know what he is working on, since I forgot my ESP hat...

Well I`m telling you my experience with a Rushmore touring bike, the oil cooler crowds that area pretty tight, good luck using that band wrench or channel locks, it aint gonna happen.

Chill out. Instead of making a negative post about it, maybe just ask him what he's working on if you really want to help him.

[Dan89flstc]

 

Chill out. Instead of making a negative post about it, maybe just ask him what he's working on if you really want to help him.

Sorry so cranky...I revised my post.

[Ohio HD]

Sorry so cranky...I revised my post.

We're all getting cabin fever I think.   

[HogMike]

Use a cap type filter wrench & drill 3-4 holes equally spaced through the cap wrench & into the filter. Use sheet metal screws to join the wrench to the filter 

I have a few different styles of wrenches for removing filters.
Depends on the model bike.
On the new cvo's there's a VR plug in the way along with other various parts . It's a tight fit to get it from the end but doable.
I have a smaller diameter filter on one of my bikes and have the gearwrench to fit that.
Sometimes the nut on k&n filters get stripped and you can't use the cap wrench style to get it off.
I think we have all had issues with them being over tightened at one tome or another.
I agree sometimes that the past mechanics probably used their 1/2" impact driver to install one!
Just my 2cents

[Tollbooth]

I use a strap wrench with a wrap of rough emery around the strap. The tighter the wrench gets, the more the sandpaper bites into the filter.

[kd]

Lot's of great suggestions here.  The best is to move the filter to a better (smarter) position.  There's no rocket science here.  Make it easy and cleaner.  The MOCO could do that easily but would lose out on all of the $ervicing dollar$ they get from frustrated owners that could otherwise do their own oil changes.

[Tynker]

The dipstick situation is resolved. It seems that when you drain the primary there's still oil on the engine oil dipstick.  I can't believe I did that. Maybe time for the old folks home. Oh well, the primary needed changing anyway.

Thanks for the tips on the filter. I don't think have a strap type wrench, but I'll check. I have plenty of time, since we're in for a week of rainy weather.

I have a metal oil filter removable tool(like a large socket) https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-65MM-14Flute-Oil-Filter-Cap-Wrench-Tool-07AAA-PLCA100-Fit-For-HONDA-ACURA/401602232861?hash=item5d815bc21d:g:RUMAAOSwcR9bo8VeI drilled a small hole in it and i put it on the filter,then use a small 1/8" sheet metal screw, through wrench and into the filter. Then using a long extension and ratchet the filter will come off, no problem.

[Hossamania]

Use a cap type filter wrench & drill 3-4 holes equally spaced through the cap wrench & into the filter. Use sheet metal screws to join the wrench to the filter 

I like that idea!

[BJB]

Lot's of great suggestions here.  The best is to move the filter to a better (smarter) position.  There's no rocket science here.  Make it easy and cleaner.  The MOCO could do that easily but would lose out on all of the $ervicing dollar$ they get from frustrated owners that could otherwise do their own oil changes.

Absolutely.
I've done this on both my Dyna and Geezer Glide.

[Jim Bronson]

Jim has a 2015 TC touring bike. Most of those posted, including myself know that.

Thanks Ohio. Specifically a RK. I sometimes forget to list it. Sorry. I punched a hole near the bottom of the filter just to let the oil drain out if it and to avoid a bigger mess later. It doesn't look like channellocks will work, but I'll give it another try later before I punch holes and use the screwdriver method. Thanks all.

[rigidthumper]

Got a DA sander? One of those 6" sheets over the end of the filter will work, or if not, a 4X4 square of sandpaper, inside my oil filter wrench, usually does it.

[Jim Bronson]

Got a DA sander? One of those 6" sheets over the end of the filter will work, or if not, a 4X4 square of sandpaper, inside my oil filter wrench, usually does it.

I'll try that. Thanks.

[smoserx1]

This is what I use on my twin cam:

https://www.amazon.com/Plews-70-715-Bi-Directional-Filter-Wrench/dp/B000KKLK1I

However mine is very old and is very well made.  I have read the current ones are not so good.  Don't know, but the design makes the wrench bite into the filter as it turns and the wrench clears the crank position sensor.

[PoorUB]

Maybe I am more tolerant that others, but I have zero issues with where HD put the filter on the Twin Cam. It is the easiest oil filter to change on the motorcycles I own. You don't have to spend 10 minutes removing and replacing plastic body panels to get to it to change the oil and filter. Could it be easier, sure it could.

On the other hand my BMW the filter is fairly accessible after body panel removal, plus the recommended oil change is 6,000 miles, no primary, just the final drive and that interval is every other oil change, but it is wide open and easy. No three holes to change. Even with the body panel removal my BMW is the quickest motorcycle I have to service.

My Yamaha R1 needs panels removed, then the filter is hiding up and behind the exhaust pipes. Makes the Harley look easy!

[Jim Bronson]

Finally! I had to punch three sets of holes to break it loose, as it would only turn about 10° per hole pair without hitting something. I think I'll keep the mangled filter as a reminder to NEVER again let the dealer change my oil. Thanks HTT for the support.

[JW113]

Excellent! Proof that brute force and ignorance can overcome just about anything.


-JW

[kd]

Give it to the dealer's service manager. 

[Hossamania]

I would still recommend a steel strap wrench for future changes.

[76shuvlinoff]

This is what I use on my twin cam:

https://www.amazon.com/Plews-70-715-Bi-Directional-Filter-Wrench/dp/B000KKLK1I

However mine is very old and is very well made.  I have read the current ones are not so good.  Don't know, but the design makes the wrench bite into the filter as it turns and the wrench clears the crank position sensor.

That's what I have but mine's so old it was made in the US.   I also relocated the filter under the left passenger floorboard on my 12 Ultra EG and never regretted it.    IMHO the nut on the KN is usually useless.

[attach=0,msg1340900]

[hbkeith]

Use a cap type filter wrench & drill 3-4 holes equally spaced through the cap wrench & into the filter. Use sheet metal screws to join the wrench to the filter 

I like that idea!

Yes , good idea

[kd]

76, so many poo poo the remote filter option.  That is until they do it and the wonder why they didn't do it sooner.     I am one so I know. 

[No Cents]

76, so many poo poo the remote filter option.  That is until they do it and the wonder why they didn't do it sooner.     I am one so I know. 

       100%
I have seen no down side to the remote filter...only pluses.   

[cbumdumb]

Of the four bikes I had in the last two years only one has been touched by a dealership . I will know soon enough whether the local dealership tech knew his rear end from a hole in the ground.


Words chosen carefully not to have post changed with potty mouth 

[Rockout Rocker Products]

   IMHO the nut on the KN is usually useless.

I agree... the flats on the nut are factory rounded off and tapered to guarantee a slip out of the socket. Only filter I even had to surgically remove was a K&N.... never again.

[Boe Cole]

Small point to consider, if the bike has an oil cooler, getting the old filter off after it was on so tight, may cause the cooler to rotate somewhat and cause a leak.  Just something to watch for.

[chaos901]

I think I have one of just about every option shown here.  Use the Rivco box wrench mostly, sometimes the cap socket, have had to use a screwdriver on a friend's bike.  Have also used some of the filters that have a hex head installed on them for the purpose.

[Jim Bronson]

   IMHO the nut on the KN is usually useless.

I agree... the flats on the nut are factory rounded off and tapered to guarantee a slip out of the socket. Only filter I even had to surgically remove was a K&N.... never again.

I've never had a problem removing a K&N filter as long as I use a 17mm socket. I only tighten the filter about 1/2 turn after it seats, and I've never had a leak. Also, the ones I use have small holes in two opposite flats of the nut, so I could use a small allen wrench with a piece of pipe for leverage. I'm hoping I won't ever need to do that. The trick is to not over-tighten.

[FXDBI]

Overtighten a cold filter on a hot engine its going to be tougher to remove when the engine is hot.    Bob

[HogMike]

This is what I use on my twin cam:

https://www.amazon.com/Plews-70-715-Bi-Directional-Filter-Wrench/dp/B000KKLK1I

However mine is very old and is very well made.  I have read the current ones are not so good.  Don't know, but the design makes the wrench bite into the filter as it turns and the wrench clears the crank position sensor.

That's what I have but mine's so old it was made in the US.   I also relocated the filter under the left passenger floorboard on my 12 Ultra EG and never regretted it.    IMHO the nut on the KN is usually useless.

[attach=0,msg1340900]

Yeah, got one of those in my "collection " also.
People have been giving me these for years and I can't throw them away!

[Hossamania]

Now that's funny!

[smoserx1]

I'd say you got just about everything covered there.

[kd]

Nope, no ratchet and socket for the K&N.   

[HogMike]

Nope, no ratchet and socket for the K&N.   

Those are in my other roll around
Make sure you use the 6 pt socket, not the 12 pt!

[Jim Bronson]

^^^^^^ What he said. ^^^^^^^

[jmorton10]

I just use a FLO aluminum housing filter, they have a nut that no socket will slip on.

I always do it myself so it is never over tightened.

~John

[bump]

I have a filter wrench that is a piece of 1/2" square tubing with a strap like a strap wrench but smaller. You put a 1/2" extension on it turn it with a ratchet.  It works the best for me. I always put a coat of oil on seal and only tighten it by hand.

[smoserx1]

I always put a coat of oil on seal and only tighten it by hand.

Words of wisdom if I ever heard any!

[Bagger]

76, so many poo poo the remote filter option.  That is until they do it and the wonder why they didn't do it sooner.     I am one so I know. 

I use this one by 3 Guyz.  Oil filter is relocated to the left front down tube.http://www.3guyz.com/vtwin-motorcycles-topmenu#!/Oil-Filter-Relocation-Kit/p/13913127/category=1575036

[Hossamania]

I can't get my hand in there for decent leverage, so I use the wrench to tighten it at least a half a turn, maybe more, lubed gasket. They come off with effort, but they come off. I've seen two filters come loose on other bikes, mine will not.

[sharkoilfield]

If the subject has the word "oil" in it, there's bound to be discussion on Tech Talk
I've been using the K&N with the 17mm nut and a quality 6 point socket since we got our bikes.
Works great.  I like my Form-A Funnel under the filter for the drips.
I can't recall having a dealer oil change but the complaint of overtightening stuff seems common

[freddie_ray]

Use that 3-jaw one that JohnnyCashPan posted. I had to get one from Manny,Moe and Jack whin my dealer did a oil change. Oh get that filter loose before draining the pan, ask me how I know.. 

freddie_ray