Oil Filter Tool?

[maineultraclassic]

What is the best tool out there for removing the stock oil filters?

I always replace them with K&N filters, but getting the HD ones off is always a bitch. Even worse on the Ultra Limited with the oil cooler lines and all.

Thanks,

Steve

[pddredduece]

I got one a advanced auto parts, it fits over the end of the filter. I cut a notch in it with a cut off tool to get past the crank sensor. 2005 Deuce has a oil cooler had to with this tool to go around the oil cooler. I just use a 3/8" ratchet and 8" extension. Works great on Harley oem oil filters. I use the black filters. Only $8.95 instead of $16.96 for the chrome filters. I get 2 filters for the price of one chrome filter.

[Bigs]

I got a strap wrench from Pep Boys many years ago. It's a nylon loop on a square piece of metal that you use a 1/2" ratchet on. It's not fancy but it was cheap and I have used on my Road Glide, Sportster, cars and on the the large Cummins diesel oil and fuel filters.
   Bigs

[eglideic]

 About the best tool is the one made by Harley. ask your dealer.

[Rags722]

I got a strap wrench from Pep Boys many years ago. It's a nylon loop on a square piece of metal that you use a 1/2" ratchet on. It's not fancy but it was cheap and I have used on my Road Glide, Sportster, cars and on the the large Cummins diesel oil and fuel filters.
   Bigs

I think I got mine at Sears, but +1 on the strap wrench.  Also comes in handy for getting the PVC coupling off the neighbors swimming pool every spring.  No tool box is complete without one!

[dunbarton]

I think half the problem is that people (myself included) tend to over-tighten the filters... and that goes for fasteners as well.

[smoserx1]

http://automotive.hardwarestore.com/89-546-oil-filter-wrenches/oil-filter-wrench--636200.aspx

That's what I use.  looks exactly like what is pictured in my official service manual.

[HarleyInNH]

On my '03 FLHTI with the early-style low-slung oil cooler, I use this to remove.



And I use this to tighten: 1/2 to 3/4 turn after the rubber hits the metal.



Just my .02, hope it helps.

[PC_Hater]

I gave in and bought the Harley tool, oh, and the oil catcher with spout too...
(sad really but faffing about with strap wrenches and old plastic bottles to catch the oil from the filter was becoming irritating)

[Deye76]

"old plastic bottles to catch oil from the filter"

Sonny turned me on to a funnel that is very pliable, works great. I think it's called Form-a-funnel or something like that. Maybe he'll chime in.

[bikeman_ne]

HarleyinNH is right on.  I work for Filter manufacturer, many DIYers over tighten the filter during installation.  All (most) manufacturers put installation instructions on the can.  Most will indicate how much to tighten once the filter first makes contact (normally 1/2 to 3/4 additional turn).  If you over tighten the filter, you compress the gasket and actually can then result in the filter leaking.

[Snuff™]

What is the best tool out there for removing the stock oil filters?

Steve

2X-Large Channel Locks  Grab from the end, rotate just a little and then use the hand.

-Snuffâ,,¢

[hotroadking]

Bishops Performance in MI signed up as a dealer for that form a funnel
it's good for the HD and other stuff .

Here is a link to their oil site on that Formafunnel thing.

http://youroilshop.com/misc.htm

and yes, it does have pictures LOL

[truck]

I tried one like smoserx1 uses but mostly what it did was spin around on the end of the filter.
Then I made one, the black one, but it was a real pita using that hose clamp to keep the wrench from spreading open and slipping.



After I got tired of using that I started using K&N filters with the nut on the end, and that worked well.
One day while browsing around at Hannum's H-D I spotted and bought this aluminum wrench, and I'm now able to use black H-D filters.



I haven't found any way to divert the oil away from making a mess. Its a 2001 model, the only year with the crank sensor at the worst possible position.

[maineultraclassic]

The problem is that the factory puts the filter on way too tight at the factory, and on this '10 Ultra Limited with the oil cooler there really isn't a lot of room to use channel locks or the old screwdriver/hammer method.
I have the end cup tools, but all they do is spin on the filter.

I saw a tool at AutoZone that tightens down on the filter the more you turn the ratchet.....might be the ticket.

Steve

[Hillside Motorcycle]

All those tools work, but K&N's have the nut on the end, and a socket/extension/rat"Potty mouth" is what we use here.
Scott

[kink04fxd]

Always use a strap wrench. Also use the can divider from a 30 pack to funnel the oil to my pan. Seems I always have an ample supply of dividers.

[redsled]

I use an HD filter tool (the one with a notch in it to clear the regulator plug - old style). Works great. I've heard that a BMW filter wrench works as well - dunno, never checked that out.

As for catching drippings - a mechanic at a rally did my oil change once and used a trick I've adopted for every change ever since. Take the box that your new filter comes in, and basically open it up along the glued seams until you have a sort of t-shaped flat piece of cardboard. The flaps can be slipped right up between the filter and the front cylinder, and the long bit runs sideways right under your floorboard mount. Now when you unscrew the filter the oil flows down the cardboard and into whatever catch pan you're using. Slick. No muss, no fuss.

[crazybastid83]

HarleyinNh? Are you a hand model? If not you should be.

[norcal]

 I think I may have read it here. I use a cheap paper plate slid under the filter it folds easily to look kinda like a taco its big enough to get past controls and flows right to catch pan.  A drip or two is all that is left to wipe off the cases. The wrenches used depend on how much I over tightened it like somone else mentioned they too manage to do.  Kip

[Redrubicon2004]

Search Drag specialties 16066044  http://www.dragspecialties.com/catalog

[Tsani]

I tried several methods. Finally gave up. I use a tool with the cutout. I slide my funnel device under the filter. Bike on kick stand. Punch two holes in the filter with a small punch, one hole at twelve o clock, one at nine. I rotate the filter so the nine o clock hole is at six. Let it drain. WHen done I spin the filter off and get very little on the engine.

[rawshog]

After I tighten my filter too much.  And twist off the hex nut (K&N filter).  I like to drive a ball joint seperator into the end of the bastard and turn it loose witha pipe wrench.  Nothing gentle about my oil changes!!

[maineultraclassic]

Large Channel Locks worked like a charm.........and was free since I had them in the toolbox already.

Steve

[JWUltra]

2004 Ultra with H.D. oil cooler.

I use the strap wrench, and it works fine. The problem is I can't get the filter off without removing the crank position sensor. Frustrating.

JW