HarleyTechTalk

Simple enough right?
Welp, it was time to change the oil on the new to me fuggly 
Drained the cc and the transmission oils and wiped the underside installed two new o-rings.
Well, when I went to the other side of the bike and fumbled with a couple of extensions and the ratchet and the stupid end cap wrench I have been using for a number of years.
FFS, the last monkey musta used an impact gun to install that filter cause it wouldnt budge
Checked that I had the cut-away indexed and yup all good there.
Tried it again and it moved, but I was tightening it (rightie tightie).
Sooo, flipped the switch and gave it a go and then, pop the dam thing breaks on me.
Four piddley spot welds was all that was holding this together and being Good Friday and all everything was closed for the day
Anyways, just venting cause as I have said in the past I like to fix things till they break:)
So, if anyone has a fav tool to share that will work on the fuggly please chime in.
I'm paying the Harley tax in the morning, unless someone has a better tool of choice.
Rob

I like these from Rivco. Just be sure to check your wrench to fender clearance before giving it a big grunt on a stuck filter.


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

Try this 88.
I use it and it works for me.

                     https://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-Davidson-Oil-Filter-Wrench-Guar-for-Life-76mmx14flute-XL-most-all-bikes/222352927126?hash=item33c5446996:g:dSAAAOxyhs9RBzzf

Local auto supplies might have them cheaper.

Any auto parts store will have a cap wrench to fit the HD oil filter. You might have to cut out a notch to clear the crank sensor. In your case I would grab a new filter and head to the parts store and buy a steel cap wrench that fits. When you get back home, unscrew the crank sensor, slip a thin cloth rag over the filter and force the filter wrench on over the rage covered filter. The rag will take up the clearance and make the wrench fit tighter. Then use a ratchet or breaker bar of your choice and turn it lefty-loosey or counter clockwise, while crossing your fingers and toes. If this don't get it then good luck. You have ventured into the Big F'n Hammer, screw driver into the filter zone, with the required cussing a swearing.

sometimes a lowly strap wrench is handy......

    If the filter is real tight they will sometimes dent the canister making it hard to find a new position but then there's always the hammer and screw driver method PoorUB mentioned.

I have never had any luck with a strap wrench on a over tightened filter. The strap wrench just crushes the filter.

for stubborn oil filters I have had good luck with this 63500 "Big Range" Filter Wrench lisle tools
hope this helps

Quote from: PoorUB on April 19, 2019, 08:36:21 PM
I have never had any luck with a strap wrench on a over tightened filter. The strap wrench just crushes the filter.

I have a few types and a stiff metal one seems the best.

I've got a couple sizes of these:
KD I think, been using them for years.

Quote from: PoorUB on April 19, 2019, 07:10:20 PM
Any auto parts store will have a cap wrench to fit the HD oil filter. You might have to cut out a notch to clear the crank sensor. In your case I would grab a new filter and head to the parts store and buy a steel cap wrench that fits. When you get back home, unscrew the crank sensor, slip a thin cloth rag over the filter and force the filter wrench on over the rage covered filter. The rag will take up the clearance and make the wrench fit tighter. Then use a ratchet or breaker bar of your choice and turn it lefty-loosey or counter clockwise, while crossing your fingers and toes. If this don't get it then good luck. You have ventured into the Big F'n Hammer, screw driver into the filter zone, with the required cussing a swearing.

Thanks PoorUB, I was at my local autoparts store and they had a few choices.
Problem is they aint like PePZone or Autoboyz and the choices they offer.
I'll have to wait till Saturday for the turning of the key ceremony and pay the Harley Tax for a few cap wrench:(
I do appreciate you guys listening to my tales of woe and the choices you mention.
I hope I do not need the BFH and screwdriver while trying not to bite my tongue off.
Thanks Guys for humoring me this evening.
Rob

I have one similar to these

Quite a few varieties in bi-directional and counter clockwise rotation
I cut a few short pieces of rubber hose to slip over each leg to assist grip
I also have the 'Wench' that Brian showed.
I use it to start the really tight ones but find range of movement is very limited.

PoorUB's  tip about using a rag between filter and cap wrench, works like a charm. I don't even try to loosen the filter before using a piece of old t-shirt to shim things up.

Yea the same dumbarss that changed mine musta have changed your filter too !!!! What is up with these "Certified Techs" ? I go 1/2 turn after gasket contact, that's it !! Never had one come loose and they do not leak. Comes off pretty easy months later with the overpriced HD filter wrench.

Quote from: 98fxstc on April 20, 2019, 01:29:34 AM
I have one similar to these

Quite a few varieties in bi-directional and counter clockwise rotation
I cut a few short pieces of rubber hose to slip over each leg to assist grip
I also have the 'Wench' that Brian showed.
I use it to start the really tight ones but find range of movement is very limited.

That is what I used my fuglies works good.

I use large channel locks

Quote from: nibroc on April 20, 2019, 05:28:31 AM
I use large channel locks

Yep me too, for those odd occasions where the filter was over-tightened during installation.

Jason

Quote from: HOGMIKE on April 19, 2019, 09:31:10 PM
I've got a couple sizes of these:
KD I think, been using them for years.

This is what I use as well. I've not had a problem with it crushing the filter, and I tend to overtightened filters, I've seen two spin off while riding over the years, though I don't think I go much more than 3/4 turn after contact. They are tight on removal, but not ridiculous.
I think if kept toward the end of the filter, there will be less chance of crushing it, as the end cap adds strength.

Quote from: nibroc on April 20, 2019, 05:28:31 AM
I use large channel locks

How do you get them in there with an oil cooler? I'm always surprised how tight it  is in there.

That's similar to the style of band wrench I use too.  Having an OEM oil cooler nixes the channel lock option.

I use the one from HD, got a can of plasti-dip, and cleaned/scuffed/sprayed the inside- after it cures, will grip/spin the ones installed by conan the caveman.

Quote from: Panzer on April 19, 2019, 06:44:46 PM
Try this 88.
I use it and it works for me.

                     https://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-Davidson-Oil-Filter-Wrench-Guar-for-Life-76mmx14flute-XL-most-all-bikes/222352927126?hash=item33c5446996:g:dSAAAOxyhs9RBzzf

Local auto supplies might have them cheaper.

I also use this cap wrench. However what do is drill a small hole in the side of the cap wrench, and insert a 1/2" sheet metal screw in the cap and filter,and I have never had a problem removing the filters, even on a new bike, where they use a impact wrench to install dry.

Quote from: Ohio HD on April 19, 2019, 06:31:43 PM
I like these from Rivco. Just be sure to check your wrench to fender clearance before giving it a big grunt on a stuck filter.


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

Second this... good wrench and good tip on fender.

Quote from: kd on April 20, 2019, 06:08:56 AM
Having an OEM oil cooler nixes the channel lock option.

Yeah you're right, not to mention that the regulator rectifier is in the way, too.

Jason

Next time use a K&N with the nut on the end. I've never had a problem with those.

Quote from: Ohio HD on April 19, 2019, 06:31:43 PM
I like these from Rivco. Just be sure to check your wrench to fender clearance before giving it a big grunt on a stuck filter.


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

That's what I use on HD filters, the later TC Baggers with the oil cooler is virtually impossible to do without it. I had one with a Hiflo filter which is smaller that took a lot of getting off .