Damn oil filter won't come off! And the ignition switch won't turn!

[PaulVS]

Is the OEM filter socket made of plastic?

No, it's steel.

I was using the STP filter from Autozone at about $6.... but they stopped selling them so I went with the OEM Suzuki filter.

However, Autozone (and most auto parts stores) sell the same style wrench filter-caps in various sizes.  I found one that fit the STP filter for about $4 as well back when I was using the STP filter.

[CWO4GUNNER]

The old screw driver impale is an old and messy tactic I used when I was age 16-21. Of course the right tool (filter clamp) from the start works best if you have one that can fit behind the header. When you have a situation where the filter housing is torn up, one method that has always worked for me is applying light torque blows with a metal dowel punch or large flat head screwdriver and 1 pound hammer, at the base of the filter (NOT the block) at 45 degree angles in a counterclockwise direction at multiple points. This will break it lose and allow you to simple turn it off by hand.

[gyrogearcrunch]

Hi folks,

I know I've been gone a while, but having a second kid plays havoc with your online life :)

Anyway, I went to blow the dust and cobwebs off the bandit this weekend and get it ready for the road, but I was foiled! Foiled I tell you!

First off, my damn oil filter would not come off. My wrench couldn't turn the damn thing, so I applied some silicone spray lube to the connection and tried again. Bupkiss. So I tried a rubber strap wrench. All I did was dent the filter. So I hammered a screwdriver through the entire assembly and HEAVED. Nothing except torn metal. That filter is not coming off. 

Wait! First use a metal chisel,  applied to the rim of the oil filter and whacked with a dead-blow hammer, to loosen the filter. DO NOT catch the crankcase metal with the chisel as you do this! Working on the left side of the bike, try to move the filter so it turns UPWARD (counter-clockwise, seen from the front wheel). Don't ask how I know this so well!

Suggestions would be most appreciated, but I'm thinking I will have to get this towed and pay for a service shop to remove it.      (I really didn't put it on there that tight - I followed the specs)

The other issue is the ignition switch, which will not turn to the "on" position. It'll go from 'lock' to "off" but that's it.

 I have been charging the battery regularly over the winter, and I put in the battery while the oil was draining -- and I'll check it against the voltmeter tomorrow. But is this a sign my battery is kaput, or does it mean something else?