Stuck Oil Filter

[malonef]

I have come up with a problem I have never had. When I shut the 1200 down for the Winter I drained the oil and left the bike sitting for an evening. When I went back out the next morning and tried to remove the filter it would not budge. I have tried everything I can think of including a strap wrench and slip joint pliers but cannot seem to get it to break loose. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated a great deal. Also any ideas on how to make sure this does not happen again. Thanks in advance

[txbanditrydr]

I would suggest a filter "socket" wrench... the type that fits over the end of the filter and uses a 3/8" ratchet.  If you use the OEM filters you will need the OEM filter tool.... aftermarket filters may/can use the type sold in automotive sections at various stores.

Another thought might be to refill with oil and warm things back up - then try to loosen the filter.

Also.... and I hate to bring it up - apologies in advance - remember counterclockwise to loosen.  

[chevsuz12]

You could punch a screwdriver through it and twist, it should come right off.

[Daytona]

WOW if a strap wrench, or slip joint pliers won't get it!!! Sounds like its time to drive a bar thru it and use the cave man method. I have always been able to remove mine with the plier method but i only put em on as tight as fingers will allow! never had a leak....   lefty loosey  

[Vee Dub Nut]

if you have a large set of channel lock pliers, that will usually do the trick to... I found my last filter I tried to remove with stabing it with a screwdriver rather hard to puncture, so i used the channel locks...

good luck

[pmackie]

If you are a patient, carefull type you can use a small, sharp metal chisel and work it off. Once you get it to move an 1/8 of a turn or so, your strap wrench will then work.

Easy to say, but don't put it on quite so tight next time.

[Daytona]

Sure hope  malonef replies!! I would like to know if that little filter can be that tough to get off if? oiled before installing, they were tryin to remove in the rite direction! A medium sized pr of slip joint pliers fit the bill just fine if used from the L-side of an un lower fairinged bike like the Bandit!!!

[malonef]

I have not had a chance to try anything else but will let you all know the outcome. Thank you for your advice. And yes I am turning it in the right direction and it was oiled when installed. I do remember though, that this was the first time I ever got the filter to make 2 complete rotations since I have had the bike. I guess I will stop at 1.5 like I usually did.

[txbanditrydr]

And yes I am turning it in the right direction .

Well... there's  your problem - turn it left.    Sorry - could not resist.  

Two full turns is too much and I had similar trouble.  Now I go 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 turns max.

[Red01]

Also any ideas on how to make sure this does not happen again. Thanks in advance

Replace it with a K&N oil filter. They have a small (17mm?) wrenching surface on the end.

[terrebandit]

I only go one turn on mine but I use a NAPA gold filter.  This filter is just as good as a stock filter and much less expensive.  I've also never had one stick.   I also use an aftermarket filter cap wrench and a 17" box end to turn it.

Before putting your next filter on, make sure you lube-up the rubber gasket with oil before tightening it down.

[bandibull]

I put  a bit of the oil on the seal and install the filter
as tight as I can get it by hand.

I've yet to have one fall off.
Taking the old filter off still requires a filter wrench
so I'm not to worried.

     

[Daytona]

Most of them say 2/3rds of a turn after they contact the base! I never stop there though, but not much more than that... never had a leak or stuck sucker!!!!

[ray nielsen]

I've always used a torque wrench and tightened to 7 ft.-lb.  This number was for a Honda Nighthawk I previously owned so I figured it should be good for the Bandit too.  No problems ever but a wrench was still reqruired to remove it come replacement time.

[Red01]

I also use an aftermarket filter cap wrench and a 17" box end to turn it.

Dayum! That's a BIG freakin' box end wrench.
Don't think I've ever seen a box end wrench bigger than ~2".
Usually when fasteners get that big, you need sockets and BIG ratchets - or torque multipliers. (Like the Sweeney Wrench I used to use to put rotor head retaining nuts on.)