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Oil Filter Wrench

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by RKBud, Feb 3, 2009.

  1. RKBud

    RKBud Active Member

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    I know that it's a stupid question but I gotta start somewhere.
    I haven't done it myself yet but....
    Which is better....
    The filter wrench that fits over the end of the filter with a 3/8 drive
    or
    The filter wrench that is the type that just slip fits over the filter like the ones that I use on the car filters.
  2. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    HD's have a sensor mounted conveniently at the end of the filter, so they can sell you a $30 oil filter wrench. Check indy shops and some dealers there are options that go over the end and they usually have a cut out 1/4 area to accomodate the sensor.

    That being said I use a strap type but it can crush a filter if you get aggressive.

    The one that goes on the end is the best bet, you can't get a car wrench on the filter very easy because of the sensor.
  3. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    my 03 does not have the sensor on the end so I can use the end cap style
  4. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    I purchased the Kent-Moore oil filter tool. It has the large cut out for the sensor with a 3/8 drive at the end. Filter wrench is the cup style and is painted black. Excellent tool to have in your tool box. HD-#HD 42311
  5. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    if you take a new filter to the auto parts store, find an end type filter wrench that fits, it must be metal. then take it home and cut a small portion of the wrench away to allow the wrench to miss the sensor. you will be able to turn the filter about 1/4 turn, which should be plenty, unless someone has really squished the gasket. always use fresh oil on the gasket, and only tighten 1/2 turn after the gasket contacts the base surface.............
  6. ironhorse

    ironhorse Active Member

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    I'm everywhere, I'm everywhere
    My wife bought me the HD wrench but took it back cause it only fit the HD style, My ol spring loaded, double jaw, 3/8, napa brand one works on any style filter, around and about, larger and smaller, filters and will work on the honda, briggs, onan, etc style filters, only cost 7.00
  7. Sleepy

    Sleepy Well-Known Member

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    I have the Harley cap wrench but got one of these and prefer it. I can't speak for the plug removal part of it but it is less fussy than lining up the cap to clear the sensor.

    RIVCO Products, Inc. :: Accessories :: The "Wench" Oil Filter Wrench

    no spammimg intended, I just like the "wench" as they call it. Their centre stand for baggers is pretty neat as well.
  8. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Cool looking tool there Bob would like to see one up close someday.

    My Kent-Moore cup wrench tool with the side cut out for the sensor along with my 12 inch 3/8 Dr. extension work very well.
  9. fxdxriderleo

    fxdxriderleo Active Member

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    a big pair of water pump pliers work good.
  10. cardboard

    cardboard Well-Known Member

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    Want a good filter and make life easy too. git a K&N chrome filter. the filter has a nut on the end and makes it easy to put on and take off.
  11. RKBud

    RKBud Active Member

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    The KN was what threw me a loop. No prob getting the filter off. My replacement was a S&S. I understand the need to miss the sensor when your removing the filter. The S&S filter had 15 flats on the end. The cool wrench had 14 flats in the picture. It looked like the end cap filter removers had 14 flats also. So the bottom line is that I was able to get the KN filter off with a socket and installed the S&S filter with my hands. I found one of the fabric slip wrenches that will fit the filter but didn't buy it. Guess I'll ride for another 2500 miles and decide if I want to use filter pliers, slip or the cut out cap wrench.
    Thanks for your help. At least I now have the confidence to tear something up.
  12. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    cool, it is always good to have the nerve to tear something up!!!!!!!! lol lol
  13. cardboard

    cardboard Well-Known Member

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    If'n you don't want to order a few K&N oil filters which is high micron and has a check valve go to yer Indy dealer. Their catalogs has a couple of different mfg that make oil filters with the nut on the end.
    I've seen em in Both Drag and Bikers Choice. :D
    Or you can buy the cheap filters that don't do a good job of filtering the oil and fight to git it on and off.:rant:
  14. RKBud

    RKBud Active Member

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    Cardboard,
    Guess it's like the Frame guy....pay me now or pay me later:banghead: .
    Any idea how the S&S filter stacks up agains the KN?
  15. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    or use the lowercost filter and a cutout filter wrench.......:)
  16. cardboard

    cardboard Well-Known Member

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    Do they have a nut on the end of the filter?
    I haven't worked anywhere that is a S&S dealer. Only know 2 shop's that sells S&S . Never seen a S&S Oil filter there. I don't think S&S makes em either.

    Know what I can git easy.

    Sorry I was no help.
  17. RKBud

    RKBud Active Member

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    Ya'll have been a great help. It's just that now I'm starting to think about which manufacturer has the best filter. I'll have to do some studying on who has the highest micron filter. Maybe someone makes a two stage filter.
    I'll post it if I find out either way.
  18. boxcardenny

    boxcardenny New Member

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    hi every one boxcardenny here.new member wanted to say hi! great sight,going for my first oil change.got a 202 xl 1200r payed tax dont no how it runs yet its ben sleeping at battle feild harley in g burgh pa.going to buy the hd wrench and use syn oil,whats a good oil filter to usr.k&n,or what
  19. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    harley sells a good filter......until a better one is found, use it. and like oils, you are going to get a truckload of different answers..............have fun and welcome!!!!!
  20. fujimo

    fujimo New Member

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    filters

    i just tore mine down and installed a 95 kit,,,my pistons were really nice ,,,alll parts looked great,,,i tore it down because had 100000 miles on it ,,,now a little sorry i did,,,would have been intereasting to see how many miles i got,,,but ,,,i ran screamming eagle oil,,,and hd filter from first 1000 miles,,,,last 20000 miles i ran amsoil and their filter,,, and believe me bike has been run hard for long periods of time,,,,on road cross country,,,, than again ,,like chuck said you will get lots of different oil recomendations,,,, and i believe each bike may run better on different oils,,,my oil pressure is higher with amsoil,,,and it runs lots cooler,,,, 03 ultra,,,pops

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