Dumb Question

Speednut

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So, its time for the 4000 mile oil change. Im already running semi-synthetic, and will be going to mobil 1 full synthetic. Last time I changed the oil, it took a couple hours to get the stupid oil filter off. I could not find a good wrench to do it between the headers and stuff. The actual filter wrench didnt even work right for me. I was working from the brake side of bike with that side fairings off. I did see a wrench that looked like a large claw of sorts, and was wondering if anyone had ever had experience with one similar? It would be nice to not have the oil change process take all evening again. Thanks for the help.
 
Large pair of channel locks works for me
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the best are the socket style. They push over the end of the filter like a big socket. An extension or ratchet goes in the end of the filter wrench.

Make sure you put a good film of oil on the gasket when going back together and do not over tighten the thing. (2 turns after contact?)

Here is a cast style, most of the ones I have are stamped steel.

Oil%20Filter%20Wrench.JPG
 
Got mine from the Suzuki Dealership, suprisingly cheap too, I think it was only a couple bucks, Works fine too.
 
Oil filters should only ever be hand tight. When you put on your new one, just use your hand and tighten as far as possible. I've always done it that way for cars and bikes and never had one come loose yet.
 
Wow. Thanks for all the quick responses. Either a lot of you guys work midnights like i will be for the next 28 days... or you just have the ability to stay awake longer. Must be nice. thank you.
 
Hand tight won't get it. Manual calls for two full turns after the filter makes contact with the engine block, and you won't do it by hand. Also to help cleanup, wrap aluminum foil around the header pipes so the oil won't drip on them while removing the filter.
 
I have the Suzuki Wrench and have used it a few times but I wind up having to use a Universal joint on the ratchet to use it. Since then I got smarter and started using these.
http://www.amazon.com/Norther....00AXBVG
No problems at all now! I gotta say plus one on the hand tighten only. I can get a little more than 1 full rotation with my fingers and that is plenty! I can't imagine why you would want to turn that thing two full turns?
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strap wrench
While the sockets can be nice, you have to have a different one for every filter.  Nothing more annoying then finding the new filter doesn't fit the wrench and having to go back to the store.

+1 on finger tighten, too tight is bad for many reasons.

<img src=http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/1501539_lg.gif>
 
strap wrench
While the sockets can be nice, you have to have a different one for every filter.  Nothing more annoying then finding the new filter doesn't fit the wrench and having to go back to the store.

+1 on finger tighten, too tight is bad for many reasons.

<img src=http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/1501539_lg.gif>
Wrenchs are cheap...

I tend to follow manufacture recommendations on tightening stuff... they tend to make sure things stay attached and dry. 2 turns sounds a lot but they have their reasons I am sure.

Not enough time in my day to second guess the factory on something so minor that could be so major if things go bad
 
I always just hand tighten mine. Run it for a while, then check it. No problems so far.
 
Not only 2 full turns but they give a 14.5 ft lb torque spec on the oil filter. Usually if the factory is that specific on something they have a reason. Anyway mine goes on 2 turns without any real protest using a strap wrench as recomended.
Main difference I notice in the Busa filters and the "3/4 turn after contact" type is the large O-ring in the former and a thinner, flat rubber gasket in the latter. May have to squish it a little farther to get the same contact area.
 
Wrenchs are cheap...

I tend to follow manufacture recommendations on tightening stuff... they tend to make sure things stay attached and dry.  2 turns sounds a lot but they have their reasons I am sure.

Not enough time in my day to second guess the factory on something so minor that could be so major if things go bad
Strap wrenchs are cheap too. whats your point?

And the finger tight rule is not 2nd guessing the manual. If you need a wrench to get 2 turns, you started counting after the contact point. I just think it's easier to hand tighten then watch for contact & try counting turns in tight spaces.
 
Man can we do this
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It depends on who makes the filter! "O" ring like Emgo and zuki etc uses 2 full turns, Fram etc with the Quad ring 1 to 1 1/2 after it contacts the base will be good cause it swells. 2 turns and you got a problem getting em off. We all know if you get it just rite! No leaks and they can be removed by hand with just the lower right side fairing screws removed, Rite? Strap wrench is the ticket if the fairing isn't taken off.
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bigoltool, that is the exact wrench i saw in the store. i'm gonna pick one up and see how it goes. Im not sure if I ever got that filter two FULL turns, but i got it at least 1 1/2 with my different methods that day. never leaked, so i guess it was allright. as for not taking off the fairings to remove that filter, dont you make a huge mess with spilled oil inside the fairings?!!! even if the pipes were foil covered, i would think it would get everywhere else inside there. On a side note, anyone live near Naperville,IL? My friends dont ride often enough for me, and none of them have busas... Would be nice to ride with some of my own once in a while! Thanks.
 
Tin foil helps but then everyone wipes stuff off. Alittle oil on the stock header is no biggy! wipe it down its gona smoke a bit anyway. My bike has a hard stand so i may have a bit more room. I reach in under and from the Left side of the bike, with left hand i can get a good grip on the filter to remove or install. If its stubborn the strap wrench works fine. 20 min oil and filter change after its cool. Not in your area but there is many of your buds arriving daily to clog up the roads and bars here! Biketoberhangoverfest i think its called.
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