Tool to Remove Stuck Oil Filter

Normally I change my own oil and filter, but the last time I had it changed was when I needed the stator replaced, and I had the shop change the oil at the same time. When I went to change it last week before putting the bike away, I couldn't get the damn filter off. This happens every time the shop replaces the filter, but normally I can wrestle it off with the filter wrench, but this time it was so tight the cap just slipped on the filter. I didn't want to stick a screwdriver into the filter in case that didn't work, and then I would really be stuck. I tried everything--I now own more ways to get a filter off than most automotive shops--but nothing worked until I tried this nifty little tool I got from Bike Bandit. It worked perfectly. So if you have a really stuck filter, I recommend it.

Motion Pro Oil Filter Wrench - BikeBandit.com

 

Yes, they work fine, but don't try to use it to torque the filter on, like the description states. The arm has been changed, which means the torque will be wrong.

:crazy:

 

I have been just hand tightening the filter. I put on an old pair of rubber gloves for dish washing, and tighten the filter hand-tight. That seems to do the trick, though it is well below the 20 ft-lbs that the manual recommends. I assume I am all right doing what I am doing, or should I torque it down a bit more?

 

Ewryly, where were you a couple of days ago when I worked for a 1/2hr totaly perplexed about how I was going to remove this flipping oil filter that a 500 lb GORILLA must have installed! I used an extra large pr of channel lock plyers to remove the fricken thing,but actully twisted the carcus sideways and scraped all the paint off of it. THANKS for the info I will order one today.

 

Probably the same dusty-knuckles that put mine on. It is not easy getting channel lock pliers in there, is it?

 

I've done all my filters by hand and never had one leak, or come loose. That was just a warning for those that like to do it by the book.
:crazy:

 

Most any auto supply has strap wrenches. Many types. For filters that are really struck try a Stilson wrench.

 

Tough to get a stilson wrench on the filter on the vfr. Are you able to do that?

 

I have been hand tightening the oil filter for 9 years now and have never had it come loose and when it comes time to change oil it is stuck on pretty good!

 

Stilsons come in several sizes and if one removes the fairing it can be done. It's easier on a lift. Even better than a strap wrench if the filter is really jammed is a chain wrench.

I use an aftermarket filter system. All stainless including the seal and it came with it's own strap wrench.

There's always the old driving a drift through the whole filter too.

 

It's all about the 8" Craftsman flat-blade screwdriver and a hammer. Works EVERY time.

Also, despite the warning on the handle, it also makes a great pry bar.

 

I have heard that Snap-On screwdrivers will work with Craftsman hammers too. The rumor that either from HF is probably just that.

 

The last time I drove a screw driver throu a filter, I ended up tearing about a 4" oval grove around it! I thought, "If I rip all the way around this thing I will never get it OFF"! Thank the Lord it caught. This does work but it scary. GETTING plyers in there is REAL difficult too, about 1" to work with and you have to work in tiny movements. I can't believe Honda says "20lbs of tork".

 

Those tools were popular in the years before they invented Viagara. The first time I saw one of these was in an
adult version of Trivial Pursuit that never made it to the marketplace.

 

I switched over to the K&N oil filters for the bikes. The 17mm hex head mike it a drean to change out. Kristens Gen 3 wasnt near as bad as the FZ1 was to change the first time. Damn inline 4 headers right on top of the damn thing...

 

I will look into this too. Way better than a 1/2 hr work with a 6' channel lock !

 

K&N our filters have NUTS... lol...thats the only reason i use K&N filters is that freakin NUT they welded on..

 

I have a different way of using a screwdriver. The base of the filter is a rolled ring that is pretty strong; I use a slightly sharpened screwdriver to make a notch in the ring, angle the screwdriver onto the newly formed notch, and gently tap it around anti-clockwise. If you take your time then the filter will undo, and you do not risk being stuck, like you do if you put a hole in the filter body itself.

 

I didn't read the whole thread but you can drain the oil, then punch a whole through the filter and put a large metal rod through it and give'r a whirl,,,,bob's your uncle!!!

Again, a last resort...remember to oil the gasket on the new one...that's probably how your original problem started.