[hardlydangerous]

What did we learn here today?

Don't put the damn oil filter on with a wrench ! Only hand tight.

Use an OEM filter and proper filter wrench.

[jdm5770]

I'm sorry to hear that man. You never expect an oil change to be a big deal. I will refrain from commenting on the K&N and leave that for someone else, but it looks like those things are just bad luck. :P

There is nothing wrong with their oil filters, it's the air filters that suck on the Kat.

[katana_ron]

Okay, I must have ate my Wheaties last time I did the oil change. I have changed the oil many times and always with the K&N filter. No problems, except this time.

Live and learn......

[ADyingBreed]

stop scarring the kat newbs(me) with all the problems lol.

j/k

if my filter gives me trouble ill order that filter wrench and if that doesnt work ill just bi*th and moan about it until i get one of those claw wrenches

[The CyberPoet]

I will stick to the OEM oil filters -- never an issue... But the filter really should be more than hand-tight (book calls for just barely touching the seal plus two full rotations after that). If I thought the K&N's were better, I'd sell them instead of the OEM filters (see link in my signature for how to order OEM filters for $8.50, end-cap wrench for $4.50).

Meanwhile, I think I have the ultimate stubborn oil filter removal tool: Chain Wrench. I got one for a couple bucks out of JC Whitney back in the mid-80's and it's always served me well whenever I came up against a stuck filter of any sort on any vehicle. You can find the big ones in the plumbing section of most hardware stores (typically 14 to 24"), but there are also smaller versions specifically made for oil-filter purposes (9 - 12") available from some automotive specialty shops... Here's one on eBay as an example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260349075158

I work on large trucks and we have this quick connect oil drain that you replace the drainplug with. when you want to drop oil you just uncrew cap and quick couple a drain hose. i wonder if they make smaller versions of this system. makes oil drop a lot cleaner. Still doesnt help with the filter

The thing you're talking about is available for the Kat, and it's called the Fumoto Valve (need model F111). No hose, no nipple needed because of the orientation of the drain pan. Runs about $25 - $28 delivered typically. There are other brands out there, I'm sure, but I know for a fact (and seven years of service on the Kats) that the fumoto will hold up to the elevated engine temps at their worst with zero issues.

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

__________________________________________________ ________
CyberPoet's Katana Maintence and Upgrade Parts Offerings
The Best Metal Steel Aluminum Motorcycle Tire Valves in the World, plus lots of motorcycle & Katana (GSX600F / GSX750F) specific help files.

[Wild-Bill]

There is nothing wrong with their oil filters, it's the air filters that suck on the Kat.

Beg to differ... Check this out: http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/FilterStudy.html

[squiggy]

This is the same kind of claw-type wrench I use. It not quite exact, but it's close. It uses the same principle in that the harder it is to spin off the filter, the stronger the clamping force is applied to the oil filter.

And it uses just a 3/8" rachet and extension.

[scottynoface]

Screwdriver through the oil filter works fine for me everytime, spin the new one on as tight as I can get with my hand then tighten the clamp down.

[squiggy]

Screwdriver through the oil filter works fine for me everytime.

Does the header get in the way of the screwdriver?

[md86]

Only if you stab it from the wrong angle .....
I use the K&N's ALL the time . For like the last 6 years or so . I ONCE had a problem with mine , and that was that I didn't put it on tight enough and it started to drip . No big deal , get out the 14mm socket and snug it up a bit .

[scottynoface]

Does the header get in the way of the screwdriver?

I drop the headers on my bike and clean them as part of my oil change schedule. However, using the screwdriver method the filter can be removed without removing the headers if you are patient enough to do about 1/4-1/2 turn at a time.

On a side note, I ALWAYS drop the filter as soon as it comes unscrewed completely, nice big plop into my oil bucket

[JimG4652]

I drop the headers on my bike and clean them as part of my oil change schedule.

Is this something you do 'cause you already have the header off when removing your oil filter? Or do you have REALLY bad carbon build up? Or do you clean the outside of it? Just curious....

[quik89Kat]

Is this something you do 'cause you already have the header off when removing your oil filter? Or do you have REALLY bad carbon build up? Or do you clean the outside of it? Just curious....

Ditto Im curious about that too that must suck ...any how 2 full turns is crazy that would pull the threads out of an oil filter wouldnt ya think?....Mines only hand tight

[The CyberPoet]

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

__________________________________________________ ________
CyberPoet's Katana Maintence and Upgrade Parts Offerings
The Best Metal Steel Aluminum Motorcycle Tire Valves in the World, plus lots of motorcycle & Katana (GSX600F / GSX750F) specific help files.

[jday240]

Typical Cyberpoet response...all questions answered completely! I got my filter "wrench" from Cyberpoet...who better to give my money to. Thanks Marc. I will be in touch soon for a filter. It's cheaper to have it shipped from CP than buying locally at the dealer.