stuck oil filter - how to fix

[KB13]

The first time I tried to change the oil filter on my used 2003 r1150r I started with a filter wrench. Filter wouldn't budge and the wrench stripped off all the edges on the flange on the bottom of the filter. Next tried drilling holes in the bottom of the filter and screwing in sheet metal screws, then using a large screwdriver between the screws to try to turn it. Ripped out the screws. Put in larger screws and tried again. Ripped of the entire bottom of the filter. Take a break and order a KD brand (part # KDT3288) filter wrench. When I get it the three "fingers" will barely fit in between the filter well and side of filter but the metal on metal slides and the filter wont turn. I cut three small pieces of sandpaper and used superglue to glue the sandpaper to the three "fingers" on the filter wrench. It then takes a little light hammering to get the wrench back in and over the filter but it now holds and the filter comes off!
I would post some photos to show all this but don't know how. Will be glad to email them to anyone who wants them.

Ken

[gregor]

Lucky to get away with the increasingly dodgy bodges.But well done.
I'm surprised the filter wrench failed. Mine is basically a large cast socket and overlaps the flats on the filter by about an inch. Can't imagine mine failing. Or was yours a generic car type filter?
Overtightening the new filter is a no no but I've found 1/2 to one turn is OK once the seal has contacted.

[Hottech]

Where did you find the three finger filter wrench. I had the same problem and ended up mutillating the old filter and removing it in pieces. I had let the engine cool over night and I am going to try removing it when the engine is hot next time. My BMW filter wrench and auto zone wrench jusr twists around the filter notches and would never get a good bite. Would like to buy a different type of filter wrench.

[Buckster]

Wow...I have never heard of that problem before and would hate to have that happen. I would say that the 20-25 dollar wrench that BMW makes for the filter would be the best option.

[goomicoo]

The filter was probably overtightened the last time.
Never fails! Use something on the new filter gasket to keep it from seizing again.
We use Dow Corning #4 (DC4) dielectric grease on the filters before installing.
Mmm Mmm good!

[hawkdad]

I had the same problem last season.. had to drive the screw driver thru.. put a nice gouge in the wall of the filter cavity ... but.. I ended up filing down the burr and then cleanning it really well and filling it in with JB Weld.. fortunately, the screwdriver didn't puncture the casing..

So.. from then on.. I ONLY change the filter once the bike is warmed up.. I use the K&N filters with the attached nut and have never had problems.. ONCE THE BIKE IS WARM..

yeah.. a half turn AFTER contact is the key..

[pebmr]

DO NOT DO WHAT I JUST DID!!!
Went to change my oil and had the bright idea since it's still so damn cold that I would just change it cold-did not think it would warm up enough to open the coolers and drain all oil to the sump and I didn't want to ride for 30+ minutes to warm it up enough in 30-degree weather. Well, the F'n K&N filter with the nice nut attached to it stripped. Then it stripped worse and worse until it was not a nut. Then I punched a screwdriver through it and only managed to mangle it further. The I took a filter wrench, drilled 4 hole in it, and attached it to the filter with 4 screws. Put the socket in and turned it, and the damn thing broke(the welded socket piece actually sheared off). Then I tipped the bike on it's side to get better access to the mess, and ended up putting a screwdrive between the filter and wall and pryed it inwards all the way around the filter. This finally broke the seal and I got the mangled mess off! Never saw such a sorry looking mess, but I was damn glad it was off. DO NOT change your filter cold!!!

[towerworker]

Wow!! I've never seen or heard of such troubles getting the filter off.

Reminds me of the first time I changed the antifreeze in my 2003 R1150. I had a really tough time getting the radiator cap off.

[pebmr]

It's kinda funny(now that I'm having a nice Gin & Tonic...), because I read this topic before some time ago-never thought I would experience it. Changing antifreeze is nothing compared to this!

[MarkShelley]

Don`t use the K&N filters with the small `nut`
There have been horrow stories on the ukgser forum of the nut failing.
If you stick with genuine filters and use the correct snug fitting removal tool you will have no problems. Always check that the rubber gasket has not been left attached to the sump.
Always run a smear of oil over the new rubber gasket before installing.
You should always do the oil change with a warm engine so all the crud is in suspension in the oil and will come out with it.