Quick Oil Filter Change Question : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

propflux01 · 09-02-2009, 09:55 PM

I am changing the oil on my new-to-me 03 UC. When I looked at the filter, it is apparent I cannot remove it because there is a plastic thing in front of it, held on with one Allen-headed bolt. I removed the bolt, but the thing only moves around, doesn't seem to come out, and cannot back off the filter with it in the way. What is it, and how do I get around this?

1949shoebox · 09-02-2009, 10:11 PM

it a crank sensor unscrew the allen bolt then pull sensor striaght up . it will come out . then you can remove and replace your filter

propflux01 · 09-02-2009, 10:19 PM

Thank you! I had to beat a dent in the filter to get it out, God only knows how they got it back in after they (?) changed the filter last time!

petrock · 09-03-2009, 02:39 AM

HD and others sells a filter wrench with a section cut out to make room for that sensor. You can also use a (metal) strap wrench. Once you've got it off, switch to a K&N filter which has a nut on the end of it so you just use a regular socket to remove the filter.

propflux01 · 09-03-2009, 08:47 AM

Getting the filter loose wasn't a problem, it just didn't have room to back out. I ended up taking a long extension and putting a good sized dent in the filter so I could get room for the sensor to come out, therefore letting the filter back out. There is an oil cooler setup that takes off from the filter mount that seems to 'extend' the filter alittle farther out than stock ( I assume).

SamF · 09-07-2009, 01:22 AM

something doesnt sound right, you shouldnt have to remove that sensor or modify the filter to remove it...using an HD filter?

propflux01 · 09-07-2009, 08:18 AM

Actually it was the HD filter that I couldn't get off! There is an oil cooler setup that mounts directly off the filter mount, moving it (filter) back about 1/2 inch.

plongson · 09-07-2009, 09:04 AM

Something still sounds fishy. I have the HD oil cooler and have no fitment problems with the filter.

Have any photos???

Coolmaker · 09-07-2009, 09:09 AM

The oil cooler adapter is not installed properly, and needs to be moved. When installed properly the filter is very easy to get off and on.

propflux01 · 09-07-2009, 10:05 AM

I will get a pic as soon as I can.

LoneEagle964 · 09-07-2009, 11:02 AM

also may want to make sure it had the correct filter on it , Harley makes a long and a short filter if it supposed to have the short and someone used the long it could cause the problem yoiu are having .

LOneEagle

propflux01 · 09-07-2009, 10:31 PM

OK, here are pics for view:
first one is the Chrome one I took off. It is banged up because I had to dent the dome in to get the Crank sensor out.

Second is top view through the forks of the adaptor, best I could get, between the forks:

Next is the WIX replacement I used. It is the same distance from the crank sensor as the HD chrome one.

I hope I did these images right...

bwana01 · 09-10-2009, 10:43 PM

Your oil cooler / oil filter setup is corrrect. There is little to no clearence between the stock HD filter or a K&N filter and the crank sensor particularly with a cap style oil filter wrench. Best way to beat the problem is to use a Mobil 1 S & S filter. It is 1/8" less in diameter and clears easily. S&S part # 31-4104.

Bwana

texastooltime · 09-11-2009, 09:30 PM

Or throw the throwaway filter away and invest in the K & P filter that can be dismantled and cleaned. Smaller diameter, filters finer particles and also helps cool the small amount of oil that goes through it at any one time. Plus it looks good.