Oil Change from Hell

[Guest jerroldt]

OK, first oil change. I brought the bike to the upright position using leftover deck beam pieces and shims. I have all the botttles of Amsoil full synthetic motorcylce engine lubricant and 3 bottles of Pennzioil gear lube lined up. The gearbox and the bevel box were easy. I used 1/2 OZ moly in the bevel box in addition to the gear oil.

I drained the sump and removed the filter cover using my bolt thing. I tried using my oil filter wrench from Harper's and it didn't work. I tried every trick in my experience to loosen the oil filter. I tried shimming the oil filter wrench with electricians tape and wedging something under the wrench to loosen the filter. I was determined not to have to drop the pan. I finally drilled a hole into the filter and drove a screwdiriver into it to loosen it. The UFI filter finally came out and my garage floor was covered with oil. (synthetic does seem slicker). I have found that the oil filter access cover can be reinstalled without being cross threaded but it takes time and patience. I think that the next oil change will be easier. I will install the ST3614 filter per American specs (hand tighten).

[Lex]

jerroldt,

 

My first oil change was pretty similar other than that I planned to take the oil pan off from the start. My oil filter was either brutally over tighten, put together dry or both by the factory.

 

Changes since have gone much more smoothly.

 

Lex

[big unit]

You can buy a tool to remove that oil filter.

Either from Guzzi or Ducati.

[al_roethlisberger]

...or just drop the pan, as it's a good idea anyway

 

 

Glad to hear you got it all back together with no mishaps

 

al

[Steve G.]

You will have to check the number of flutes [bumps] on the lower end of the filter, and get a wrench with the correct amount. A UFI and a Fram PH 3614 have a different number of flutes.

Ciao, Steve G.

[twhitaker]

My first filter change was tough too. I dropped the pan. (You're supposed to on the first change, to check/ clean the screen.) I took a strap wrench to the filter. The filter collapsed. I broke out a hammer and screwdriver to it and the thing finally came off after slugging the screwdriver with a BMFH.

 

I think Guido uses Loc-tite on the gasket instead of oil.