How to remove oil filter?

Just had a look at the oil filter on my GSX1250,and I don't think there is enough clearance between it and the headers to use my Suzuki filter tool and ratchet.What is the method used by you guys to remove and install the filter on these bikes? Don't say a screwdriver through the old filter,I hate that idea.

I use one of these from Supacheap

Or one of these


You only have to get it lose enough to spin off with your hands. Use some alfoil over the headers too to stop oil getting on them

Stromcat wrote:Just had a look at the oil filter on my GSX1250,and I don't think there is enough clearance between it and the headers to use my Suzuki filter tool and ratchet.What is the method used by you guys to remove and install the filter on these bikes? Don't say a screwdriver through the old filter,I hate that idea.

I use a removal tool with a ratcheting ring spanner. Easy access

I used K & N filters with the 17mm nut on the end.
Don't over tighten and they come off easy.

Dekenai wrote:I use one of these from Supacheap

I have one of these as well, they work good but a bit of a hassle. As soon as they Suzuki filter came off a K&N with built in nut replaced it. All you need now is a 17mm ratchet ringy.

Dekenai wrote:I use one of these from Supacheap

Yeah, I got something similar from the same place. But there is not heaps of room to work in I found!

As said above - use K&N filters with the 17mm hex head.  Easy to get on and off.  So simple you've got to wonder why that isn't the standard.

Cheers everyone,looks like K&N filters are the way to go,once I get the Suzi one off.Just ordered a couple of HiFlo filters from MandP here in the UK,and according to the photo on their website these have the nut welded on too,although I thought that only the K&N had this feature,although they are supposedly the same filter apart from that.We shall see when they arrive.

I haven't done my own service yet, that'll be changing now warranty is out. I kept the Suzuki oil filter wrench I bought for my VX800, that has a hex end on it where the socket drive is, I would have thought there was plenty of room for me to use that, I'll have to check it out before I start my own servicing

From the HiFlo web site it seems if you order the "racing" oil filter HF138RC you get one with a 17mm hex, the HF138 does not.

The K&N filter KN138 has a hex on the end.

Chook wrote:I haven't done my own service yet, that'll be changing now warranty is out. I kept the Suzuki oil filter wrench I bought for my VX800, that has a hex end on it where the socket drive is, I would have thought there was plenty of room for me to use that, I'll have to check it out before I start my own servicing

That's the one I use 

Of you have arrow headers the Suzuki tool is useless. That's why I use multi grips

paul wrote:

Chook wrote:I haven't done my own service yet, that'll be changing now warranty is out. I kept the Suzuki oil filter wrench I bought for my VX800, that has a hex end on it where the socket drive is, I would have thought there was plenty of room for me to use that, I'll have to check it out before I start my own servicing

That's the one I use 

Get a ratcheting ring spanner for that. A socket and drive won't fit.

You can also get them in this style that would allow a little more room for the ratchet handle to fit on.  



Personnally I use the K&N filter so don't have any problems with trying to get a tool to fit.

Edit:  Since fitting the Arrow headers I can no longer get the K&N filter to fit.  They (Arrow) have made the downpipes hug the engine block just that little tighter so that the square-knob on the top will not allow the filter to fit.  So back to the original plain-jane style  

I use a multi directional filter removal tool, it's made in the USA & works nicely. 

Holy old-threads batman!

http://www.hubertuy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screwdriver.png

This is a great way to get the oil filter started if it's on too tight....

A reversible 17mm rachet spanner is all you need if you are using K&N oil filters.

Ewok1958 wrote:A reversible 17mm rachet spanner is all you need if you are using K&N oil filters.

Just watch out if you have Arrow Headers, mine hug the block a little too close and I can't get the filter past the centre pipes to get it to thread on.

Multi grips work. Arrow headers are a much tighter fit than stock

Hi all, sorry to drag up an old thread but a search hasn't yielded an answer yet. I've just drained the oil on my '07 1250 and managed to loosen the filter however there was absolutely no way in hell I could get the filter out past the headers. No room on either side. What's the secret? It looks like it might fit if I drained the coolant and removed some hoses, but surely there's an easier way!?

Remove from the bottom left hand side ( as you sit on  the bike ) you may need to bend the bottom radiator hose slightly to get it through .That is assuming you have the original headers on .

Yep, stock headers. I tried getting it out that way but it just didn't look like it was going to fit. I was being a little precious though so maybe a bit more bending is required. I've just left the filter on there and put fresh oil in. Will have to wait for next time which shouldn't be too long, since I commute. Thanks for the quick response!

Not sure what bike you have,but on my GSX1250FA I had to remove the bracket which holds the lower left radiator hose(as it says to do in the owners manual).The old oil filter can then be removed easily enough.I am now using HiFlo oil filters which have a built in 17mm nut welded on,which makes future removal easier.Half the price of OE too.

I have Arrow headers, I use a strap type remover I made and the filter comes out the left side with no dramas! Cut a 600ml plastic soda bottle along the length but leave the neck, when you loosen the filter the oil hits that then into your drain pan, no mess no fuss lol