Oil filter removal.

[bucket]

Well, I've just dropped the oil on my ST1300, Mr Honda, love the bike but why did you make the oil filter so hard to get to? After changing the plugs and air filter, I moved onto the oil and filter thinking, it's a spin on oil filter, that'll make life easy! It took me around ten minutes to realise that my clamp I use for the car, won't fit the smaller filter on the bike, and I couldn't get it in there anyway. I'm replacing it anyway, I'll just drive a screwdriver through it and turn it with that. Well that just made a mess. In the end I had to find a spot I could put a driver onto the edge of the filter and tap it so that I could get it to unscrew. I hear there's a special tool to use for the filter, has anyone used it and do you have any suggestions for easier replacement in the future? I have, this time, used a K&N filter with the nut welded to the back, so at least it will be an easier replacement next time.

[Williamson]

I have a few oil filter tools, this type I find the best.

[Williamson]

I have a few oil filter tools, this type I find the best. 

In the small motorcycle filter size, of course.

[bucket]

Yeah, i'm looking at one of those ones with a steel band that you can tighten with a nut, like this:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/276099112469?hash=item4048ca1e15:g:Q38AAOSwR21kaGXu&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwE7bEHWnlhXlRrnwlOdWwSp6FfTdbKfvmjyLce%2B%2Bv9uMP3wsfvDyNebSbzfJU4ZfwMNoO9bLFq%2FH2QJ3DLgw032mf3gxONsMfWzPtS4griA2Dw5LLKqkUHZ3KwBEBBDYSZuzLx7CktepbD0PF4d%2BAesqHORxmPV7Czlvea1BFIUOPzMKQVMwe4TwYrMilOoyEEdhOkGK1w82kQNJAgJMIhE9LLiZOkvwt%2BqQzP%2BnQvxgKFcnl1i7obXmHfRN9aVkKw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8D03a6sYw

I assume that from the one you posted, the oil filter is 65 mm in diameter? I should go and measure the old one, an original part, so I know for the future.

[ruSTynutz]

I like the K&N Filters as they have a nut that you can use a socket on.
They are available in black or chrome if you like a bit of bling... 

[Williamson]

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/276099112469?hash=item4048ca1e15:g:Q38AAOSwR21kaGXu&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwE7bEHWnlhXlRrnwlOdWwSp6FfTdbKfvmjyLce%2B%2Bv9uMP3wsfvDyNebSbzfJU4ZfwMNoO9bLFq%2FH2QJ3DLgw032mf3gxONsMfWzPtS4griA2Dw5LLKqkUHZ3KwBEBBDYSZuzLx7CktepbD0PF4d%2BAesqHORxmPV7Czlvea1BFIUOPzMKQVMwe4TwYrMilOoyEEdhOkGK1w82kQNJAgJMIhE9LLiZOkvwt%2BqQzP%2BnQvxgKFcnl1i7obXmHfRN9aVkKw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8D03a6sYw

I have one like that but I find that there's not manoeuvring space at the rear of the filter.

I like the K&N Filters as they have a nut that you can use a socket on.
They are available in black or chrome if you like a bit of bling... 

Yes, that's a good option but as I still have three or four filter without the nut, I'll stick the other style for now.

[ruSTynutz]

There's always this option... 

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/196147918026?hash=item2dab53b4ca:g:eXUAAOSwJgNlhpH9

Or you can get a Ryco one from Repco for $20 or less if you're an Auto Club Member...
https://www.repco.com.au/tools-equipment/automotive-tools/engine-drivetrain/ryco-spin-on-oil-filter-removal-cup-rst201/p/A9814770

[cravenhaven]

Yeah, i'm looking at one of those ones with a steel band that you can tighten with a nut, like this:

The filter removal tool isnt a band style clamp, its an oversized socket style with a nut on the back. Trouble I've found is that some filters have different number of flutes, even though they are the same diameter.

[Jdbiker]

Only ever tightened by hand and removed by hand, never had an issue 

[bucket]

Only ever tightened by hand and removed by hand, never had an issue 

Yep, I'm with you but with big hands, I couldn't get in to take this one off. The previous owner had it installed so I'm not sure what was used to put it on. It's only hand tightened so should be easier to remove next time even though I have the K&N filter fitted.

[STeveo]

I found a large pair of multi grips worked well, (not like I wanted to keep the old filter) and hand tighten the new one.

[bucket]

Further to the oil filter, I changed the plugs to NGK iridium ones as park of the service and it's made a noticeable difference to the performance of the bike. Not exactly more horsepower but it pulls more cleanly from low revs and seems to have a performance increase at low revs. I can't say yet if it's giving me better economy, but I'm suitably impressed. The old plugs weren't bad either, these just seem better. I also found a K&N air filter fitted so will give that a clean and use it next time.

[Brock]

K&N air filters are problematic in the STs, lots of reports of them choking the airflow when the foam outer and the spray is used, and poor filtering if the foam is removed.. The paper honda genuine work just fine and rarely need replacing.

[bucket]

K&N air filters are problematic in the STs, lots of reports of them choking the airflow when the foam outer and the spray is used, and poor filtering if the foam is removed.. The paper honda genuine work just fine and rarely need replacing.

Thanks for the update, this may explain the difference I put down to the plugs, ie pulling better from low revs etc. This one doesn't appear to have a foam outer, in fact it looks like a normal pleated filter, but it is definitely K&N and was oiled. The only one I've had previous experience with was for a sports car and was all foam.

[ruSTynutz]

I think you must be thinking about some old K&N air filters, Brock as I've bought 2 since I've had my ST and there's no Foam outer whatsoever...

[Brock]

Good to see, K&N must have seen some of the comments. The US Based STOWNERS site for years had repeated winges about the filters, could have been the 1100 round filters..

I have only replaced the OEM a few times in the last 100000ish Ks, they just dont get much dirt in there..

[bucket]

I think you must be thinking about some old K&N air filters, Brock as I've bought 2 since I've had my ST and there's no Foam outer whatsoever...

That's identical to the one I took out on the service last week.

[Jdbiker]

Have the same on the 1300, works well when cleaned and oiled regularly, oil on the inside.