QuestionHelp! It's the end of the riding season here and I'm preparing to winterize the bike. After 3500 miles this summer commuting, I'm trying to change the oil. The drain plug came out fine, and after positioning the oil pan, I caught most of the old oil.
Now the problem: I fit my 15/32 socket wrench onto the oil filter panel bolt, and attempted to turn it lefty loosey. The socket broke in two places, ruining it. I ran to the neighbor, and borrowed his 12 mm socket, and with him watching, I again tried to turn the bolt. AGAIN, the socket sheared and was ruined. The bolt is still in place, intact, holding the lid on.
I gave up, re-installed the drain plug, and refilled the bike with 2.5 US quarts of Motorcycle oil 10W-40. I would have liked to have replaced the oil filter before putting the bike away.
Do you have any suggestions. I'm worried about shearing the bolt or rounding the head now. How important is it to change that oil filter.(I can aford another $8.00 of oil to be changed out, if the oil filter can be changed. ) Or do I even need to worry about this? HELP!
AnswerDepending on how long the filter has been in there, the media can deteriorate in time and it will eventually plug up. I've seen this a number of times. People over tighten the plug wanting to make sure it doesn't back off. There's a trick I find successful about 50% of the time. First, only use a 6 point socket to try and remove it. Never use a wrench or 12 point socket. They will most likely round off the corners and you're stuck.
Have someone help you to lean the bike over. Take a ball peen hammer and hit the end of the bolt three or four times with sharp blows. Don't hit the housing our you'll be looking for a replacement. Then take a ratchet and the 6 point socket and try loosing the bolt. If you're lucky, it will break free. If it doesn't break free repeat the process. If after three attempts, it doesn't come loose you'll have to try something else.
Regards
Rich
