Spin On Oil Filter Adapter POLL

[CMA1]

Re: More Options

Originally posted by TopCatGr58

Others who got one but haven't reported in yet, Brent in Ga., Marty A. in Pa, CMA1 in Canada, Ralph Meeks in NC., the other two I've told you about!

T.C.

Hi T.C.,
Just wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten about the "performance reprt" on the adapter.... I haven't got it installed yet. The winter hit too quickly and right now it is almost down to -40`C (that is -40`F too !!!! same in either language) so the bike is not really on my mind right now , but a new battery for the cage maybe

As soon as spring gets here, and I can work outside again (no garage here ) I will be installing the "System" and will surely post here. I have no doubts that it will work perfectly!
Later......
CMA1

[MartyA]

I haven't forgotten either, I have the same problem as CMA, except in half. I had only -17 F...

I can't wait for spring.....

[MartyA]

Hey Hobbit, nice pipes. Where'd you get them?

[Hobbit]

pipes

They came with the bike. I'm not sure what they are though. Some thought that they might be Hookers. I can't find any markings on them.
There are several pictures posted on this sight that show the real long megaphones.

[John]

Pipes

I would dare to say they are Jardines. They look exactly like the set I just installed on my bike. If they are, the brand name, and part number can be found on the mounting tab on the muffler where it bolts up to the rear footpeg bracket. Are they as long as the stock pipes on a Standard model, or are they short, like those on a Special? Mine are short, but made for a Standard. They end just before the rear axle. Are the pipes stacked on top of each other where they fit into the muffler, or are they side by side like the original pipes? Mine are stacked. Mine were on Organ Donor, but I installed them on Twilite Special. They don't have the upsweep that pipes from a Special has, they are straight, like those on a Standard. I just made a small bracke that attaches to the muffler ,and attaches to the rear footpeg bracket. They sound nice too!

[Jerry]

I agree on the Jardines...look like the same set I put on my XJ. Had to cut about 1.5 inches off the collectors to move the mufflers forward. Used the stock XJ mount but had to put in a drop link between the muffler and the mount, as the Jardine pipes don't have ths same angle as the stockers. Looks good, performs well. Mine still have the stock cross-over pipe.

[KurtG]

Mine was one that leaked, I did clean the surfaces carefully and used the silicone TC suggested and let it set up for more than 24 hrs. The leak started after a 1000 mile fairly high speed run to Mexico where I was fortunate to be at a friend's place with good shop facilities. I once again cleaned both surfaces well and reinstalled the adapter using the same type of silicone. 1500 miles later when I got back home there was once again a small leak so at that point I had a machinist friend cut an o-ring groove and again it was sealed for a while and then started to leak again. I'm not sure why this is happening but I was quite careful as to assembly. I think that a lock nut will solve the problem and an working on machining a small recess for it in the adapter. I am going to keep working on this and will post any progress that I make. Please don't take this as any criticism whatsoever of TC's efforts, I am very appreciative of the work he has put into this project.

Originally posted by wildbill
TopCat,I see what you mean.Could the adapter not been tightened up good at the start been the cause for it leaking?Just a guess or the mating surface been dirty.Proably something simple and easy to overlook. Hobbit,Those must be some good headers,like them.You think you could reach the filter with one of the wrench that fits on the end of 3/8 extenison with rachet?Finding one might pose a problem but a auto parts place or mc shop might know where to get one.Trick is finding right size. Good luck

[wildbill]

Re: oil leak

KurkG,Did you see just where it was leaking at?I have only pictures to look at on this so I`m mainly guessing.I like what T.C. is doing and will more than likely buy one to when I get all the bugs worked out on my bike.Have you thought of making a gasket for the mating surface if thats where it is leaking.That might be all it needs. Good luck

[KurtG]

I felt an o-ring would be better than a gasket, my fear was that a gasket would bunch up as the adapter was tightened. The o-ring showed no sign of doing so. I could not see exactly where the leak was coming from since the top of the adapter is visible only in front.

[wildbill]

Re:Spin On Oil Filter Adapter

TC,Will you let me know when a new batch is ready.Things are up in the air right now{to cold and working on other things}.Will proably be spring time but want to get my name in the hat for one.Send a pm or post concerning price,installation and what kind of filter to use.Might be a while so take care.Don`t like to work on anything outside when its cold have a habit of breaking something.

[pathfinder]

Oil Filter Adapter

I'd be interested in one, how is the design coming. Riding 78 XS11 Standard w/Stock Pipes. I thought about the problem of leakage, on the install is the adapter free spining? If so it may be damageing the gasket material just a little as it spins. If a poitive stop could be incorperated that may be the ticket. Or let it spin until just before contact then hold with strap wrench to fully tighten. Just a thought. Just my two cents.

[stevec5000]

Mine hasn't leaked and it's been on there for 3 years now. I had to re-do the webpage so the link to the pics has changed.
http://www.mesanet.netfirms.com/XS1100OilFilter.htm

[jkgrubbs]

Sign me up! the vote would not accept.

If it easier/cheaper/cleaner, it must be a winner.

[MartyA]

Well my second attempt went fine so far. No leaks. I let the engine get hot in the driveway and then went on a 10 minute 'spirited' run, 6,000 RPM on occasion. I will go on an extended run in a few days to really give it a test.

My first attempt I probably did not clean the surfaces enough, and *maybe* didn't let the silicone cure long enough, and *maybe* let a drop of oil get on the adapter. Not sure. It leaked the moment the bike started. But the second time I was a little more patient. I drained the oil and let it drain for two days.

Then I ran the adapter surface lightly over some 600 grit sand paper, then wiped and wiped and wiped with the acetone. Then I wiped and wiped and wiped the bottom of the engine filter area mating surface till there was just a trace of dark stuff (oxide?) on the rag. Then I layed on a light bead of silicone, let it skin for about 20 minutes. Then I put Loctite on the threads, ran it up and down a little to get it on the adapter threads, then screwed it in, just like TC's directions. I got it hand tight, squeezed a little silicone out, then tried to reposition and give it a little more, but the Loctite took hold. My big hands don't fit well between the header pipes. No more turning without a strap, which I am holding in reserve just in case.

Left it sit for 24 hours, oiled the spin on filter, put it on, added oil, ran the engine till it got hot for a while in the driveway. No leaks. Off I went on a spirited short run, around a few blocks, stopped to check, then off on a brief hi speed run. Still no leaks. Got it hot enough to smoke the leftover oil film on the feader pipes.

Got a couple of things coming up in the next few days, might not get to an extended ride till Sunday or later. I will report when I have more info.

My thoughts on my initial failure are clean clean clean the mating surfaces. Let the oil drain till there is no more in the engine, so no rampant drop gets in the way. I think one tiny drop of oil on the silicone or the surfaces the silicone touches will cause a complete failure. The silicone is probably at best a tenuous seal, and TC's thoughts about a additional element such as paper of rubber might be a better idea. Also, TC suggests in his instructions to 'tickle' the starter a few times till the pressure light goes out, then start the engine. I think this is a good idea, as you might have a problem if you just start the engine and let it run, with the cold oil pushing a pocket of air you might momentarily pressurize the area inside the adapter and you might blow out the silicone.

When I went to buy the spin-on, the local Carquest didn't have Fram, so I got the cross-referenced Carquest filter at $8 and change. The owner knew I had an XS, so he asked why I was buying a Kubota filter. I told him about TC's adapter, so he looked in the back of the book for additional filters with the same threads. He found several - smaller in diameter, bigger, shorter and longer. I got one about 1/2" or so shorter than the first one, for $3 and change. The drawback is it only takes 3 qts. and a little to fill the crankcase now. I might change it back to a bigger one, I am afraid I will run a little hot. I change the oil every 1,500 miles anyway, so I am not worried about wearing the oil out.

Updates to follow. Now on to the petcocks...

[N D ANA]

Sign me up for a filter adapter
NDAna