SOFA and Kerker pipes

[Cobia]

Hey Olds,
I have a set of Kerker 4X1 exhaust on my '80G and bought a SOFCA, with the oil cooler feature, and it does not fit. The non-oil cooler may fit but this one does not. I have a set of Jardine 4x2 spaghetti exhaust, that is open in that area, and will allow me to install the SOFCA and the oil cooler nipples. Been putting it off for two years now because the G runs soooo nice with the Kerker!!!!
Good luck.

[thewiz]

LOL .. well TC ..

I was too lazy to do the math myself too ... gawd ... don't know why but it may have to do with this heat here in NC It's different than in Cal ... soooo thanks for runnin the numbers .... now ... put me down for a CA when you get around to makin' stuff... I've got a cooler and surely the bike needs it here

Hope the battle with the city turns out well .

[Toolmaker Tim]

Fram vs. Super Tech

It occurs to me that the rubber gripping surface on the Fram may prevent damage by road debris. Other than that, I dont see a whole lot of difference between the two. I guess if you can't get the 6017A betwen the headers and one of the 6077 will, it's all good.A couple of the bikes listed for the 6077 are high performance bike, so the 6077 SHOULD be capable of handling our ancient 1100cc bikes.

[thewiz]

Trouble now ...

I've been measuring .... and I now don't think the SoFCA will fit but will the work with the 6607 filter? If so I'll re check.

Problem with the SuperTrapp is that the big V left by the pipe convergence below the dog bowl is not centered. Instead it leaves a larger gap to the left side of the bike than the right side. That now brings the assembled height into play. Were the 'V' centered, it would have been no problem

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Wiz,

Sorry, but the filters we've been talking about are only for the plain SOFA, not the SOFCA. The SOFCA requires a much WIDER mouth on the filter to allow it to cover the oil return from the radiator and down into the filter position while allowing room to use the mounting NUT for the plate.

The plain SOFA doesn't have/use/need that nut because it's mounting hole is threaded, so a narrower filter can be used. The nut is required with the SOFCA due to not being able to spin the plate because of the oil barb fittings and not being able to guarantee where it would end up IF it was threaded, stop spinning as it snugged up against the engine. Also using the nut provides a stronger securing of the plate again because of extra stress from the cooling hoses and such.

Also, the SOFCA is a bit thicker....~1.35" thick due to the need for room for the cooler barbs and such, so.... it looks like the SOFCA may not be a viable option for you with those particular pipes!

T.C.

[thewiz]

Yes, you are correct, TC

[65oldsboy]

Well, I finally had some time to do some measuring last night. I definitely cannot get the SOFA and the filter in above the pipes. They hug the existing oil filter dog bowl too tightly. With a small diameter filter, it appears to be possible to get it to hang between the pipes though. Like thewiz said, the "V" between the pipes which starts just behind the dog bowl is off-center. If it was centered, there would be no problem hanging the filter down between the pipes. It still looks like it can be done. A skinny filter is the key in this situation, not a short filter.

TC, when you have time to make a production run of the SOFA's, would you put me down for one? I really hate having to drop the exhaust just to change the oil. If I can't get this to work, there might be a Kerker exhaust going up on eBay. Also, good luck with your "water access walkway deck and pier" permit. What a PITA. Several years ago I had a 6 month long battle with my community association just about the placement of my shed. I won. Dealing with City Hall has got to be WAAAAY worse than that.

[Toolmaker Tim]

Height Issue

I wasn't going to tear my SOFA off to check, but it seems to me that the biggest problem with the over all height is the center protrusion (boss)where the oil filter bowl is. If that wasn't in the way one could cut the thickness of the SOFA or SOFCA down considerably. The 1 1/2" dia c'bore in the center to clear the boss hanging down adds stock that I think could be otherwise left out. Between that and maybe changing the bolts inside the seal ring to button head bolts, you could gain quite a bit of clearance. However I could be missing something. If I am someone point it out, understand I am just brainstoming here.What is the inside diameter of the hose that runs to the cooler? T.C., what is the dimension from the boss that the pipe threads in to the seal ring measured on the engine?

[Toolmaker Tim]

St6607

Sometimes I am a little slow. I just now realized what T.C. was saying about a dyslexic moment. He is right, the filter # is 6607.

Excuse me while I do the walk of shame

[GaryF]

I just noticed this thread and thought I would kick in my 2 cents
I have the sofa with the kerker and its very tight but it works
although you have to make a small dent in the filter with a soft hammer
I use a strapwrench to tighten the filter- mark the spot with marker that touches pipe- remove filter- put the small indent in it and replace filter
I have had it on over a year through 2 filters without any problems

[Toolmaker Tim]

Denting Filter

Hi Gary, if you use the Super Tech 6607 you won't have to dent the filter. Not to mention they are less expensive than the fram filters are. That was the exact same spot my header rubbed through when I used the 6017A. If you are a Fram fan you could always use their version of the 6607 that TC mentioned earlier in this thread. It does tuck up closer to the engine so it might lessen the chance of road debris damage. From what TC found out about the specs, it has the same relief valve pressure, anti drain valve, thread and diameter. Plus it costs less, whats not to like?

[65oldsboy]

Thanks for all of the replies guys. Looks like I'm going to give it a go (once TC has time to start a production run).

[GaryF]

Thanks Tim
Its time for an oilchange Ill give it a try this week

[Toolmaker Tim]

6607 Oil Filter

Got about 500 miles on my ST6607 and no problems.