Oil filter bolt NOT budging...

[ERM83]

I can't even remotely get this thing loose.

I didn't twist it like a crazy person last time I changed the filter. This is weird. So far, I've broken two ratchets, and two adapters trying to get this thing off. Lately, EVERY FIX that I try to do to this bike SHOULD take half an hour / an hour, and then I end up spending all freakin' day on it.

Any tricks to this?? Already tried penetrating spray (AND letting it sit). Not wanting to use a 12-point wrench, for obvious reasons.

[dpotter58]

Breaker bar

[ERM83]

ahhhhh....disregard this post! I finally found some threads on here (google on my phone wasn't finding the threads for some reason?!), and I guess the best thing to do is...REPLACE IT. This is one of the ONLY qualms I have about the engineering of these bikes...why THE HELL would they make that hex a 12mm?!?!

[ERM83]

Breaker bar

yeah, absolutely! I actually am at my apt. and not the garage (thought this would be a quick deal), so I don't have my breaker. Was trying to get an immediate/convenient solution. I didn't have to use a breaker last time, though. And that was removing the bolt after 15 years of it sitting....

[soccer4m]

big vise grips

Hi Erm,,,I have had luck with those type of bolts with a larger vise grip,,,get it so it clamps reeeealy snub after closing and tap with a hammer and pray. It will usually turn with the shock of the hammer,,,,last resort is to weld on a larger nut and then twist off..............Mike in Sun Diego

[ERM83]

Hi Erm,,,I have had luck with those type of bolts with a larger vise grip,,,get it so it clamps reeeealy snub after closing and tap with a hammer and pray. It will usually turn with the shock of the hammer,,,,last resort is to weld on a larger nut and then twist off..............Mike in Sun Diego

Thanks, mike! That's my next resort...I just went and got an adapter for my 1/2 inch-drive wrench, along with a 3/8 12mm socket...I think that'll do. I didn't have anything but a 1/4-drive 12mm handy, and I REALLY didn't think it would be this ridiculous getting this bolt loose! Hopefully one of these methods does the trick. I'm DEFINITELY getting a new bolt VERY soon. Not trying to go through this annoyance again!

[skids]

I would try a strap wrench on the filter cup. There is a little give, but there are ears on the flange that will stop complete rotation. It may help to rotate it just the degree or so that it will go, back and forth. I would try the penetrating oil at the bolt flange and let it sit over night, and then clean the bolt head and apply valve cutting compound for grip with the hardened 6-point socket.

[bikerphil]

I didn't have anything but a 1/4-drive 12mm handy

Well that is your problem right there.

[justinc1081]

First oil change for mine involved an easy out and a new oil filter bolt
With new bolt oil changes are easy as cake

[motoman]

ahhhhh....disregard this post! I finally found some threads on here (google on my phone wasn't finding the threads for some reason?!), and I guess the best thing to do is...REPLACE IT. This is one of the ONLY qualms I have about the engineering of these bikes...why THE HELL would they make that hex a 12mm?!?!

.....to keep those so inclined from over tightening them.

[DiverRay]

Why would ANYONE try to remove a 12mm with a 1/4" drive!?!?!? Sorry, but this is a case of just trying to use the WRONG TOOL FOR THE JOB! Anything on the engine of an XS should be a 3/8" drive!

[Ken Talbot]

Get it off with a 3/8 drive 12mm socket in an impact driver (hammer type, not air). Then grind down the 12mm head a bit more and weld on an 18MM nut.

[motoman]

Get it off with a 3/8 drive 12mm socket in an impact driver (hammer type, not air). Then grind down the 12mm head a bit more and weld on an 18MM nut.

Wow!.........has been ages since any posting from ya' Ken.

[ERM83]

Why would ANYONE try to remove a 12mm with a 1/4" drive!?!?!? Sorry, but this is a case of just trying to use the WRONG TOOL FOR THE JOB! Anything on the engine of an XS should be a 3/8" drive!

It was all I had at the time...I didn't think it honestly would break. From a pretty sturdy tool set.

I got an adapter, and got it off. The bolt looks great; all the components are there. About to go cycle the oil around (it was WAY too cold to last night). All is well! Thank you!

[speedlimit85]

Glad you finally got it.

I changed my oil and replaced filter bolt today. When well. I am in an easier climate, and rode with a T- shirt.