All, There has been much written about oil filter removal from the engine of a K Bike. Because of the relatively small orifice to access the filter, the "socket" type tool is required. Also, RickG has put out a list of compatible oil filters. They are undoubtably all different sizes re: tool size required.

So, the other day I bit the bullet, rummaged around Fleabay, and lashed out and bought a kit of said socket thingos (21 off!!). My choice of filter these days is the Valvoline V022, which has 14 flats and measures 72mm AF (Across the Flats) I've had great difficulty in obtaining the correct "socket", hence this purchase.

So, FYI, I measured each of the 21 "socket" doo-dads, as this information wasn't available on the Fleabay site.

In the Kit: (The numbers are kit reference numbers)
901    (14 flats)       64mm AF
902    (14 flats)       67mm AF
903    (14 flats)       74.5mm AF
903-1 (15 flats)       75mm          between a flat and its opposite corner.
903-2 (8 flats)         74.2mm AF  
903-3 (15 flats)       74 mm               "  "
903-4 (14 flats)       72.5 AF   (This one fits the Valvoline filter, but still a bit "sloppy").
903-6 (12 "dimples") O/A ID 76mm.
904    (15 flats)       78mm between a flat and its opposite corner.
905    (15 raised parts of a circle?) 75mm ID, 72mm across "dimples".
905-1 (14 very flat flats!) 74mm AF.
906    (18 "dimples")  86mm across "dimple" hi-spots.
907    (15 flats)        88mm between flat and its opposite corner.
908    (15 flats)        91mm     "             "           "
909    (15 flats)        92mm     "             "           "
910    (15 flats)        93mm     "             "           "
911    (12 dimples)    O/A ID 80mm, hi-spot to opposite hi-spot  77mm.
911-1 (15 very flat flats!)  79mm between flat and its opposite corner.
914    (15 flats)               101mm   "           "          "
915    (15 flats)                 92mm   "           "          "
918    (15 flats)                 73mm   "           "          "

Maybe this info will be useful to somebody out there.

(BTW..saw a beaut looking K1, blue with yellow lettering, on Melbourne St this afternoon, heading towards Maitland!)

Cheers, Rickmeister.
911-1 (15 very flat flats)  79mm between flat and its opposite corner.

OK Rickmeister, which size fits you?

Rickmeister,

I am just blown away by your dedication to the forum ..................

[reads the list and scratches head] I think I got lucky. Whatever filter I use (comes from Motorworks), it uses the same size tool as the filters on my Moto Guzzis.

I'm still using the one I bought for my first K back in 1987 (83 standard K100). Still seems to fit every time. I must be lucky too.

Ulli, you have done well. I reckon in that assortment, there must be an oil filter removal tool for every oil filter on the market. I'll measure the Ryco 418 filter and see if you have one that fits. Maybe your user name should be "Oil Filter Tool"

"Maybe your user name should be "Oil Filter Tool"

...then, being Aussies, we'll shorten it to "Tool"  

Can you share a photo for all us tool fetishists out here???

What are the advantages of using other make filters? Is it just cost? I don't stick slavishly to original manufactures products but o/e filters are readily available and alternatives are something I have never given much thought too. John

StephenAcworth wrote:Can you share a photo for all us tool fetishists out here???

Sad, very sad     There are places for people like this.

Hi guys I use the RYCO 418 filters and use the standard BMW tool..nice snug fit...

:O) KKlompy

TacKler wrote:

StephenAcworth wrote:Can you share a photo for all us tool fetishists out here???

Sad, very sad     There are places for people like this.

Ha!!! I know and I'm in one... 6 month winters full of ice and snow... 

k100virgin wrote:What are the advantages of using other make filters? Is it just cost? I don't stick slavishly to original manufactures products but o/e filters are readily available and alternatives are something I have never given much thought too. John

Yes, cost. I use Bosch 52161 filters on all of my Ks. Same size as the OEM one.

In the US at least, a good cheap oil filter wrench is the OEM brand Type B (part # 25401) which can be purchased from Auto Zone and other parts stores.

On K bikes I've purchased where a prior owner used to much torque and the filter wrench slipped, pounding on an oil filter wrench with a rag or some steel wool in it has made loosening "stuck" filters easier than taking off the sump plate to pound a screwdriver through it.

So I'm guessing something like this? I never knew they existed and was using an adjustable strap...

TacKler wrote:

StephenAcworth wrote:Can you share a photo for all us tool fetishists out here???

Sad, very sad     There are places for people like this.

What you saying Dave? I thought this was the place for people like  that us!!

PS I have just invested in a 16 piece blind hole bearing removal tool kit (including slide hammer) to help do those pesky wheel, steering head etc. bearings. Don't know how good the quality is yet, but raring to try it out, but best I buy some new bearings first.

Thanks for the detail Rickmeister, not something I need right now, but that is the beauty of this 'ere forum...when you find you have the need, you can go find the knuggets of knowledge

Born Again Eccentric wrote:

TacKler wrote:

StephenAcworth wrote:Can you share a photo for all us tool fetishists out here???

Sad, very sad     There are places for people like this.

What you saying Dave? I thought this was the place for people like  that us!!

It is indeed.  A very big welKome Stephen. 

 

Word of caution about oil filter fitting and removal. My 1983 K100 is ex-Japan and the oil filter at last change in Japan prior to me getting it must have been (over)tightened by a Sumo wrestler. I broke a filter removal tool (correct size for the filter) and only got the filter off by driving a 10mm diameter high tensile bolt through it and then putting a 600ml long steel pipe over the bolt shaft and swinging on it with significant force. It eventually broke free, but I had to exert so much force I was fearful I was going to crack the engine casting. Lesson: do not over tighten.