Oil Filter Cap

[MichiGlenn]

Been riding for years, just moving up from a Honda CB750 to a 2001 Connie. 
Newbie question.  I changed the oil in an attempt to also diagnose where a leak was coming from.  Crush washers were missing on both drains-- probably diagnosed.  ANYWAY, the cap over the top of the stock filter that I see in every diagram of a C10 engine is nowhere to be seen on mine.  The filter assembly is very similar to the Honda's, which doesn't use a cap. 
I guess my question is what is the purpose of the cap, and what damage might have been done by the previous owner leaving it out?  I'm not re-assembling it until I have an answer, especially since it's cold and rainy here in MI.

[T Cro ®]

Not going to cause any damage if not there....

[Nosmo]

Sorry I don't have a pic to post, if you have one it might make it easier to understand.  I think you are referring to what would be a black, flat, disc shaped cap that covers the OEM cartridge-type oil filter on the bottom of the engine - ?  You may not have one anymore.  IF you have a spin-on type oil filter, then that cover is eliminated. IF that is the case, then you are the beneficiary of the PO installing one of the best mods you can get for this bike, the SPOOFAK, which is short for the Spin-On Oil Filter Adapter Kit.  Designed and built by genius engineer and Connie-modder extraodinaire Dan Bergmen, sold by www.murphskits.com. You can find a pic of it on Murph's website.  Search this forum for "spin on oil filter adapter" and you'll find a lot of info.  There is a list somewhere of the filters that will work with it.

If you are talking about something else, or don't yet have a SPOOFAK, consider getting one.  You'll love it.

[Outback_Jon]

If you are talking about something else, or don't yet have a SPOOFAK, consider getting one.  You'll love it.

Pretty sure MichiGlenn is referring to the metal "cup" that goes over the top of the filter cartridge.

I agree with T Cro.  Not going to be a problem if it is missing.

(I also agree with Nosmo about the SPOOFAK. - But I'll go a bit further and provide you with a direct link to the SPOOFAK.)

[Nosmo]

Pretty sure MichiGlenn is referring to the metal "cup" that goes over the top of the filter cartridge.

I agree with T Cro.  Not going to be a problem if it is missing.

(I also agree with Nosmo about the SPOOFAK. - But I'll go a bit further and provide you with a direct link to the SPOOFAK.)

Yeah, you guys are probably right.  (It's been so long since I saw my stock filter set-up I don't recall what it looks like.)

[RFH87_Connie]

If the cover over the oil filter doesn't really matter, why is it there to begin with?  What does it really do?  Anti-slosh?

[connie_rider]

It cost Kawasaki money to add this to the bike so we have to assume that Kawasaki put it there for a purpose....

If you open the cross section view in the Shortcut that Outback_jon attached you can see the cover.  http://www.bergmenengineering.com/Docs/Cross-Section%20Comparision%20of%20Stock%20Oil%20Filter%20Assembly%20and%20Spin-On%20Oil%20Filter%20Adaptor%20Kit.pdf

Just guessing here, but,,, what I think it does is;
     1.  prevents oil from flowing "directly" onto the stock filter as it enters the Filter chamber.
             (May prevent wash-out of an old filter by preventing direct flow)
     2. redirects the oil around the stock filter so that it strikes the filter more uniformly.
             (Probably causes the filter to be more efficient)

Ride safe, Ted



 

[RFH87_Connie]

Did you stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night?  (and what you said makes sense too).

[Bergmen]

Ted is correct. The sheet metal cover protects the paper filter media from the oil port that is coming directly from the pump. The media is not strong enough to withstand this concentrated force over time and it could begin to get torn apart.

I would not operate the engine without this in place, you would be risking a fragmented media with chunks floating around. That is bad ju ju no matter how you look at it.

Dan

[RFH87_Connie]

Thanks for the clarification Bergman!

That said, if you need or want one MichiGlenn, check the Ron Ayers site (or parts place of your choice).  It looks to cost $5.33 plus shipping.  A local shop's total price might be cheaper.

[connie_rider]

Or,,, someone that has installed a SPOOFAK could probably send him one.
hint, hint!!!
Oh, and don't forget the washer/ring that goes on top of the spring...

Ride safe, Ted

[Bergmen]

Further clarification:



Dan

[Leo]

I would get a new filter cup if it was my bike, even if I believed I didn't need it.   The washer that rides between the spring and the rubber grommet on the filter is often missing.  A 1/2 to 3/4 conduit adapter washer works perfect is easy to find locally and costs maybe 9 cents.  Good luck

[Summit670]

The cup is $5.33 at RonAyers.com, plus shipping I suppose.

[MichiGlenn]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. For short term I filled it without the cap, per T-cro's advice , but I plan to only run that oil for a few miles to make sure I start clean. I'll buy a cap before the next change. The Murph's option is tempting, but it looks like I need to save all I can for "affordable" health insurance.

[T Cro ®]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. For short term I filled it without the cap, per T-cro's advice , but I plan to only run that oil for a few miles to make sure I start clean. I'll buy a cap before the next change. The Murph's option is tempting, but it looks like I need to save all I can for "affordable" health insurance.

What part of MI are you in? When I get home in a few days if I can find my old cap it's yours for the cost of postage....

[gPink]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. For short term I filled it without the cap, per T-cro's advice , but I plan to only run that oil for a few miles to make sure I start clean. I'll buy a cap before the next change. The Murph's option is tempting, but it looks like I need to save all I can for "affordable" health insurance.

Not to hijack but you must have gotten "The Letter".

[MichiGlenn]

What part of MI are you in? When I get home in a few days if I can find my old cap it's yours for the cost of postage....

That would be fantastic!  I might even be able to meet up with you near St. Joe.  Driving to Green Bay Friday for the weekend.

[T Cro ®]

That would be fantastic!  I might even be able to meet up with you near St. Joe.  Driving to Green Bay Friday for the weekend.

Ha we can do that.... If your driving to G. B. you will be driving right by me unless you go up and over; I only lives a couple easy miles off 94...

I'll be getting home sometime wed; sitting in G. B. right now....

[Outback_Jon]

Not to hijack but you must have gotten "The Letter".

Let's try to keep this thread where it will be useful to others.