Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: DocPigskin on June 03, 2011, 02:30:17 PM

Title: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: DocPigskin on June 03, 2011, 02:30:17 PM
Just want to give special thanks to Lou Ferrigno aka The Incredible Hulk.  Apparently Lou has started working for Kawasaki installing oil filters because whoever put this filter on my bike didn't quite understand what torque values are.   WTH?   Honestly, that thing had to have been put on by a machine because this is ridiculous.   I really didn't want to take off the fairing to change oil.

How many of you remove the fairing to change oil?
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Mister Tee on June 03, 2011, 02:50:11 PM
I thought the same thing when I did my first oil change, and I installed my filter the same way I would install any other oil filter - hand tight.  For whatever reason, it appeared to tighten itself even more because on the second oil change, it seemed to be on even tighter than the first filter was.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Gearhead82 on June 03, 2011, 02:54:02 PM
I agree.  Getting that filter off was ridiculous for the first change.  I used a hammer to pound a long screwdriver through the filter for leverage and could get it to turn about 1/8 of a turn.  I had to keep pounding the screwdriver through, rotating 1/8 turn, remove screwdriver, pound through again, repeat. 

edit:  I was stubborn and did not remove the fairing BTW.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Pokey on June 03, 2011, 02:55:14 PM
I have a channel lock filter wrench for the OEM installed hulk filters, after that I always just hand tighten them.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Kazairl on June 03, 2011, 03:33:22 PM
I think that is pretty standard on any factory installed oil filter. I think they do tend to tighten up after being subjected to the engine vibrations and heating/cooling cycles. At least until the gasket shrinks. Then they get really loose.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: 556ALPHA on June 03, 2011, 06:11:43 PM
I used this wrench and had absolutely NO PROBLEM:

http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=1449&str=4 (http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=1449&str=4)

well worth it
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: B.D.F. on June 03, 2011, 06:14:01 PM
Yeah but no one has complained that an oil filter leaked or fell off a C-14 yet....  ;D

Yep, that factory filter is really put on there. My first filter change involved the ole' screwdriver through the oil filter body trick after which I ripped the oil filter body off the oil filter flange. Opps. It took two pair of Channel Locks and a lot of really bad words in interesting combinations to remove the flange of the filter and leave the mating aluminum face intact. And not a small coating of oil on my arms, my shoulder, etc. Not pretty.

Brian


Just want to give special thanks to Lou Ferrigno aka The Incredible Hulk.  Apparently Lou has started working for Kawasaki installing oil filters because whoever put this filter on my bike didn't quite understand what torque values are.   WTH?   Honestly, that thing had to have been put on by a machine because this is ridiculous.   I really didn't want to take off the fairing to change oil.

How many of you remove the fairing to change oil?
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: DocPigskin on June 03, 2011, 06:37:50 PM
Yeah but no one has complained that an oil filter leaked or fell off a C-14 yet....  ;D

Yep, that factory filter is really put on there. My first filter change involved the ole' screwdriver through the oil filter body trick after which I ripped the oil filter body off the oil filter flange. Opps. It took two pair of Channel Locks and a lot of really bad words in interesting combinations to remove the flange of the filter and leave the mating aluminum face intact. And not a small coating of oil on my arms, my shoulder, etc. Not pretty.

Brian

 ;D ;D ;D   I was beginning to think I was the only one who found odd combinations for all those bad words.   Glad to see I'm not alone.   If I'm getting ready to start a project, my son usually says "Oh great, now dad's gonna say a bunch of naughty words"  ;D
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Shoe on June 03, 2011, 06:47:05 PM
I think the gasket swells and forms a tight seal.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 03, 2011, 08:43:37 PM
I didn't have any problems at all getting my factory installed filter off the bike.  You guys must be unlucky.  Course all I put back on are the K&Ns.  I don't remove any fairings to get them off either or tighten them within an inch of their lives.  They don't leak either.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: lather on June 03, 2011, 10:48:05 PM
I didn't have any problems at all getting my factory installed filter off the bike.  You guys must be unlucky.  Course all I put back on are the K&Ns.  I don't remove any fairings to get them off either or tighten them within an inch of their lives.  They don't leak either.
I think they must be a bunch of girly men. I have taken off every filter with just my bare hand, unless it is still too hot, then I wear one of my white Motor Maid gloves.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 04, 2011, 12:04:56 AM
I think they must be a bunch of girly men. I have taken off every filter with just my bare hand, unless it is still too hot, then I wear one of my white Motor Maid gloves.

Totally agree.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: R Nelson on June 04, 2011, 06:10:37 AM
I remember my factory filter was on super tight too.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: booger on June 04, 2011, 06:23:03 AM
I used this wrench and had absolutely NO PROBLEM:

http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=1449&str=4 (http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=1449&str=4)

well worth it

I used this one and also had no problems   ;D


http://www.faucetdirect.com/index.cfm?page=product:mediaGallery&uniqueId=256007 (http://www.faucetdirect.com/index.cfm?page=product:mediaGallery&uniqueId=256007)
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Conrad on June 04, 2011, 07:11:30 AM
I had to use a big ole pair of channel locks to get the stocker off. I ain't no girly man either!    >:(     ;D
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 04, 2011, 08:08:45 AM
Are you sure?
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: mikeboileau on June 04, 2011, 10:22:02 AM
I am here to pump......you up!
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Restless on June 04, 2011, 11:57:59 AM
Yes, the first one is the worst and then you have control from there on out.  I used a wrench similar to this one to get both the first "hulk" filter off as well as future ones if the gasket swells.  It works great without removing any plastic and no cussing.  One of the best things about this bike is how easy the oil change is and no plastic ever has to be removed.  Might take 20 mins tops and most of that is waiting for the old oil to drain out.  :thumbs:

Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: lather on June 04, 2011, 03:40:14 PM
A MANLY man never needs to wait for the oil to drain. He just sets his jaw, squints his eyes and stares at the crancase. The oil flies out and into the drain pan quicker than a Pedrosa holeshot.

Seriously, why pay for a silly wrench (save it for a sultry wench)? Just grab that filter with a MANLY grip and twist with Unbending Intent1

1"The Second Ring of Power" by Carlos casteneda
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Restless on June 04, 2011, 10:31:30 PM
A MANLY man never needs to wait for the oil to drain. He just sets his jaw, squints his eyes and stares at the crancase. The oil flies out and into the drain pan quicker than a Pedrosa holeshot.

Seriously, why pay for a silly wrench (save it for a sultry wench)? Just grab that filter with a MANLY grip and twist with Unbending Intent1

1"The Second Ring of Power" by Carlos casteneda

OK, whatever...   :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Conrad on June 05, 2011, 07:24:48 AM
Are you sure?

Pretty sure, I'll ask my wife.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Conrad on June 05, 2011, 07:25:59 AM
A MANLY man never needs to wait for the oil to drain. He just sets his jaw, squints his eyes and stares at the crancase. The oil flies out and into the drain pan quicker than a Pedrosa holeshot.

Seriously, why pay for a silly wrench (save it for a sultry wench)? Just grab that filter with a MANLY grip and twist with Unbending Intent1

1"The Second Ring of Power" by Carlos casteneda

Does a manly man need to remove the drain bolt first?
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: lather on June 05, 2011, 07:57:27 AM
Does a manly man need to remove the drain bolt first?
That takes a SUPERmanly man.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: B.D.F. on June 05, 2011, 08:17:02 AM
No, a manly man just pokes his finger through the pan to drain the oil. To button things up, he just squeezes the sides of the pan around the hole together sufficiently so nothing leaks.

Real men don't even need tools.

Brian


Does a manly man need to remove the drain bolt first?
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: mikeboileau on June 05, 2011, 10:01:31 AM
Here we go...... 8)
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Mister Tee on June 05, 2011, 10:08:16 AM
Chuck Norris just stares at the oil filter and the bike is so scared it changes its own oil.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: just gone on June 05, 2011, 10:32:59 AM

Real men don't even need tools.


That's NOT what she said..
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: DocPigskin on June 05, 2011, 11:43:57 AM
wow this post really took a turn
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: mikeboileau on June 05, 2011, 11:47:53 AM
wow this post really took a turn

They all have lately.........fun that way!
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: OregonLAN on June 05, 2011, 12:15:54 PM
Just get yourself one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-to-4-1-4-quarter-inch-oil-filter-wrench-36778.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-to-4-1-4-quarter-inch-oil-filter-wrench-36778.html)

Sears, Home Depot and Lowes all sell a version.

If you really wanted to get cheap, you could also puncture the side of the filter with a flat head screwdriver. Then, us the screwdriver to apply torque to remove the filter. It's a little messy but works in a pinch.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: B.D.F. on June 05, 2011, 01:57:34 PM
I tried the screwdriver trick but didn't make out very well- look back a few posts in this thread.

What has worked well for me is this home- made thing:

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/BDF08012008/Wrenchslotted.jpg)

(razor blade shown only to show the size of the slits in the wrench)

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/BDF08012008/Clamponwrench.jpg)

The wrench slips on the end of the filter easily, and after the hose clamp is tightened the filter wrench won't slip, or at least it hasn't for me. Loosen the clamp and it slides off easily too. This won't cause the filter to leak either like the screwdriver method.

Brian


Just get yourself one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-to-4-1-4-quarter-inch-oil-filter-wrench-36778.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-to-4-1-4-quarter-inch-oil-filter-wrench-36778.html)

Sears, Home Depot and Lowes all sell a version.

If you really wanted to get cheap, you could also puncture the side of the filter with a flat head screwdriver. Then, us the screwdriver to apply torque to remove the filter. It's a little messy but works in a pinch.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Rawman on June 07, 2011, 03:32:58 PM
I always do my own oil changes so at 550 miles I removed the front oil drain bolt and the rear diff drain, but it took a supersized washer and visegrips to remove the differential fill bolt.  Then I tried to remove the oil filter......
After half an hour fighting with it and 3 different types of oil filter removal tools, I pounded a large screwdriver through it to get some leverage.  It just tore through the metal without budging.  At that point my kids were running scared after hearing the choice words coming from the garage....
I thought I was gonna have to push it on the trailer and bring it to the dealer with my tail between my legs.  I gave it one last shot with only about 1/3 of the filter remaining and finally got it to turn!  So I too, give thanks to the Incredible Hulk for wasting a good 1 1/2 to 2 hours doing a fricken oil change.
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Conrad on June 07, 2011, 03:47:12 PM
I always do my own oil changes so at 550 miles I removed the front oil drain bolt and the rear diff drain, but it took a supersized washer and visegrips to remove the differential fill bolt.  Then I tried to remove the oil filter......
After half an hour fighting with it and 3 different types of oil filter removal tools, I pounded a large screwdriver through it to get some leverage.  It just tore through the metal without budging.  At that point my kids were running scared after hearing the choice words coming from the garage....
I thought I was gonna have to push it on the trailer and bring it to the dealer with my tail between my legs.  I gave it one last shot with only about 1/3 of the filter remaining and finally got it to turn!  So I too, give thanks to the Incredible Hulk for wasting a good 1 1/2 to 2 hours doing a fricken oil change.

Can you imagine having to take it to the dealer in that condition? You'd never be able to show your face there again.  :o
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: DocPigskin on June 07, 2011, 04:07:52 PM
Can you imagine having to take it to the dealer in that condition? You'd never be able to show your face there again.  :o

I couldn't imagine. 
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Zman on June 07, 2011, 06:19:55 PM
I heard the rumors so I started with strap wrench with a 12" adjustable wrench......... The hulk definitly torqued it; but the combo worked....
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: DaveO on June 07, 2011, 06:57:13 PM
a big ass pair of channel locks is my tool of choice for stubborn oil filters.
I remove one bolt from fairing  and pull back on it gently,to give a little extra room to work
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: just gone on June 10, 2011, 04:36:45 PM

If you really wanted to get cheap, you could also puncture the side of the filter with a flat head screwdriver. Then, us the screwdriver to apply torque to remove the filter. It's a little messy but works in a pinch.

Always* use a phillips screwdriver for this tip. Don't take my word for it, go try both on an old filter you may still have sitting around. I've always found that the phillips goes in with considerably less effort than the flat blade. It also has to be long enough to go all the way through both sides of the filter when it's being stubborn. 

(*almost always: use #2 phillips or smaller, I don't recommend #3)
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: stevewfl on June 10, 2011, 04:38:43 PM
I just lightly tap my oil filter 3 times with my FOB and it unscrews itself, because KiPass is that bad-azz (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Excavator on June 10, 2011, 05:04:12 PM
On my first change I was expecting problems (after reading the stories) so I took my small strap wrench and started flexing my muscles prepairing for the fight.......Turns out I could have gotten it loose by hand, guess I was one of the lucky ones.   ;D
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: Conrad on June 11, 2011, 07:21:51 AM
On my first change I was expecting problems (after reading the stories) so I took my small strap wrench and started flexing my muscles prepairing for the fight.......Turns out I could have gotten it loose by hand, guess I was one of the lucky ones.   ;D

Maybe Bruce Banner put yours on at the factory instead of the Green Guy?
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on June 11, 2011, 10:27:08 AM
Sggesting people punching a screwdriver thru the filter to remove it is like saying to adjust your valves using a sledgehammer......

use your brain, and think it thru.
Brians hose clamp and slitted cap wrench is a great idea, I took a different approach seeingas when I needed one, I didn't have a clamp big enough handy, so shooting a self drilling/tapping #12 screw thru the hole in my cap wrench and into the filter made it work fine...
easy fix, no damages, no embarrasing riped apart filter.
(http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/45803/2260193070015463693S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2260193070015463693womuMW)
Title: Re: Special Thanks to the Incredible Hulk
Post by: mikeboileau on June 26, 2011, 04:40:52 PM
I just lightly tap my oil filter 3 times with my FOB and it unscrews itself, because KiPass is that bad-azz (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)

Indeed!