Nobody likes a Dry Wing - a cry for help

[bonestock3]

Went for the oil change today, everything went well, at least as far as draining the oil goes. I couldn't open the oil filter housing, the bolt outside is a 12mm (vs. 17mm as described in Roadys write up on Oil Change, not sure if that means something) my attempts to remove that bolt were met by insubordination of the stripping variety, it was almost soft at the edges. it didnt budge and after a couple attempts i let it be to refrain from doing any permanent damage.

the oil filler cap was also immobilized, that im not sure if due to the heat as id let the engine run until the fan turned on, not sure if i shouldve (tried to) loosen it before as i suspect that the heat enticed expansion in engine and seized the bolt that way, however after waiting a couple of hours for the engine to cool, i tried again and the filler cap is also stuck, maybe threaded incorrectly??

at any rate, im having trouble accessing the engine via Oil Filler cap & oil filter housing, any recommendations on how i might be able to access either or both to finish changing my oil?

[gearhead4207]

Some might say not to do this but I put a small cresent wrench on the oil cap just tighten it on the tab turn counterclockwise and it will usually give in. The filter housing I would use a pair of good quality vise grips if the bolt is already stripped it really cant hurt if anyone else has a better idea please chime in this is what I would do and have got away with in the past . I have rumatiod arthritis and I find new ways to do everything I guess I adapt hope this helps you

[bonestock3]

Some might say not to do this but I put a small cresent wrench on the oil cap just tighten it on the tab turn counterclockwise and it will usually give in.

i wont mind ordering a new cap nor cosmetic blemishes really, i wonder if there is a technical reason as to why not...



The filter housing I would use a pair of good quality vise grips if the bolt is already stripped it really cant hurt

yeah at this point it seems justified, im just curious if the 12mm bolt shouldnt be there in the first place, im going to micro fiche, this will give me closure as to what new bolt to order, life is taking me in that direction anyway.


if anyone else has a better idea please chime in this is what I would do and have got away with in the past . I have rumatiod arthritis and I find new ways to do everything I guess I adapt

u must be one of those survivors Darwin was talking about! jeje

[olchris]

Somebody has to say it!!! too unscrew, you need to to go ANTI-CLOCK WISE......

PLease dont get offended or upset, as i have to occasionally "think about it" when laying under a bike or in a difficult position...

[bonestock3]

hahaa no man, right is tight - left is loose. cheeseburger didnt help either

[robin1731]

12mm is the stock size bolt head on a thousand oil filter bolt. You can't imagine how many time's I've run across filter bolts and fill caps that were way too tight. Don't hesitate to put a wrench on the fill cap to loosen it.

On the filter bolt is there enough material to grind two side of the head down to so you could get an open end wrench on it? If so do that and try the vise grips again. If not get your chisel and hammer and start on the outside of the bolt. Be careful not to get in to the filter housing. You will need to get a new bolt anyway. Most of the aftermarket one's do take a 17mm wrench.

Having the engine warm is usually a good thing when loosening these.

Now, when you go to put it all back together. Don't get the filter bolt too tight. They seem to have a way of getting tighter the longer they are on. I'd have to look but there may be a torque setting for that bolt. But if not when you "snug" that bolt up hold the wrench up near the bolt head. Don't go crazy on that torque. Same goes for the drain plug.

On the fill cap just get it finger tight. Too many people put a wrench on them and get them way too tight.

[rcmatt007]

most of the 12mm filter bolts were replaced precisely because they ended up like yours. I think JC whitney still sells the 17mm variety

[Mrirbic71]

Yep mine is 12mm.... and usually have my engine warm, and as for tightening I usually use a snubby wrench.

[bonestock3]

most of the 12mm filter bolts were replaced precisely because they ended up like yours. I think JC whitney still sells the 17mm variety

I'm in the market for a filter bolt.



The filler cap gave way. Now to chisel the filter?

[rod willis]

if the chisel dose not work you can grind the head of the bolt off to get the oil cup
out of the way and then you can use a pipe wrench or vise grips to turn the bolt
out of the block and rember to go slow so you do not hurt the oil cup other wise
you will need to get a new one
Ropd

[robin1731]

if the chisel dose not work you can grind the head of the bolt off to get the oil cup
out of the way and then you can use a pipe wrench or vise grips to turn the bolt
out of the block and rember to go slow so you do not hurt the oil cup other wise
you will need to get a new one
Ropd

If you get the oil cup off I bet the bolt will come out without a wrench. Just using your fingers.

[6adan]

I thank the 12mm was used to keep people from getting it to tight and striping the threads. If I remember correct the early CB750 had a 10mm head on that bolt.

[BlueThunder]

The 17mm hex head oil filter bolt is an aftermarket. My stock 12mm bolt stripped when I went to change the filter. The PO must have used an air impact wrench. I have a tool that grips stripped bolts and using a hammer as persuasion, got it off without damaging the filter housing. Fortunately (or proper planning), I had a 17mm replacement bolt.

[gearhead4207]

Some might say not to do this but I put a small cresent wrench on the oil cap just tighten it on the tab turn counterclockwise and it will usually give in.

i wont mind ordering a new cap nor cosmetic blemishes really, i wonder if there is a technical reason as to why not...



The filter housing I would use a pair of good quality vise grips if the bolt is already stripped it really cant hurt

yeah at this point it seems justified, im just curious if the 12mm bolt shouldnt be there in the first place, im going to micro fiche, this will give me closure as to what new bolt to order, life is taking me in that direction anyway.


if anyone else has a better idea please chime in this is what I would do and have got away with in the past . I have rumatiod arthritis and I find new ways to do everything I guess I adapt

u must be one of those survivors Darwin was talking about! jeje

yeah I survived at what cost we'll never know right hope it helps . Some people very finicky about how things are done

[bonestock3]

How's I take a small saw and make a flat head out of this hex Bolt