Oil Change and Exhaust

I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but the pipe that connects my right and left exhaust gets in the way when I try to change my oil filter. Is there some way around this? Or do I just need to beat on the pipe until it's out of the way. It looks like it's taken quite a beating already. A new exhaust may be in my future, but only after some more money is in my future. Also, the little metal basket that the oil filter sits in, is it necessary? I know the spring the filter sits on is needed, but I don't know about the little basket. It just gets in the way when I try to get the filter in and out.

There is a trick to doing oil filter changes with a crossover.

You need to hold the filter up, and back the bolt out as far as you can.

The bolt has to come out of the assembly as far as possible (clear the filter). I use Vise-grips to pull it down through the filter, once it is loose.

Once it is pulled down as far as possible, you can slide out the cover, then the rest of the filter comes out easy.

You need to keep the screen, spring, and other parts.

As long as the bolt will clear the crossover, oil changes are done a piece at a time.

Put in the filter with the screen, spring and washer.

Hold it in place, then install the cover with the bolt already in it a little.

They aren't so aggravating once you understand the proceedure.

This is for a 650-4. I don't know what kind of bike you have.

added: Don't beat on the pipe. It will break. And then you won't be happy with the result.

:lol:

Post edited by: KaZooCruiser, at: 2007/07/09 19:38

Thank you KazooCruiser.
I am embarrased to admit that this easy process eluded me. Some prior owner of my 750 Shaft welded an angle on the crosspipe of the stock 4-2 exhaust. The first time I tried changing the filter I said "How am I going to get this thing out??". I removed the exhaust to do it.

Thanks to you I know your way will work on my bike.

Sometimes the problem clouds the solution.

Thanks, it is a KZ650, what you described should work great.