what order does the oil filter and cup go on a 550

HELP!!! im in the middle of an oil change on my 1982 550 ltd as we speak and i just pulled the oil filter out, in every other kawi i have ever owned there is a spring, a washer, then the filter than the metal can thingy goes on top over the filter:S . i pulled this one out and there is no spring, no washer and the oil filter is sitting in the cap, is this right? or is the metal cap on wrong and parts missing (spring & washer) please help its getting dark

It should be same as a KZ650 and that is the cup sits at the bottom, then the spring, then the washer, then the filter. That's the correct orientation, but contrary to stuff you may read, where the filter sits on the bolt is really not all important. If the spring and/or washer is missing it won't effect the filter's function. I think the spring/washer are mainly there just to hold the filter snug against the pan so it doesn't shake itself apart. Snug against the pan or not doesn't effect function. Oil goes through the holes in the bolt and into the filter and out regardless.

I always put things back together the way they came off.:silly:

Oil goes through the holes in the bolt and into the filter and out regardless.

All correct except for the above statement.
Oil flows from the pump into the OUTSIDE area of the filter, then through the filter media and THEN through the centre mounting bolt and out into the pressure side of the supply system. Filters that have a metal centre core (like the 650 and many others) are meant to have the flow from outside to inside with the media being supported by the core. This is necessary because there is always a pressure differential across the filter media with the higher pressure on the outside and the lower pressure on the inside on the 650 and, I presume, the 550.
If the flow was the other way, the filter would have a perforated metal cover on the OUTSIDE to retain the media against the higher pressure from the centre bolt/inside.

i went ahead and put it back together the way i found it, it is missing the spring and washer though. i did notice that the metal cap is shaped different than the caps that sit atop the filter, this one has a flat bottom compared to the indented bottom that the top mounted caps have, i hope this is right, i dont want this thing blowing up, its soooo much fun to ride!!!

Yes, the filter is missing the washer and spring. Your bikes filter setup (below) is the same as a 650. No harm will come running as is but would bug me enough to locate a spring and washer. (click pic to enlarge)

Bluemeanie wrote:

Yes, the filter is missing the washer and spring. Your bikes filter setup (below) is the same as a 650. No harm will come running as is but would bug me enough to locate a spring and washer. (click pic to enlarge)

ya i'm gong to locate a spring and washer because it WILL bother me, im very paticular about things being right, thank you guys very much for your prompt help