Question about oil filter spring

Hi, im new here and have a question about my 1982 KZ550. I just changed the oil today, the previous owner had changed the oil near the end of the riding season last year. When I removed the filter housing i paid attention to the order that the filter, spring, and flat washer were in. He had it like this from the bottom: flat washer, filter, spring. Before I changed the oil she ran great and didnt leak oil. I put things back in the same order. After I changed the oil she still runs great and doesnt leak. It seemed strange to have the spring on top, so after I was done I got online and tried to find info about this. The schematic drawing I found shows it goes spring, flat washer, oil filter. My question is; Will the oil filter spring sitting on top of the filter cause any real damage? I rode it 2,000 miles since the last oil change like that with no issues. I assume the PO always put the spring on top. Id hate to see $24 worth of new oil have to be drained, but I will do it in a heartbeat to save the engine. Thanks for reading and I hope some riders more experienced than myself have some advice

I would drain the oil and correct the mistake. If you clean the bottom of the engine near the drain plug and use a clean catch pan for the oil you should be fine re-using your fresh oil. If you leave it the way it is the oil filter will not filter the oil properly because the spring is holding it away from the engine instead of tight against it. Ed

Thanks for the reply. Im heading to the store to get new oil and redoing the change. Better safe than sorry

While you're at it make sure the oil is JASO-MA compliant. Otherwise you may end up with clutch problems. Ed

I use valvoline 10w40 with wet clutch protection

Since it wasn't mentioned --- Is the oil filter fence in place?

Just in case --- some new KZ riders don't realize there an owner's manual kinda hidden in a pull-down document case on the underside of the seat.

And I would assume the po did everything wrong. :ohmy: :laugh:

Excellent question!!
Here's what should be there:

Everything was there, only the spring was in the wrong position. I took it back apart and put things in the correct order. I took a 10 minute ride and there was no leaking or anything. I love this bike, its been on the road every year since it was made, The two previous owners took good care of it mechanically. I hope to do the same.

Cool!!
Just about every time I ride my old 1977 KZ1000, someone always flags me to tell me what cool old ride I have... LOL.
It' s only been off the road a couple-three years in it's entire 37 year old life too.