Harley Oil Filter Question

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I am new to this forum so pardon if not posted in the correct area.

I have a HD FXSTC, 92 Model, that i bought new. Have used Castrol 20w-50 in it but just recently swapped to red top M1 15W-50. My primary reason for the swap was a bit more high temperature protecttion, bike is generally rode in a lot of stop and go traffic, here in Las Vegas, during the summer time.

My question deals with Harley Oil Filters. Are these good filters or is there a better alternative. Filters cost a bit over $10 at the local rip-off, i mean, Harley Dealership. I don't have a problem with the cost if its a good product and/or there are not equal or better alternatives available.

What is everyone's thoughts on this?
 
LVhospiceRN, i have heard that the HARLEY DAVIDSON filters are just fine. you are gonna pay the same or more from the aftermarket such as amsoil or k&n. the amsoils are kinda a pain to get off as they are completly smooth and on some bikes hard to get a strap on. the k&n's are neat as they have the 1" box nut on the ends so removal and installation is easier, but i've also read that where flowing great, they leave a little to be desired filtering wise. i believe some people cross -reference to auto filters, but then there's the chrome issue. i say stick to the harley. by the way, welcome!
cheers.gif
 
During a recent trip to O'Rly Auto Supply who carrys WIX filters, I asked the manager if he planned on carring the WIX Oil filter for the HDs. I am tired of paying $10 for a chrome HD filter. He said that a lot of his friends ride HDs and he greatfully agreed to make them a normally stocked item.

The WIX P/Ns for most of the V-twins and Sportsters are:
Black 51215
Chrome 51225
SPECS
Part Number: 51225
Style: Spin-On Lube
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow
Media: Paper
Height: 3.410
Outer Diameter: 3.130
Thread Size: 3/4-16
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: 8-11

Gasket Diameters
Number O.D. I.D. Thk.
Attached 2.850 2.480 0.210
 
Is the Wix an improvement in filtering or just a alternative without advantages other than cost? I guess Harley has ****** me off enough in the past that if i can keep from supporting them/darkening their doorstep with my shadow its a great improvement!
 
I am just using HD filters ????98-99 for my twin cam. I have sold some Amsoil filters and the K&N apparently does not have a bypass valve (and their chrome is not all that nice). RevTech also makes filters too and they have a neat little logo stamped in them.
 
I don't believe the WIX filter is an improvement over the HD filter, just another quality filter at half the price. By the way, I believe the TwinCam specs a dif filter.
 
quote:

Originally posted by honus402:
I don't believe the WIX filter is an improvement over the HD filter, just another quality filter at half the price. By the way, I believe the TwinCam specs a dif filter.

Yeah, they spec a different filter, but heard from several harley mechanics that can be interchanged...so, just glad i DON'T have a twin cam...LOL...I will give the wix a try if i can chase one down...just HATE supporting the factory...thanks!
 
From what I've read, the TC88 filter is a 10 micron and the Evo filter is a 30 micron. If you run a TC88 filter on an Evo, it will fit but oil will back up in the crankcase, causing it to blow out the breather. Big mess!
 
quote:

Originally posted by Ironhorseman:
From what I've read, the TC88 filter is a 10 micron and the Evo filter is a 30 micron. If you run a TC88 filter on an Evo, it will fit but oil will back up in the crankcase, causing it to blow out the breather. Big mess!

This is a very common myth. Harley says the TwinCam filter is an upgrade from the previous 30 micron filter. I have taken a SuperPremium filter apart (the filter for the T/C) and it is a synth fiber media. The EVO filter has a paper media. I have run these filters on a '86 EVO & a '93 EVO without any problems. The '93 does get a bit of blow-by, but these later EVO's (EVO II) were know for this problem even with the 30 micron filters. The oil blow-by is due to an engine redesign that occured in late '92. This redesign was good, but still had it's flaws.

The main problem is halfway educated people. They automatically assume that a 10 micron filter will be more restrictive than a 30 micron filter - but they don't understand that the synth media in the 10 micron filter will flow just as much, if not more volume than a 30 micron paper filter. The SuperPremium filter also has a decent bypass valve that will prevent oil from building up in the crank case if the filter did become too restrictive.

I have taken a SuperPremium filter apart and posted pictures here. It is a very good filter, better than most on the market.
 
((Filters cost a bit over $10 at the local rip-off)))

I've paid as much as $13 for an oil filter that wasn't even chrome at the dealer. That was a one time event cause that is way too much for what it is. Wix are top rated filters, and K&n's are just as good as OEM

But for a chrome filter that's probaly a good price $10. If you don't need the chrome there is savings to be had.
 
I found it. If you're looking for a cheap filter in black, you can't beat the SuperTech ST3600 for $2.00 at WallyWorld. It's a bit longer and has more capacity and filter area. The ST3600 is SuperTech's version of the Motorcraft FL400. Specs for bypass and gasket measurements are exactly the same as the HD.
 
quote:

Originally posted by honus402:
I found it. If you're looking for a cheap filter in black, you can't beat the SuperTech ST3600 for $2.00 at WallyWorld. It's a bit longer and has more capacity and filter area. The ST3600 is SuperTech's version of the Motorcraft FL400. Specs for bypass and gasket measurements are exactly the same as the HD.

Is this filter for a Twin Cam or Evo?
 
Amsoil makes an SMF filter for your bike. In the black they are $10 suggested retail.

You could probably get them cheaper though.

The Amsoil SMF filter will have 20% more effeciency and 100% more capacity. They are a rugged steel design with an anti-drainback valve.

http://www.amsoil.com/products/smf.htm

Give me a call if you have any questions.
877-464-8798
 
quote:

Originally posted by Mackelroy:
((Filters cost a bit over $10 at the local rip-off)))

I've paid as much as $13 for an oil filter that wasn't even chrome at the dealer. That was a one time event cause that is way too much for what it is. Wix are top rated filters, and K&n's are just as good as OEM

But for a chrome filter that's probaly a good price $10. If you don't need the chrome there is savings to be had.


Are you talking about a HD dealer and a HD filter?

The best filter HD sells (SuperPremium™ Oil Filter) has an MSRP of $8.60 for black and $11.95 for chrome. None of the dealership I have been to charge more than MSRP.
 
quote:

The best filter HD sells (SuperPremium™ Oil Filter) has an MSRP of $8.60 for black and $11.95 for chrome. None of the dealership I have been to charge more than MSRP. [/QB]

It seems most dealers sell aftermarket as well or several that i have been in do. When you set your MSRP as high as Harley usually does there is no reason to charge more!!! The prices they charge put them right up there with Vinny, the loan shark and "Payday Loans"!
 
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