Topic: New to me CB550, cut head off oil filter bolt, still stuck

[theinvisiblecity]

Hi all. Didn't really want my first post to me a tech question but alas, I need some help.

I'm well aware of the stuck oil filter bolts on these bikes. After going through all the motions from reading through the threads on the subject, I finally resorted to cutting off the head. But the bolt is solid, so cutting off the head did nothing. Am I supposed to cut off the ENTIRE head as opposed to just the hex "nut", and if so how do I do that without completely mutilating the filter housing?

[calj737]

Can you garb the edge of the flange with vise grips? If so, crank down good and tight, and a quick tap counter-clockwise will generally break it free.

Else, Dremel a slot into the remaining portion and use a large bladed screwdriver.

[dgedinyte]

This sucks. Happened to me a while back and after many attempts, I used a dremel to cut the flange off then slipped the filter and housing over the end. Just used channel locks to get it out at that point. Course the trick is to cut the flange off without destroying the housing.

[theinvisiblecity]

Tried everything before resorting to cutting it off. Vice grips, pipe wrench, smaller socket hammered on. Basically went through all the forums and tried everything minus tricks involving welding. Finally gave up and cut it off because it sounded like a sure thing....but still stuck. Gonna keep at it.

[ekpent]

If you have gone that far you now need to get nasty and cut off that round flange and probably mutilate the housing if there is nothing to grip. Good news is the housings are still around, probably somebody here can set you up or E-bay. Hopefully somebody before you did not cross thread the bolt like another recent thread here that could possibly  cause damage to your main case. Tread carefully Grasshopper   

[754]

Weld a 3/8 drive socket to it, never round off again..

[theinvisiblecity]

Got it off! I just had to get real serious with the grinder and take it down. Chopped up the housing a little bit but not too bad at all - nothing I can't live with. Already put back together with the new bolt and added a little anti-seize to the back of the flange to prevent this happening again. Thanks for the tips!

-M

[calj737]

Actually, the end of the threads into the case is where you need AS. Dissimilar metals in contact is what causes the corrosion. Also, just snug it when tightening. Many POs cranked them on to stop a seeping leak and cause more damage than curing.