Topic: Oil Filter Cover, What's the Trick?

[Popwood]

Finishing up a full tune-up on '75 750K. Although I've reinstalled the oil filter cover before, with some struggling, I'm having a dickens of a time with this today. What's the trick? I just can't get the retaining bolt started. I've tried pressing the cover on, not pushing it on, etc. I suspect the effort to compress the spring makes bolt alignment tricky to get it started. Is it possible to get the bolt started without compressing the filter and spring? I've tried that but no success. Just what is the best procedure? Seems like it shouldn't be hard to do.

[TwoTired]

Press the cover into position on the block with bolt loose.  Canister should automatically align the threads.  Screw on.
Once started, you don't need to hold the canister, except when the tab is about to align.

Cheers,

[fxef79]

I’d certainly check whether you’re able to thread the bolt by itself - no filter, canister, whatever. Maybe the threads are buggered?


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[Popwood]

OK, got it. Changed sides of the bike so I could use my right hand to start the bolt (I'm a rightie). and that helped. Took a closer look at the assembly and determined the spring did not require compression to get the bolt to where it starts. Seems there are a few threads available to get it started before spring begins to compress. Also positioned a light so I could see that the bolt was in position then took a hard look at spacing around the cover (mostly top and bottom) to make sure I was in the neighborhood for proper alignment. Glad that's done.

[ekpent]

 I use the correct size socket and turn the bolt with a ratchet while pressing the housing in. Pretty tough to turn with fingers with a new o-ring gasket on the bolts.

[754]

 I usually oil the filter rubbersm then push filter back against spring.. it may or may not stay
 Bolt all the way in... now its sticking out ,  fairly easy to start, but need to use wrench.
 As you get part way in then line up the centering  rib..

[PeWe]

Do not forget the washer between spring and filter.
Some filters can stay when pushing it in making free threads on bolt.
Important to oil the rubber seals that can pop out when pressed on bolt.

[ofreen]

This is one of the jobs these gizmos are good for.  Gives you some leverage to turn the bolt with good feel, but not enough to cross thread it if you are reasonably careful.

[Phoenix]

It's all in the way you hold your mouth.  The trick I found after many years is in Too Tireds replys fine print.  I push the bolt into the cartridge and hopefully stays.  I then look at the bolt end and the hole and match the bolt to the hole.  Before I mate it, i turn the cartridge a couple degrees counter clock wise.  As i push the cartrige in, I turn it clockwise and begin to thread it in.  This usually allows me to wrench it in.  If it doesn't work, try it again.  It works for me.