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So today is my first attempt at changing the oil and filter on the C50 I bought last season, after having it winterized for the past three months. Niether the dealership nor the Autozone carry the oil filter wrench that fits the C50's filter, so I picked up a standard strap wrench. Because of the placement of the filter, there doesn't seem to be any way to get the strap wrench around it. It's positioned just above a lateral part of the frame, killing access.

Anyone have any tips on removal and replacement of the C50's filter without the specific wrench? I ordered one (not easy to find) but it won't be here for a week and I want to ride my damn bike!

I use a oil filter cap wrench, with a 3/8 swivel connected to a extension and then the ratchet.

Be very careful that you remove the old gasket before installing the new filter..It likes to stick on the block and cause problems for the new filter!!!

There's a sure fire way to get a filter off, it's messy but it works, drive a screwdriver all the way through it and brake it loose, have something to catch the oil, as soon as yo pop it it's gonna leak and will continue to do so, like i said, it's messy but it works.

tropicalhotdog wrote:So today is my first attempt at changing the oil and filter on the C50 I bought last season, after having it winterized for the past three months. Niether the dealership nor the Autozone carry the oil filter wrench that fits the C50's filter, so I picked up a standard strap wrench. Because of the placement of the filter, there doesn't seem to be any way to get the strap wrench around it. It's positioned just above a lateral part of the frame, killing access.

Anyone have any tips on removal and replacement of the C50's filter without the specific wrench? I ordered one (not easy to find) but it won't be here for a week and I want to ride my damn bike!

Does your basic Suzuki manual tell you what you need and how to do it?

When I change oil, I screw up the filter using hand, tightening firmly but not using maximum power. I check it for leakage after the first riding after change. That way next time I don't need any special tools to unscrew the thing.

FlyinRegie wrote:When I change oil, I screw up the filter using hand, tightening firmly but not using maximum power. I check it for leakage after the first riding after change. That way next time I don't need any special tools to unscrew the thing.

And you've never had any leaks or problems??

I snug mine and then give it a 1/8 turn, no reason to give it any more, there's only low pressure and a LOT of sealing surface on the rubber O ring.

When i owned a C50, I didn't use the Suzuki filter wrench.
I bought one for the filter size at my local Autozone.
If you don't have an Autozone in your area, most any decent auto parts/supply store would do.
The filter wrench was cheaper than the Suzuki one AND you can get it without waiting.

The filter always came off with the wrench with ZERO problems.
Best $2 I ever spent on that C50.

Check out your local auto store.

My bike has one of the filters that's just the element. You have to remove a cover on the side of the engine, insert it, then bolt the cover back on.

But my car, of course, has a screw-on. When attaching a screw-on, you lubricate the gasket with some oil, then you should screw it down until the gasket touches the sealing surface, then turn another 1/2 - 3/4 turn. That's all. If you stick to this it'll probably be looser than you're used to, but it will stay and it will seal.

You should never use a filter wrench to INSTALL a filter. If you install it properly, you should never need one to remove the filter either.

May I suggest the K&N Oil Filter?
The K&N Oil Filters have a hex head on the top of the filter where you can use a std wrench.