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Am in the process of changing the oil in my '03 Sportster to get it ready for sale. Have done it 4-5 times previously with no problems until now. Today I can't get the oil filter off. Have used a band-type oil filter wrench before, with the frame partially in the way it's been a minor problem, but today I can't get it to budge. Went and bought some oil filter pliers to try it, squeezed so hard I punched through the metal in two spots...any suggestions?

Put some oil on the rubber oil filter gasket mating surface before installation and that won't happen again. As to getting yours off try a pair of channel locks and grab base not body of filter. (if you have room) Might need to use a chisel on filter base but be real careful not to scar anything else like gasket surface of bike. (do this only after trying every other option)

I'll give that a shot. Had the oil changed in August when I took her in for it's 15k checkup, I think the dealership had a gorilla put it on, it's tight as hell...

Typical of the dealership to romp down on it. I'll bet they used a filter socket and an impact wrench.

I never got my bike back from the local Harley dealership without something broken on it.

This is something you need to bring to the service manager's attention, for the sake of the other customers. They will be able (if they care) to find out who did the oil change and talk 'em down.

Good luck, I have no better suggestions for getting the filter off. Just be VERY careful of that mating surface, take off the exhaust or whatever if you have to!

slimcolo wrote:Put some oil on the rubber oil filter gasket mating surface before installation and that won't happen again. As to getting yours off try a pair of channel locks and grab base not body of filter. (if you have room) Might need to use a chisel on filter base but be real careful not to scar anything else like gasket surface of bike. (do this only after trying every other option)

Yes the large channel lock should always do the trick.

Luckily the Sportster oil filter is fully exposed unlike some that live inside a recessed hole.

Got it off. Got my Dad's tools when he died, among them is a big flathead screwdriver about 18-20" long. Made a pilot hole with a big nail and pounded the screwdriver through. A little elbow grease and body weight and got it off. Then spent 20 minutes degreasing the area to clean the excess oil off. Someone needs their impact hammer taken away...