Decided to put my 2003 EG Classic to bed for the winter and had drained out all the old oil this am. I was about to put on the new oil filter when I noticed that the seal gasket had a +1/8 protuberance at one point. It would never have sealed. Examination showed that the crimping process to hold the gasket in place was out of alignment. Took it back to the dealer who replaced it. However when we opened the replacement, there was a distinct high spot of between 1/32 and 1/16, again apparently caused by the crimping process. Opened a 3rd one up. Whilst it is not completely flat, I would say the high spot is less than a 1/64, I believe it is useable although I will be looking very hard for leaks when I start riding again. I don't know how endemic this problem is, but all you do-it -yourselfers out there might want to check your new filters before you put them on.

 

Go buy a K&P filter. Made in the USA. Won't deal with that crap again.

 

Just done a search. Looks rather interesting. How is it in the oil mess area that you get most time with the Harley set up?

 

Bout the same

 

This is a great filter that will flow more oil, filters cleaner and gives you an debris inspection when you clean it at oil change. Expect a 5 psi oil pressure increase. I have used these filters in every one of my vehicles including my drag car for the last 20 years. They make a specific HD application.http://www.system1filters.com/

 

You know most "techs" at a dealership would Not have caught that and just installed it.

Just one more reason to do your own maintenance work.

I have been using K&N for years...always look at them closely before installing. Never had a problem.

 

I have been running the Bosch 3330 filters for the last 8 years or so with great results.

 

Something interesting here:
http://www.tobycreek.org/oil_filters/mychoices.shtml

When I buy oil, I get a free HIFLO oil filter in my parcel.
I'm not yet keen to use it on my engine but I will soon compare their models '170' and '171' to the stock HD Premium.
From what I understand the perfect filter should have:
- a silicon seal for the anti drain valve,
- the over pressure release valve should be sealed or seamed in one of the metal filter caps,
- the spring keeping the filter in position should be coiled rather than stamped,
- there should be a high number of pleats evenly spaced and glued where they joint,
- and finally a good quality outer seal to avoid oil losses.

It's hard to believe we can get all of this for $15!

 

Something interesting here:
http://www.tobycreek.org/oil_filters/mychoices.shtml

When I buy oil, I get a free HIFLO oil filter in my parcel.
I'm not yet keen to use it on my engine but I will soon compare their models '170' and '171' to the stock HD Premium.
From what I understand the perfect filter should have:
- a silicon seal for the anti drain valve,
- the over pressure release valve should be sealed or seamed in one of the metal filter caps,
- the spring keeping the filter in position should be coiled rather than stamped,
- there should be a high number of pleats evenly spaced and glued where they joint,
- and finally a good quality outer seal to avoid oil losses.

It's hard to believe we can get all of this for $15!

 

I don't know, been using HD filters almost 20 years no problem.

I think you just landed on a bad batch somehow.

Will take the time to examine them before installing from now on.
Thanks for the heads up.