RETURN TO SPARK'S CORNER

If you really want to know what sort of chunks are floating around in your late-model TC88, cut open the oil filter after your next service. Don’t service your own bike? Not a problem. Bring a rag, a large baggie, and a Sharpie marker to the next service. Use the marker to write your name on the filter, and tell the service manager that you want your filter back after the service. Pop the used filter into the baggie, use the rag to wipe your hands, then stuff it in there to soak up the excess oil that will leak out.

When you get home, pick out an appropriately absorbent publication, a hammer, a chisel, a pair of pliers, and a box cutter. It’s time to play Monster Garage in your garage. First, why use a chisel? If you use a hacksaw or bandsaw, you’ll get metal chips all over the place, and it will be hard to tell which ones came from the oil and which ones came from the saw. A word about safety here – use some sense, willya? Don’t whack yourself with the hammer, cut yourself on the sharp metal edges, or poke your eye out with the chisel.

Getting Started: Click to Enlarge

Using the hammer and chisel, cut a ring around the top of the filter. The metal cuts easily, but it gets tough to hold the filter, the chisel and the hammer with only two hands. Your alternatives are to say, “Hey, baby, hold this slippery piece of sharp metal while I whack it with a hammer!” or to hold the filter under your boot. I chose the latter.

Top Off: Click to Enlarge

Take a pair of pliers, fold out the bent bits of filter housing that are in your way, reach in with the pliers, and yank out the filter element.

Element Removed: Click to Enlarge

Now you have the element, and you’re ready to cut away the filter material. Be careful here, because both the razor knife and the edges of the filter element are sharp. Cut around the top and bottom edges of the spool, then peel away the folder paper in a strip.

Cut Open: Click to Enlarge

Ok, here’s why we did all the hard work. Take the strips of folded paper out in the sunlight, where bits of metal and plastic will show up. If you see tan plastic, you are looking at bits of your cam chain tensioner that have gone through your oil pump. If you see metal, particularly lots of little sparkly pieces, you are likely looking at the remains of your oil pump.

Bad Element: Click to Enlarge

Here’s a picture of the oil filter from my Road King. Note the bits of tan plastic and specks of metal. If you see this, your next stop should be the dealer. Whatever you find in your oil filter has gone through your oil pump.

See Related Article: "A Twisted Tensioner Tale"

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(© 2004 Terry Morris
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