to change oil filter or not?

[brent suzkui wyble j16]

what do you guys think? i am about to change the oil in my Harley, not because of miles but time, should the filter always be changed also? i allways change it with the oil but this time the bike only has about 700 miles sence last change, but has about a year ago. changing the filter is no big deal but it does get the bike VERY messy. i would like not to change it but that would leave a little old oil in the motor. is that going to mess up the new oil?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: to change oil filter or not?

Brent, you can do what you want, but rule of thumb, when changing oil, do the filter also cause if there are any old particles of any in the filter, then it will get in the new oil.

 

[Heinz CA.]

Re: to change oil filter or not?

I'd change filter too. When they sit for a long time with low miles on them, I've been told that filter also looses ability to clean, (oil impregnated)from low usage - kinda like getting soaked and plugged up. Heinz

 

[brent suzkui wyble j16]

Re: to change oil filter or not?

thanks spinner & heinz, i never thought about it soaking up the oil but makes sence, like i said its a messy job the way the filter is placed. anyone have any hints on making the change less messy?