Oil Filters
If you fancy yourself as a bit of an at-home motorcycle mechanic, you will be used to tinkering around with your Harley Davidson. However, if you are new to the custom motorcycle build and are in need of a helping hand, here is a ‘how to’ video on how to pick the right oil filter for your motorcycle. American Motorcycles in Victoria Park specialise in performance and aftermarket motorcycle parts for Harley Davidsons, custom rebuilds and pre-owned motorcycles. S&S Cycle, a highly sought after aftermarket Harley parts brand, have produced a video guide on tips for oil filters for your motorcycle.
Video: S&S Tech Tips – Oil Filters
Harley Davidson Evolution Engine
Oil filters for Harley Davidson, Evolution and Twin Cam motorcycles are very different; while they may appear identical on the outside, the oil filters are designed for completely different oiling systems. The Harley featured in the S&S Tech Tip video has an evolution style engine with the oil system plumbed into the return line. This means the oil is filtered in transit back to the oil tank after it has been scavenged from the engine. With a low pressure return line, the oil filter will also need to have a low restriction.
Harley Davidson Twin Cam Engine
The second Harley Davidson is built with a Twin Cam 88 engine, and contains no pipes or hoses, with the oil being filtered before it enters the motorcycle engine. Due to it’s location in the filtration system, the oil filter for a Twin Cam engine requires a higher pressure and contains an anti-drain back valve restricting oil flow to a single direction. The pressurised oil pushes through the rubber valves while the engine is running; once the engine stops, the valve closes prevent any oil leaking backward into the oil pump.
Oil Filters Can Be a Sticky Situation
As the S&S tech tip video explains, the oil filters required for the two different engine types are very different, and installing the incorrect filter can lead to costly damage to your Harley’s engine. If you were to install a Twin Cam filter in an Evolution engine (which requires low restriction filter), the added restriction and the anti-drain back valve may prevent engine oil from returning to the oil tank correctly. If it’s not getting back to the tank, the oil will begin to build up in the crankcase. The increased pressure will cause the crankcase breather to explode causing multiple problems with your engine.
Find the Right Oil Filter for your Bike
Whether your Harley Davidson is a Twin Cam or an Evolution, make sure you are purchasing the correct oil filter for your motorcycle. The crew at American Motorcycles are experts when it comes to custom motorcycle parts and repairs. Ask the team for advice on which oil filter your Harley or custom chopper needs or bring your motorcycle in for a service or a check-up.
Oil Filters for both EVO and Twin Cams are available on our website. Click here to see our product range and place your order online: Oil Filters. Make sure you check our Fitment Guide before ordering.