Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: bob795 on May 20, 2015, 11:40:19 PM

Title: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: bob795 on May 20, 2015, 11:40:19 PM
Hi guys,

I have some questions for you. My bike is leaking oil. Oil is coming from the oil filter, looks like it's coming from the spot where the oil filter touches the engine case. This is the third time it happens to me.

The first time it happened, I fixed it myself by changing the oil filter. The second time it happened, it was fixed by the dealer... I guess fix is not the right word cause the fix was done at the same time I did a 10,000 km service.

Every time, this leak happened after I revved up my bike. The latest one was last night.  On my way home from the office,  I revved up my bike, I stayed in 1st gear until I reach 82 kph before I shifted to 2d gear. I remember looking at the speedo and thinking :"whoa, this bike is quick  ;D " This morning when I was going to go to the office, I noticed there are drops of oil underneath my bike. Sure enough, it came from the oil filter. Same place as before. So I left my bike at home today and take my other bike.

My questions to you guys:
1) is this leak is caused by the oil filter getting loose (vibration causing it to become loose)? I'm thinking maybe it's the cause because it happens after I revved up the bike hard; or is it something more serious?
2) is this leaking from the oil filter is something that often happen to Monsters?   

BTW, I ride / commute on this bike every day... usually I ride it for a week then the next week I ride my Husky, then the monster again ,so on and so forth.

Thanks guys,
bob
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: ducpainter on May 21, 2015, 02:53:46 AM
It's a common problem if the filter isn't tightened properly on install. They can't be just hand tight like on a car.

Tighten it with a strap wrench.
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: bob795 on May 21, 2015, 03:44:48 AM
Thanks ducpainter.
I'll look for a strap wrench. I just visited monsterparts looking for an oil filter tool, but too bad they don't it in stock.

bob
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: ducpainter on May 21, 2015, 03:48:32 AM
If Jeff doesn't have one ca-cycleworks or motowheels might.

They're all long time sponsors.

You can probably find one at autozone if you bring a filter.

BTW...there is a torque spec for the filter, but I just tighten the thing.
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: Howie on May 21, 2015, 03:57:21 AM
Tighten to 17 Nm.  No torque wrench or tool?  7/8 turn after gasket contact will work.  Once they leak,sometimes they continue to leak after proper tightening.  If you can get K&N filters where you are they have a 7/8 nut on the bottom.
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: bob795 on May 21, 2015, 04:08:25 AM
Thanks again ducpainter, I'll go check ca-cycleworks and motowheels sites.
Thanks Howie... I remember seeing one online store here where I live, that sells K&N oil filter with nut on the bottom. I'm gonna look for it.

bob

edit:
motowheels has this: http://motowheels.com/i-14171579-corse-dynamics-billet-oil-filter-wrench-v2-ducati-oem-filter.html (http://motowheels.com/i-14171579-corse-dynamics-billet-oil-filter-wrench-v2-ducati-oem-filter.html) Can I use this?
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: koko64 on May 21, 2015, 04:35:35 AM
Yes. It works with oem filters. If you are committed to oem filters it would be a good purchase.
I like the K&N filters.
Try tweaking tight a bit more by hand and see if the leak stops. Use one of those rubber jar openers that help your grip. After that buy the K&N filters so you can use a wrench. Just my preference.
I just picked up some K&N filters from MW.
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: bob795 on May 21, 2015, 06:10:44 AM
Thanks koko64, I'll try that.
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: memper on May 21, 2015, 01:39:26 PM
Try tightening first before replacing. Also, maybe a dumb comment, but did the rubber gasket come out with the last oil change? Sometimes it gets stuck on the case and doesn't come out with filter removal and goes unnoticed. Then the new filter is installed and the gaskets are doubled up which would probably result in a poor seal.
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: koko64 on May 21, 2015, 02:52:20 PM
Wouldnt be the first time that happened.
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: koko64 on May 21, 2015, 05:39:23 PM
+1 on the strap filter. It's a handy tool as it fits many filters, so add that to your tool box list. ;)
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: the_Journeyman on May 23, 2015, 07:23:49 AM
Quote from: koko64 on May 21, 2015, 04:35:35 AM
Try tweaking tight a bit more by hand and see if the leak stops. Use one of those rubber jar openers that help your grip.

Hadn't thought about that, good tip  [thumbsup]

JM
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: MotoPsycho on May 27, 2015, 03:13:21 PM
Might help too like automotive stuff to smear a coat of new oil on the gasket ?
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: ducpainter on May 27, 2015, 04:17:47 PM
Quote from: MotoPsycho on May 27, 2015, 03:13:21 PM
Might help too like automotive stuff to smear a coat of new oil on the gasket ?

That's a given...SOP.
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: MotoPsycho on May 27, 2015, 04:31:20 PM
I've seen people not do it plenty of times and tear the hell out of a filter trying to get it off, it's easy to overlook.
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: ducpainter on May 27, 2015, 04:53:23 PM
I'd disagree.

Oiling an oil filter gasket before install is an automatic.

The people that don't do it every time should take their vehicles to a shop.
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: oldndumb on May 27, 2015, 05:51:29 PM
True dat^^^^!

In fact, I can't imagine anyone doing else wise. Anyone that does, should have to turn in their Builder Bob tool boxes.  ;D
Title: Re: Oil leaks from oil filter
Post by: MotoPsycho on May 27, 2015, 07:33:24 PM
That's how I feel about it. That's why it's SOP for me myself to fill the filter up with oil before installation. Never forget it that way.