Oil Filter Leak

[curtis]

Did my first oil change a few weeks ago. All went well, except for perhaps filter selection.
In researching for proper replacement oil filters, I purchased an OEM unit from the dealer, which I still have NIB. I then found several listed online as good alternate aftermarket units. My intention was to buy one of each then visually compare to the OEM unit. Around that time I was placing an order on a popular online motorcycle gear/accessory provider and was close the the $99 needed to achieve free shipping. A quick search yielded that this retailer carried a 'bikemaster' filter to fit my 1150R, for a third of the cost as OEM. My web research showed nothing of this brand, but I figured I would give it a shot.
Physical/visual comparison was virtually identical except for the thickness of the rubber seal, which was much thinner than OEM. Five Hundred miles later, I have droplets of 20w50 on my garage floor...about 6-8drops per 24hrs it seems.
It appears to be coming from the filter &/or filter opening. I am hoping that this is as simple as being result of a cheap filter, and the issue will be solved upon my next oil change(with better filter).
Does anyone have any experience with these filters, OR any advice.

Thanks in advance!!!

[Boxer]

Ron, try cleaning the gunk and oil off the outside of the filter and then grab it with your fingers and see if you can turn it at all clockwise with your fingers. I suppose its possible you just didn't get it tight enough, but don't try to correct that with a wrench. Just use your hand and see if it will tighten at all with your hand. If you can turn it at all with your fingers, then it was probably just not tight enough.

I watched you put that on, but I just dont't know if your "hand tight" at that time was the same as what I call "hand tight". Then when you gave it that 1/4 turn with the wrench, well...it just might not have gotten it tight enough.

[Hottech]

You may have accidently left the old rubber gasket from the preivous oil filter stuck to the housing. It happened to me, after removing the new filter I discovered the old gasket was still attached.

[curtis]

Hottek, I did make sure the old ring/gasket was out prior to installing new filter. Thanks though!

Boxer, are you saying I'm weak?
Certainly with my substantial girth, my hand tightening strength is at least average.
Yes I did turn a quarter turn after hand tightening, so haven't even thought of it being loose. I will check when I get home from work. Thanks!
I do suspect that thin gasket is at least partially to blame.
*I went by your place Saturday around 11am on my way to a Cumming-Dawsonville-Jasper-Woodstock loop. Your garage door was closed, truck in driveway so I figured you were already rolling on 2 wheels somewhere.
Hope you are doing well!

[towerworker]

I've never heard of that filter. For the last 10 years on two R's I've used the AC Delco PF53. It like so many others is about 1/3rd the cost of OEM. I have no BMW shop close to me and I've got a lot of experience with GM filters so I'm not worried.

I with Boxer in that possibly a wee bit tighter is all you need. I'd be inclines to put a small pan under the bike and remove the filter and closely inspect it and it's mating surface on the bike. What little oil comes out you can simply put back in the crankcase. Good luck!

I envy you living close to Boxer. He's a good guy.

[Boxer]

HaHa! No, not "weak". Just maybe didn't give the hard hand turn required.

Yes, On Saturday, Marvin and I were cruising around the backroads near Hillsville, VA. Man, what a beautiful place! We camped for 2 nights at Willville and rode home yesterday.

I didn't think about what Wayne suggested...about taking the filter off. Due to it's position, you can pull it off and inspect it, or replace it without losing very much oil at all. But I'd try to tighten it a little first.

[curtis]

It wouldn't budge using just my hand.
The leaking does seem to have subsided, likely due to having not been run since about Noon on Sunday. I guess the oil not being under pressure or temperature, doesn't look for a way out as when running.
I did find several reviews on retailer sites and other moto forums in regards to the Bikemaster filters. Most were favorable but at least 3 mentioned them leaking. While I may not always go with OEM in the future, I will not be installing one of these again.
Removing the filter is a good idea, but I might just let it go until the next oil change while of course keeping a close eye on the level.
Thanks a lot guys!

[towerworker]

If it's leaking I would not take a chance by leaving it installed. If it leaks then it's defective. At best you'll have oil on the underside to clean. At worst it'll completely blow and you'll be in the market for a new motor. Are you going to take a chance for the sake of saving whatever that filter cost?

If it was my bike I'd pull that filter and replace it with something that has a known good record. As I mentioned I have used the ACDelco for 10 years now. I'm not pushing their filter. There is any number of acceptable filters out there. But apparently the Bikemaster filter is not one of them.

Seldom will oil leak out of anything when it's not running. That's not a big deal. Leaking while under pressure is a no-brainer. Replace that thing before you're stranded 100 miles from home with a cooked motor.

[curtis]

Well in that case I will replace it. Thanks for your candor.
You mention that I will need to replace the oil in the crankcase. Forgive my ignorance, but that is done by putting oil in the normal filler hole in top of cylinder correct?

[towerworker]

Yes, I don't think you'll have a lot of oil to top off but there will be some plus whatever is in the filter. And you're not ignorant, there is always a bit of a learning curve on any new machine. I generally fill a new filter with oil before I screw it in tight. I hope I didn't come across too harshly, it's just that a fix for the situation is very easy and you avoid what could be big $$ in repairs. And yes the oil goes in the small black cap on top of the cylinder. You have to pour kinda slow so as to not back up on you. You'll find out too (if not already) that checking the oil on these beasts is sometimes frustrating. Take the bike for a good spin (30 minutes or so) enough to get the motor up to temp and put it on the center stand. Let it sit for a while. Check it the same way each time. After a good run. There's a thermostat in the oil system that will hold oil up in the coolers if the motor is cool. Won't allow an accurate check.

I've been around this board for many years now but only just last week was able to get back on my '04 R after 3 long years of not riding due to a little illness. It feels so wonderful to be back in the saddle!

Welcome to this board, you'll find this a valuable resource on all things R1150R. There are quite a few really sharp guys here that are very willing to lend a hand.
And if I can help in any way just let me know! You can pm me thru the board.

[curtis]

Not harsh at all Wayne, you are tellin it like it is. I am grateful.
So I am going to use the OEM filter I bought from Blue Moon Cycles here in the ATL, this afternoon.
As it turns out, Amazon carries the AC Delco PF53 for $6, and with my Prime membership I get free shipping. I have one on the way to have as a spare or my the next oil change.
Yes I have had to add oil on several occasions(she burns about 1qt per 1Kmiles) and the one oil change under Boxers supervision in his garage, so along with online assistance I am learning at a pretty good pace.

Thanks for your help!

[towerworker]

If you're close to Boxer are you coming to Hungry Mother State Park for our yearly event? He said he's got 7 riding with him from Georgia. It's August 9-11. Info is here: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=27470

Would love to have you join us. I've missed the last 3, I'm really excited about coming to this one!

[curtis]

Sounds like a great time. Boxer has not mentioned it. Perhaps he knows I have no luggage on my R as of yet, and am not real prepared for overnighters.
None the less, I am a divorced Dad with a young daughter whom I spend alternate weekends with. It seems most fun, motorcycle, 'organized' events fall on weekends that I am with her, including this one.
Thanks for mentioning it though!