My recent attempt at an oil change wasn't exactly straightforward as I had a little difficulty with the oil drain plug, (whole separate thread on this!    )

Now eventually the bike has some nice new oil and nice new filter - all installed after reading the sound advice on this site. Everything should be hunky dory - filter installed the correct way around, with the hole you can wiggle your finger in facing inwards, and no problems replacing the spring loaded cover. The o ring on this also appeared fine.

The only problem I think I have is that I have just read there should be a rubber seal on the side of the oil filter which faces inwards There was no seal with the new filter and I can't remember there being one with the old filter!

This is basically a rhetorical post as I'm pretty sure I already know the answer - I'm going to have to drain the oil again and check this aren't I?  

You don't have to drain the oil.  

Put down some old rugs, lay the bike on it's side (I hope your gas tank isn't completely full).

Then you can remove the filter cover without draining the oil first.

I wouldn't bother with it.
so you're bypassing some 'dirty' oil by the filter.
much much more is going thru the filter.

getrdone next oil change.

and yes you can open the oil filter without draining the oil, you'll only loose a cup of oil.

Serowbot wrote on 07/22/15 at 09:23:38:



Of course it will!  

I wish I could remember seeing the thing there!  That's encroaching old age for you! I'm just going to have to have a look now.

Where's that socket set ...

Maybe I need more coffee... ...

...