FRAM Oil Filter for K Bike?

[bbmw]

I have just purchased a 1987 K100RS.
I see that FRAM has oil filter part number PH6063 listed for my bike. I am looking for comments from anyone who has used this filter in their bike.
Your comments are appreciated.
Thanks, Brad

[Ridealot]

Fram has changed the filter and it SHOULD NOT be used in your bike! The PH6063 filters now have the black grippy stuff on the bottom of the filter to help you grip it when you remove it. Since the filter on a K- bike is completely covered inside the engine guess where the black grippy stuff is going to go when it comes off. You don't want this stuff floating around in your oil passages.

[dlearl476]

Before you put a Fram filter in your BMW, you should Google and look around at the discouraging news. In most comparison tests, they are always dead last. I was trying to find an old post where some racing orginization actually banned Fram filters after one blew up and nearly killed the rider of the bike when the oil hit his rear tire. I found these to get you going. IIRC, the racing news was from WERA or RoadRacingWorld. Wish I'd have bookmarked it. When I suggested a Fram replacement for the $15 OEM Triumph filter, I was bombarded with bad juju.

Fram Recall (http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdaily/day0003.html)

Filter Comparison (http://www.twocreeks.net/toby/oil_filters/fram.shtml)

[knary]

Originally posted by ride-a-lot
Fram has changed the filter and it SHOULD NOT be used in your bike! The PH6063 filters now have the black grippy stuff on the bottom of the filter to help you grip it when you remove it. Since the filter on a K- bike is completely covered inside the engine guess where the black grippy stuff is going to go when it comes off. You don't want this stuff floating around in your oil passages.

Are you sure the 6063 has the black coating? The 6063 is/was apparently the same filter as the one rebadged by BMW - both made by Mahle (this is the same filter used across the oilhead line and K12 line). The 6063 is rarely if ever seen at an auto store and is usually special ordered. The 6063 will save you a couple dollars over the BMW filter. It is sold by Fram as a straight replacement for a K100RS. YMMV.

In contrast, the commonly found and cheap 3614 filter that was long popular with old K-bike owners is to be avoided because of that coating that was added several years ago.

[RJCorazza]

Is it just the 'grippy' coating that is a problem? Is the BMW OEM filter painted?
The reason I ask is I use Amsoil filters in my stuff, and the SMF122 is listed for BMW K's (and is painted).

[1flyer]

No, the BMW OEM filter I use on my K1200LT is not painted.

[roadcrave]

My 2003 k1200lt is up on its center stand as i type this, I purchaced a new oil filter from the dealor and it is not painted, just gray galvinized looking,
now were do you go and get a oil filter wrench that fits up into the cavity to remove the old oil filter, my plastic one is too big....:dunno ...matthew

[dlearl476]

I got mine at a pep boys. Take the filter in and try a couple of wrenches. I can't remember which size fits the K.

edit 11/19: I have a "B" and a "G" and I'm pretty sure the K filter is the smaller "G" size.

[110997]

If you have fram# you should be able to get a Wix filter, I've been using a Wix on my GS since I bought it, I'd stay way from the grip shedding Fram. :doh

Good luck

[gsmetal]

NEVER,NEVER NEVER use an aftermarket oil filter.

I've had to had 2 of them cut off because they strip - the outside housing seperates from the threads.

In short what happens is when you try to take off the filter, it just spins.

The cost to have it cut off is about $110.00 and sevral days in the shop.

Quit being a cheapskate and spend another $3.00 and buy a BMW filter.

[110997]

Aftermarket filters can be used if you buy the correct oil filter wrench to go with the filter.

Its simple mechanics...no more. :doh

[manicmechanic]

When I got my '94 K1100 I was going to change the oil for the first time and found we didn't have the proper wrench for the filter. I had been perusing a Clymer manual before that and noticed that, by removing the oil pan, the filter was much more accessible and removed the filter with a strap wrench. The pan uses a sealer, no gasket. After that I made sure that I had the correct wrench, and didn't tighten the filter "to refusal". All too often people tighten the filters "just a little more", and then wonder why they don't come off.

[boomyr]

roadcrave says:

"I purchaced a new oil filter from the dealor and it is not painted, just gray galvinized looking,
now were do you go and get a oil filter wrench that fits up into the cavity to remove the old oil filter, my plastic one is too big"

I don't think you'll find one at Autozone, but I never really looked there, but it is my understanding that it is an odd filter to match.
I bought my filter wrench at the BMW Dealer for about $15. I don't know the BMW part #, but it is a HAZET #2169. I'm a tool dealer and have been able to get Hazet from vendors special order, so if a BMW dealer isn't convienient, any tool dealer should be able to get it if you point them in the right direction with the #. I had to get a Hazet # for a Mercedes/Porsche Dealer on my route, and it took me about 3 weeks to get. A BMW dealer is probably the quickest way.

[GregFeeler]

roadcrave says:

"I purchaced a new oil filter from the dealor and it is not painted, just gray galvinized looking,
now were do you go and get a oil filter wrench that fits up into the cavity to remove the old oil filter, my plastic one is too big"

I don't think you'll find one at Autozone, but I never really looked there, but it is my understanding that it is an odd filter to match.
I bought my filter wrench at the BMW Dealer for about $15. I don't know the BMW part #, but it is a HAZET #2169. I'm a tool dealer and have been able to get Hazet from vendors special order, so if a BMW dealer isn't convienient, any tool dealer should be able to get it if you point them in the right direction with the #. I had to get a Hazet # for a Mercedes/Porsche Dealer on my route, and it took me about 3 weeks to get. A BMW dealer is probably the quickest way.


They say the cheapest thing on a BMW is the rider. :stick The BMW filter wrench works perfectly, and that's especially nice on a K-bike where the filter opening in the oil pan is so small. The little extra it costs over the parts house plastic versions will easitly be repaid in your first few changes that go without hassle. If your local dealer isn't (local), you can order on-line from several different dealers, including Bob's, San Jose, etc.

As for using the OEM filter or not, it's your bike - do what you want. But, I'd avoid anything painted, and I would NEVER, EVER use a Fram filter in anything I own. Period. They used to be a quality brand, but IMHO not any more. If the screw up and let a good part slip in from another supplier that's still not reason to trust them. Soon as they find a way to save 2 cents they will and it will be you and your bike that will have to find out the hard way. Other than that, I don't have a strong feeling about them either way. :p

Lots of K-bike riders will skip every other filter change (depending on conditions). The reasoning being a) there's no way it could be dirty (i.e. plugged or not filtering well), and b) the little bit of oil left (espeically if you change frequently) will not significantly contaminate the new oil. Again - your bike - do what you want.

[Hodag]

I looked at the oil filter wrench I use. Its a CTA A251, 76 MM.
For sale here for $1.59 ea.
http://www.autopart.com/TOOLS/TOOLSMAIN/tool/T_A251.htm
I've got dozens of changes on it without any troubles.
Mark

[GregFeeler]

I looked at the oil filter wrench I use. Its a CTA A251, 76 MM.
For sale here for $1.59 ea.
http://www.autopart.com/TOOLS/TOOLSMAIN/tool/T_A251.htm
I've got dozens of changes on it without any troubles.
Mark

Those are the first metal alternatives to the BMW OEM wrench I've seen that look like they would fit through the oil filter hole. This isn't rocket science, so a stamped steel wrech should work fine. At that price I could have one to carry on the bike for really long trips. :)

Thanks for the tip and link. :thumb

[Hodag]

Fits in the oil filter hole with no problems, unless you have a bad case of the shakes. I think I picked mine up at our local farm supply store "Fleet Farm", or what we call the "men's mall".
Mark

[GregFeeler]

Fits in the oil filter hole with no problems, unless you have a bad case of the shakes. I think I picked mine up at our local farm supply store "Fleet Farm", or what we call the "men's mall".
Mark

"Men's Mall" - I like that! Yeah, farm supply store would be a good try - we have several and I'll check them out before ordering on-line. The alternatives I've seen before were plastic ones from the likes of Schucks, Checkers, AutoZone, etc. Too big for the opening.

[mmnh]

I just went through this, purchased a Fram filter, (don't have number in front of me, it was the "direct replacement one", no paint- no grippy) and put it on the other day. It didn't feel right going on , but I buttoned it up anyway. This was my first filter change on a K bike. Next day when I went to take it off and check things, my pressed steel filter wrench ($2.99) would slip not grip, (engine was cold, could be why) I ending up heating filter with a hair dryer and hammering filter wrench on, it finally came off.
AHA! After breaking free it had about two turns of thread engaged. I dug out the OEM filter and compared the two, a thicker gasket and the threads were set deeper into the filter body on the Fram. The OEM filter engaged a lot more threads, maybe four turns when I tried it. Went to the dealer and bought OEM and got a good deal on a pair of boots. :clap
P.S. The Fram fuel filter mentioned at IBMWR.org didn't work either, too long and the hose barbs are different.
I am not sorry I tried either one of these subs, but it was a lesson learned. :banghead

[roadcrave]

I went through a learning curve on my k1200lt,drove a wrench on my oil filter to get it off, then i looked up inside with a mirror, curiosity always gets me, and behold there lays the old gasket from the removed oil filter stuck on the case, good thing i checked, so the i went to our local motorcycle store and i purchaced a K@N oil filter with a installing nut welded on the end of the filter for a very easy install, and most importantly easy removal... :twirl ...matthew

[Brownie]

Gents...............


I have a friend who has a gorgeous K1200 RS, who buys the Fram with the "grippy" stuff on it. He then removes it with something coarse, "rinses" it, he says, and then installs it with a home-made wrench.

What is wrong with the big picture here???

Respect machinery & engineering! A dealer parts guy, who is VERY knowledgable showed me the guts of the BMW filter-supposedly has a relief valve built-in as a last resort pressure saver. Can't verify the design/purpose of the innards, but made sense at the time.

Use Mahle filters regularly in my wifes VW-seems like decent mfr.

Regards.............Shep Brown

[n5xwb]

I have just purchased a 1987 K100RS.
I see that FRAM has oil filter part number PH6063 listed for my bike. I am looking for comments from anyone who has used this filter in their bike.
Your comments are appreciated.
Thanks, Brad


The only thing I have heard of that I will advise you off.

Don't get a filter with that black hand grip paint. It is unknown if it will stay when covered in oil.

Also Mobil 1 is what I have run in my K with zero problems

n5xwb aka Donn
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