Spin-on Oil Filter for GL1100

[dakotanator]

When I rebuilding my bike, I saw there was a spin-on oil filter available to replace the OEM. I thought it would be great to have a spin-on because I.....like many....had inadvertently tossed out my washer with the filter.

Anyway.......everything went back together fine, put on the filter, added all the fluids. Have put about 300 mi. on it so far. 4 days ago I was taking it to the gas station for a fill, went in to pay, and when I came out there was a pool of oil under my bike..! I can't put into this forum the words that came out of my mouth at that time.
Looked under the bike and it was leaking at the bottom of the filter. I tightened it up as tight as I could by hand, and it slowed to an occasional drip. There was a Carquest Auto Parts next door so I went and got an oil filter wrench and tightened up the rest of the way. NO DRIP. Perfectly fine. Haven't had any issue since.

QUESTION........has anyone installed one on THEIR GL1100, and has anyone had issues with them loosening up..? I really like the filter, but if it's going to do this on any kind of a regular basis, I will go back to the stock one in a heartbeat.

Thanks for any feedback.

[redbug]

Not a problem with the adapter on this 1100. Came from randakks 3 years ago.

[DaveO430]

You should never have to tighten an oil filter with a wrench, good luck getting it off. Perhaps a different brand of filter?

[dakotanator]

I didn't CRANK IT TIGHT, just a pinch more than hand-tight. My grip isn't what it used to be. I could spin it off with my hand when needed, just wanted to go another 1/8 turn past hand tight. I have an adapter on the way to make this a "non-issue" for the future.

[dakotanator]

The spin-on oil filter I used was from Old Bike Barn. I'm pretty sure I tightened it up to the necessary level, but it may have "backed off" over the 300 mi. I rode it until this incident happened. If it happens again, I won't hesitate to order the Randakk's adapter. Murray's Carb's also has an adapter for standard oil filters for the GL1100, but it is basically the Randakk's type, but without the larger plate on it. It's just a threaded pipe. That one is only $18........however.......remember the old saying, "You get what you pay for". However, it looks like it would work just fine also.

I will give this filter another chance, but if it loosens up again......adios sucka.......Randakk's it will be. At this point, I have so much "invested" in my '83, I really don't keep track any more. Nor do I care. This thing runs so nice and smooth I'm just going to do whatever it takes to keep it that way.

[dakotanator]

Here are the 3 options other than OEM (which is likely the BEST option, but we all like "easy" don't we..?)
The spin-on from Old Bike Barn has the label CBX1000, but it fits a whole bunch of other models, including the GL Goldwings.
First one is Randakks.......$83.75......but as I mentioned before......I don't CARE, as long as it works and is dependable.
3rd one is the Murray's Carb's adapter. Same concept as the Randakk's. Just uses larger filters. And he lists which ones.

[Fetasigma]

i got the same filter and had the exact thing happen to me this weekend,(spilled out over half my oil capacity before i noticed) and now its ok. like you i had to stop at an autoparts store to fix it. i am going to spend the money and get the randakk version for when i change the oil next as i no longer trust this spin on(even though like you it seems to be working fine now

[Fetasigma]

and i of course did run it in the driveway for 10 mins to make sure it wasnt leaking before i took off, and based on what i saw when i was messing with the old biker barn adapter it really is just a combination of the murray adaptor(or something just like it and a filter that just happens to be large enough for our needs

[dakotanator]

Went on a 60 mi. ride today. Stopped once to check the oil filter for any leaks. None. I was sure I tightened up to the right spec the first time, but ?????
I do like the Randakk's adapter, but the one from Murray's Carbs looks to be the same deal, just letting the filter butt-up against the block instead of an adapter.

Well........no leaks....no problem. At this time.

[Fetasigma]

The filter you have basically has a version of the Murray filter adaptor on it. Problem. Is finding a filter big enough to fit the footprint. On the stock case. I bought the Randak one but at this time like you I am having no issues, just don't trust it. In the long run I think the Randak is the way to go as it won't strip the aluminum threads in the head

[dakotanator]

You might just be right. The Murray's adapter, if put on at the right ft-lbs, would seem to be a viable, and hopefully RELIABLE, option.

On Murray's Carbs website, here are the listed filters that are compatible with the adapter.

AC Delco PF2232
Baldwin BF1441
Fram PH 9100
Luberfiner LFP 2999
STP S9100
Royal Purple 30-2999
K&N HP-3003
Mobil M1-303
Wix 57202

And I found that Carquest R84099 is another.

[DenverWinger]

After reading the oil filter threads I'd go with the WIX (NAPA) filter.. But that's another thread...

[dakotanator]

Thank you for your input. It's good to get a view of others experiences/opinions. Just for the heck of it, I searched for "Best Oil Filters".

Mobil 1 came up first. Not sure how "reliable" the searches are these days, being that most companies can BUY their reviews now. Mobil 1 products are good though.
But......it was interesting. Others that came up were Royal Purple, Bosch, K&N, Toyota, and a few others. I too like NAPA filters.
I use them on my Dodge Dakota and my '72 Suburban (350).

[Fetasigma]

i asked murrays carbs directly and they said it doesnt fit the gl1100, but maybe i am mistaken, i have the randakk one and thats going on this weekend.

[dakotanator]

Then Murray's needs to change their website info if they don't support it............

[Fetasigma]

yep just went back through my emails on august 27th they replied that "the adapter does not work for the gl1100" when i asked what filters would work best with my 81 gl1100 and if it worked with that model. I dont know why it wouldnt work, just that that was their reply, thats why i went with the old cycle barn adapter that spewed the lifeblood of my engine all over the road in the first place

[dakotanator]

Good to know..!! THANK YOU. Looks like the Randakk's it is..!!

[Fetasigma]

Here is the filter from old bike barn, had to really wrench it on there to get it to seal after the first failure, loved the look of it but hey I am more concerned with function

Here is what I meant by saying that it basically uses a Murray's adaptor, you can clearly see the resemblance and I think this is the reason it backs itself out. The adaptor part was left on the engine when I first took it out.

Here is the Randakk adapter, really nicely made and installation was a breeze.

Install is much easier if you buy a 3 dollar pin wrench from harbor frieght

Installed with a nice napa filter in less than 5 mins

[dakotanator]

Looks good to me.!! I'm sold. Thank you for sharing the pics and info.