Aftermarket Oil filter for HD Twin cam
- Thread starter Rob C
- Start date
I have been using them for a few years now on my Twinky 103. They are very popular amongst the HD crowd.
They are heavy and seem to be well constructed including a nut on the end which is really nice on a HD. Other than that I cannot add much info on them except I will continue to use them.
They are heavy and seem to be well constructed including a nut on the end which is really nice on a HD. Other than that I cannot add much info on them except I will continue to use them.
Harley's filter is the only thing I do buy from the dealer. Every once in a while it gives me a reason to go there, and look around. I don't feel like spending any time on researching a item that will fit and work, then gets thrown away afterwards.,,,
Yes, just two times. I had a rough time installing and mostly removing because the engine sensor is in the way and the HiFlow if I remember correctly is a little bit wider. Of course also the HD oil filter tool doesnt fit it.
I can not say for sure but in my mind, I felt as if I had more engine noise at start up for a second or two. Almost like after you change oil, the tick noise but for a shorter period. I questioned to myself if the bypass valve was not in spec.
Anyway, I gave up, the HD filters are great but have become more than pricey, I found some Wix that I have tried, was happy with it, nope HD filter wrench does fit that either but I mange, thing is the next two that I ordered both at different times came in dented. Gave up on them. But nice filter and feel it's more specific to match the HD filter specs.
So, just for fun, for the first time ever in 9 years I put a Fram on it. Doubt it matches HD specs but it's a filter and zero start up noise vs the HiFlo. I just installed the Fram about a month ago and I am ok with it, whether I continue I'll figure out in the future. Most likely I will continue. Had a great ride yesterday temps hit 70, rural roads and then to the beach.
I change my oil and filter once a year,,,I only average about 4k miles or less,,the norm on motorcycles is under 4 k miles a year....sometime I get my o. f . at autozone and sometimes at the Harley store,,its not a budget breaker
Whip City Wrencher did a comparison video of a Harley filter and a regular Hiflo non-RC filter. The Hiflo had a lot more filter media, and the media looked to be less porous under a microscope, so it's likely more efficient. The RC version should be more efficient yet. The Hiflo seems to have better build quality as well.
The H Flo has a nut welded on the end similar l to k&n.
That's not the correct filter for a twin cam.
This is the correct filter for a twin cam, also available in chrome.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/cut-open-harley-davidson-super-premium-5-63731-99a.230018/
Ok, guess I should have paid more attention to the Model # you are talking about.
Yes. On our 2016 Heritage Softail 103. I use the HF 171 CRC (chrome, with nut on the end)
This is the correct filter, according to HiFlo application matrix.
Been using them for years on three Road Kings and this third Heritage Softail.
https://www.hiflofiltro.com/catalogue/model/5914
Propflux01
$100 Site Donor 2025
Good quality Chinese filter.
Not sure of your reply as to who but if it matters its largely rumored K&N is made by Hi-Flo. Adding to the rumor is K&N motorcycle filters are made in, yes, same place as Hi-Flo Thailand. I'll leave it to that.
There are many Youtube videos on that subject. But you may find this interesting pertaining to BMW filters. The K&N looks very similar inside. Any variances could easily be attributed to production runs. The K&N in this one does not have the nut on the end, that could be simply because it's for a BMW or some HiFLo's come with the option to not have the nut.
Not related to Hi-Flo but dont feel bad about abandoning HD filters which I recently did abandon and actually put a Fram on (gulp) thanks to you, I just ran across this, incredibly interesting to say the least!!!!! Keep in mind, I dont think this is compared to a HD micron filter... I just find it interesting.
I am not typically a YouTube person but you cant deny the actual photos. This is freaking scary and I was a proponent of HD filters in the past... I think I may just stay with Fram or try Hi-Flo again.
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This “dire warning” has been covered it’s not unique to HD and has been seen in various brands.
FWIW the last couple SP5 I have seen have had excellent louvers.
FWIW the last couple SP5 I have seen have had excellent louvers.
You know? For years now, just not motorcycles I always wondered if the louvers (or the stamped holes) ever restrict. I am sure they are fine but Im back in the camp of preferring the plastic cage if given the choice. I dont stress about it, mostly*LOL*
I've calculated the pressure drop across the centre tube of a louvered PurolatorOne filter using an online pressure drop calculator. It worked out to be on the order of 1% of the total filter dP. The inlet holes on the filter base were a bit more restrictive at 2% of total dP. So almost all of the restriction is from the media, and the centre tube is hardly going to restrict flow unless maybe it's defective and most of the louvers are closed, which can happen.
Louvers strike again. These are the same exact filter brand/model. This is how much variation can happen with louvers. It really doesn't take rocket science to make louvers correctly.
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