Oil filter - this can't be right!

[Tony_Pattison]

I have a 1982 (engine number says Oct 1981 build date) R65 and have just tried to do a basic service on it.

The oil was easy to change, just remove the drain plug on the rear (vertical) surface of the sump. Let the black stuff come out, re-do the bolt and fill her up.

The air filter was easy. Unclip, slide old one out, slide new one it, re-clip.

The oil filter was impossible. The cover is held on with three bolts. They all undid easily, but the rear (top left) one could not be removed as its head came up against the frame. The only way that I can see to remove the small tri-angular cover (and then change the filter) is to lift the engine out of the frame.

This can't be right.

Tony

[Lowen]

Check your motor mount bolts and make sure the engine is properly centered in the frame. Changing the oil filter on my 84 is a 5 min. job.

[donbmw]

My 82 R65 is the same build date as yours. The top bolt hits the frame but it can be angle to come out. The cover should come off letting you have more room.

Don

[Bob_Roller]

I had this same problem on my first oil filter change back in '81.

I cut the head off of the offending bolt, went to the local Yamaha dealer, got a bolt a few threads shorter, and have not had a problem since.

[Ed Miller]

That bolt is shorter than the other two on my bike.  I guess I can thank a dpo (dear previous owner, this time) for that.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I have never heard of this one!  It sounds like a 2nd generation ('81-'84) thing?

[Justin B.]

I always replace these with socket-head stainless bolts of the same length as factory.  I don't know if it is because the "head" is considerably smaller but I never have any problems with any of ours (1980 - 1995)...

[Ash]

My '81 R65 has got a top bolt 4-5mm shorter than the lower two - even then it's still a fairly close thing.

[Tony_Pattison]

Guys,
many thanks for your replies. I'll get three stainless bolts from Motorworks and cut one down so that it fits. I suspect that I'll have to saw the head off the recalcitrant one, before I'll be able to remove it.

thanks
Tony

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

If you are going after that fastener with a hack saw, it might be easier to remove the front engine mount and jack the engine up just a tiny bit - if there is room...

[Bob_Roller]

No need to do that, just back the bolt out all the way until it hits the frame tube, hold the bolt with a pair of needle nose pliers, and then take a hacksaw blade, minus the hacksaw, and just cut the bolt, only takes a few minutes.