Oil filter relocation kit

Rogue1

400+ Posts
Oct 8, 2018
570
592
Ramseur, NC
Name
Dale
I have read a couple of posts on this forum and others about the warranty being affected if you're running an oil filter relocation kit. Has anyone had any experience with this? I believe I remember the DK ad stating there is no oil restriction in running this kit.
 
I have read a couple of posts on this forum and others about the warranty being affected if you're running an oil filter relocation kit. Has anyone had any experience with this? I believe I remember the DK ad stating there is no oil restriction in running this kit.

My service writer saw mine and just said it makes an oil change easier. Liked it. I added the cleanable filter housing which has alot less restriction. But that said, the MoCo would have to prove that the kit caused a warrantee issue.
 
I have read a couple of posts on this forum and others about the warranty being affected if you're running an oil filter relocation kit. Has anyone had any experience with this? I believe I remember the DK ad stating there is no oil restriction in running this kit.

I also remember someone posting that. Best ,to check with dealer. I think it had to do with the extra oil lines length. Oil pump not strong enough ???
 
Ive been running the DK oil filter relo for a over a year and a half no problems. I also use the reusable oil filter along with the braided SS oil lines and hose finishers. Worth every penny and the dog dosnt hide when a lot of bad words are said trying to keep from making a mess with the stock filter location.My '76 SuperGlide has something similar. Saw a write up in Easyriders and installed a remote spin on oil filter in line with the Lockhart oil cooler. Much better than that silly intank fiber filter.
 
  • I do think Kevin mentioned that it wouldn't take long to remove the kit if going to the dealer and you thought it would be an issue.​

Tech: "Why the oil lines and mounting on there but your still running the stock filter?" Denny Dipstick: "Thats for when HD's crummy 2 year warranty runs out then I'll hook it up.Gotta think ahead son."
 
My service writer saw mine and just said it makes an oil change easier. Liked it. I added the cleanable filter housing which has alot less restriction. But that said, the MoCo would have to prove that the kit caused a warrantee issue.

“I added the cleanable filter housing which has alot less restriction” Smitty, I don’t doubt your statement, but what indications of that do have for comparison? I would love to do the relocation, and prefer the look of the cleanable filter housing, it’s just that that I got a 5 year warranty with the TG, from the previous owner, and I’m skittish about H-D playing warranty games. If there is any clear indications that it has less restrictions than the stock screw on filter, I would be willing to take a chance.

Thanks, Al
 
My service writer saw mine and just said it makes an oil change easier. Liked it. I added the cleanable filter housing which has alot less restriction. But that said, the MoCo would have to prove that the kit caused a warrantee issue.

Being the Devils Advocate...........

They don't have to prove that it caused a warrantee problem (At First)...All that they have to say is it did cause the problem and they will not fix it under warrantee.....So at that point you would need to get a lawyer and spend a lot of time and money fighting them...And from experience once they hear the word Lawyer they will only talk to your lawyer not you! ...Been there myself ..And this is where a good dealer is your best first option..
 
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I just had this experience.

Bike went into the shop for a deer accident and was there for 2 months before I got it back.

11 days later the top end gave out on the way home from work. Called them to come and pick it up on the road.

They had it another 2 months.

They replaced everything above the crankcase under ESP.

Also said they put the new oil pump in as mine had the old one.

While it was in, they told me it would be best to remove the relocation kit and reusable oil filter.

They said that if a rep came to look at it from Harley that they would deny the claim if they saw it.

Told them I would remove it when I got it home.

When I picked it up the technician that worked on it gave me some more information.

They have had 2 bikes with relocation kits fail mine with 77000 miles and another with 3000. Claimed that Harley stated that they see it all the time on the water-cooled bikes not the air-cooled ones.

He did show me why he thought this happens in the water-cooled bikes and I took this photo.

IMG_4913.jpg

the shorter one is from a water cooled and the taller one is from an air cooled.

Makes no sense to me why there is a difference between them.

Also 2 data points with that many miles between them are irrelevant. Not to mention I don't know what brand was on the other bike or who installed it. I have installed all my mods.

Needless to say, if I have another issue, I will remove it before they see it but I will not run without it or any of the other mods I am running to cool the engine down. All of them are from DK Custom.

Do what makes you happy and ride safe.

Bob
 
I just had this experience.

Bike went into the shop for a deer accident and was there for 2 months before I got it back.

11 days later the top end gave out on the way home from work. Called them to come and pick it up on the road.

They had it another 2 months.

They replaced everything above the crankcase under ESP.

Also said they put the new oil pump in as mine had the old one.

While it was in, they told me it would be best to remove the relocation kit and reusable oil filter.

They said that if a rep came to look at it from Harley that they would deny the claim if they saw it.

Told them I would remove it when I got it home.

When I picked it up the technician that worked on it gave me some more information.

They have had 2 bikes with relocation kits fail mine with 77000 miles and another with 3000. Claimed that Harley stated that they see it all the time on the water-cooled bikes not the air-cooled ones.

He did show me why he thought this happens in the water-cooled bikes and I took this photo.

View attachment 110825

the shorter one is from a water cooled and the taller one is from an air cooled.

Makes no sense to me why there is a difference between them.

Also 2 data points with that many miles between them are irrelevant. Not to mention I don't know what brand was on the other bike or who installed it. I have installed all my mods.

Needless to say, if I have another issue, I will remove it before they see it but I will not run without it or any of the other mods I am running to cool the engine down. All of them are from DK Custom.

Do what makes you happy and ride safe.

Bob

That's the information I was looking for. But I fail to understand why the difference between the water cooled and the air cooled. Definitely gives me something to think about.
 
I have read a couple of posts on this forum and others about the warranty being affected if you're running an oil filter relocation kit. Has anyone had any experience with this? I believe I remember the DK ad stating there is no oil restriction in running this kit.

Don't ask me how I know this, but here is what I think. If you are running an oil relocation kit and your gear and bottom end gets trashed then your extended warranty will cover it. I would recommend you take the kit off and put a OEM filter back where it originally goes before taking the bike in just so there isn't even a question about the kit causing an issue.

I PROMISE you that if you mix up the lines during the install you will trash your bottom end, gear, and probably cam. If you install it correctly though you will love it and wonder how you ever got along without it.
 
I just had this experience.

When I picked it up the technician that worked on it gave me some more information.

They have had 2 bikes with relocation kits fail mine with 77000 miles and another with 3000. Claimed that Harley stated that they see it all the time on the water-cooled bikes not the air-cooled ones.

Bob

That's what they call anecdotal evidence - no scientific validity. I had 110" engines trashed on two different CVO Ultras and the tech and service manager wanted to blame my use of Mobil 1 V-Twin synthetic oil saying they had seen some others and they too used Mobil 1. Harley and the Harley ESP had no problem approving my claims so BS I say. Perhaps those of us who use other (and I think better) brands of oil and / or accessories are more informed and higher mileage riders. Not sure. But to say I've seen a couple of them do that and ergo the use / installation of that product is the cause is quite a stretch imo.
 
Don't ask me how I know this, but here is what I think. If you are running an oil relocation kit and your gear and bottom end gets trashed then your extended warranty will cover it. I would recommend you take the kit off and put a OEM filter back where it originally goes before taking the bike in just so there isn't even a question about the kit causing an issue.

I PROMISE you that if you mix up the lines during the install you will trash your bottom end, gear, and probably cam. If you install it correctly though you will love it and wonder how you ever got along without it.

Ok I wont ask how you no this? BUT HOW DO YOU NOW THIS ????? :xzqxz:
 
Unfortunately I've had way too much experience with serious repair claims both under factory warranty and Harley's ESP. This was on 110" motors on my 2007 and also my 2012 CVO Ultras. You think I'd learn, lol.

From my experience it is kind of a crap shoot whether they will want an on site inspection prior to approving the repair. When that happens there is not a lot the dealer can do. The decision is always up to the payor - either Harley or their (or third party) ESP. On the two total engine replacements they were approved verbally. On the two almost total rebuilds they sent an inspector. So imo what it boils down to is this: Do you feel lucky having items that very well may cause a denial if discovered on your bike? If not remove them prior to taking it in for service.
 
I have read a couple of posts on this forum and others about the warranty being affected if you're running an oil filter relocation kit. Has anyone had any experience with this? I believe I remember the DK ad stating there is no oil restriction in running this kit.

That is correct. The oil filter relocation does not add any oil restriction, nor does it overwork the oil pump. This was the very first thing we tested, almost a decade ago.

It has been confirmed by hundreds of Customers that have seen No drop in oil pressure, nor had any oil pump issues.

When you think about how small some of the passages are in the engine and the OEM oil coolers, then look at the larger oil passages in the engine and the oil filter relo, you can see they are well matched.

As far as warranty, yes, there are some dealerships that seem to want to find reasons not to do warranty work. But with the recent spanking the FTC gave Harley and all their dealerships, that should be less of a concern now. (see video below)

IF a dealership tells you anything that violates the FTC ruling, like, your warranty will be voided if you add this air cleaner or that oil filter relocation....attempt a reasoned conversation with them. If that is not possible, change dealerships, or better yet, report their illegal activity to the FTC (which costs you nothing, and may result in that dealership starting to act right).



Kevin
 
Being the Devils Advocate...........

They don't have to prove that it caused a warrantee problem (At First)...All that they have to say is it did cause the problem and they will not fix it under warrantee.....So at that point you would need to get a lawyer and spend a lot of time and money fighting them...And from experience once they hear the word Lawyer they will only talk to your lawyer not you! ...Been there myself ..And this is where a good dealer is your best first option..

Yep, there are some that are just bad apples, others that are uninformed, and some good ones.

With the FTC ruling (video in another post in this thread) I would try and help the dealership use some common sense AND follow the FTC ruling, if that did not work I would find another dealership...a good one.

IF, there are no good dealerships in your area, then just take off what offends their sensibilities, before going in, and then hope they don't fix one thing and break another.

Kevin
 
“I added the cleanable filter housing which has alot less restriction” Smitty, I don’t doubt your statement, but what indications of that do have for comparison? I would love to do the relocation, and prefer the look of the cleanable filter housing, it’s just that that I got a 5 year warranty with the TG, from the previous owner, and I’m skittish about H-D playing warranty games. If there is any clear indications that it has less restrictions than the stock screw on filter, I would be willing to take a chance.

Thanks, Al

You can see the details on the difference between the OEM paper filter and a cleanable filter at this LINK.

And here is a video of testing oil filter on the dyno.



Kevin
 
Ok I wont ask how you no this? BUT HOW DO YOU NOW THIS ????? :xzqxz:

Let me tell you a story....once about a time there were two buddies who ordered and installed relocation kits from DK on their late model trikes. The owner of the second trike somehow crossed the oil lines going back to the filter and within the first 5 miles trashed the short block.

Being a long time Harley owner there was only a couple dealers the dummy that hooked up his lines wrong would trust to rebuild his motor. The relocation kit was removed and the bike transported to the dealer. Harley inspectors had to check it out before the work could be completed. It was no big deal on the approval because M8 motors do fail and Harley sees this all the time.

Don't want to beat a head horse here, but as others have posted DK's kit is safe (if installed properly). No matter what dealer you take a blown motor to for repairs any oil relocation it should be removed before the bike goes in. I'm not saying the repair couldn't be approved with a kit in place, I'm just saying it would be a lot less problems if the kit wasn't on there in the first place.

On the fairy tail above the dummy who installed his lines wrong will re-install the oil relocation kit when he gets 1,000 miles on the new motor.
 
Let me tell you a story....once about a time there were two buddies who ordered and installed relocation kits from DK on their late model trikes. The owner of the second trike somehow crossed the oil lines going back to the filter and within the first 5 miles trashed the short block.

Being a long time Harley owner there was only a couple dealers the dummy that hooked up his lines wrong would trust to rebuild his motor. The relocation kit was removed and the bike transported to the dealer. Harley inspectors had to check it out before the work could be completed. It was no big deal on the approval because M8 motors do fail and Harley sees this all the time.

Don't want to beat a head horse here, but as others have posted DK's kit is safe (if installed properly). No matter what dealer you take a blown motor to for repairs any oil relocation it should be removed before the bike goes in. I'm not saying the repair couldn't be approved with a kit in place, I'm just saying it would be a lot less problems if the kit wasn't on there in the first place.

On the fairy tail above the dummy who installed his lines wrong will re-install the oil relocation kit when he gets 1,000 miles on the new motor.

Your a lucky man to get it repaired for no $$$$
 
HD dealer feedback on oil filter relocation kit

My HD dealer said the relocation kit will absolutely void the factory warranty based on changing the engineering on my 2017 107 motor and again on my 2020 114 motor. The real issue is as follows: Harley is keeping it quite about the massive amount of motor rebuilds/replacements due to the M-8 sumping problems on the 2017 and 2018 107 engines and the stage upgrade motors within those years. I had two motors changed with a total of 6 months down time during two summers of riding on the 107 M-8. Their original oil pump design was not balanced in pulling out the same amount of oil that was pumped in causing foaming of excess oil in the crankcase, not being able to pump foam around the engine and burning up the motors. Usually one had to do lots of interstate riding without stopping causing that buildup of oil in the crankcase so some people never experienced the problem. The dealers are extremely sensitive to anyone modifying the lubrication system under warranty. Harley eventually fixed the oil pump with upgrades and my 2017 107 and 2020 114 ran fine but they still would void my warranty with the relocator kit.

If you can get a service writer to offer something in writing saying the kit is okay then go for the relocation kit.
 
My HD dealer said the relocation kit will absolutely void the factory warranty based on changing the engineering on my 2017 107 motor and again on my 2020 114 motor. The real issue is as follows: Harley is keeping it quite about the massive amount of motor rebuilds/replacements due to the M-8 sumping problems on the 2017 and 2018 107 engines and the stage upgrade motors within those years. I had two motors changed with a total of 6 months down time during two summers of riding on the 107 M-8. Their original oil pump design was not balanced in pulling out the same amount of oil that was pumped in causing foaming of excess oil in the crankcase, not being able to pump foam around the engine and burning up the motors. Usually one had to do lots of interstate riding without stopping causing that buildup of oil in the crankcase so some people never experienced the problem. The dealers are extremely sensitive to anyone modifying the lubrication system under warranty. Harley eventually fixed the oil pump with upgrades and my 2017 107 and 2020 114 ran fine but they still would void my warranty with the relocator kit.

If you can get a service writer to offer something in writing saying the kit is okay then go for the relocation kit.

I wish the MOCO would come out with something definite in writing. My dealer says no problem although I don't have it in writing. That being said, I would remove it before taking it to the shop. The minor tool kit I carry would be sufficient to remove it if away from home.
 
I wish the MOCO would come out with something definite in writing. My dealer says no problem although I don't have it in writing. That being said, I would remove it before taking it to the shop. The minor tool kit I carry would be sufficient to remove it if away from home.

There is no way Harley will put that in writing and i don’t blame them there are too many variables for how people are going to add/modify stuff to their engines…..
 
and another thing

After telling my experience with Harley service saying the warranty is void with a relocation kit I forgot to mention that I'm buying one for my newly purchased 2015 Triglide (NO WARRANTY) As soon as any warranty is off the kit is an excellent idea and saves tons of mess and hassle. First comes the NEX-GEN shocks from DK then the relocation kit!!!

I'm staring at tons of snow in Forestville Wisconsin so have plenty of time to plan. My dealer still has my recently purchased Trike for some "extras" before I get it home for some extra extras!! Greg f
 
My HD dealer said the relocation kit will absolutely void the factory warranty based on changing the engineering on my 2017 107 motor and again on my 2020 114 motor. The real issue is as follows: Harley is keeping it quite about the massive amount of motor rebuilds/replacements due to the M-8 sumping problems on the 2017 and 2018 107 engines and the stage upgrade motors within those years. I had two motors changed with a total of 6 months down time during two summers of riding on the 107 M-8. Their original oil pump design was not balanced in pulling out the same amount of oil that was pumped in causing foaming of excess oil in the crankcase, not being able to pump foam around the engine and burning up the motors. Usually one had to do lots of interstate riding without stopping causing that buildup of oil in the crankcase so some people never experienced the problem. The dealers are extremely sensitive to anyone modifying the lubrication system under warranty. Harley eventually fixed the oil pump with upgrades and my 2017 107 and 2020 114 ran fine but they still would void my warranty with the relocator kit.

If you can get a service writer to offer something in writing saying the kit is okay then go for the relocation kit.

I wish the MOCO would come out with something definite in writing. My dealer says no problem although I don't have it in writing. That being said, I would remove it before taking it to the shop. The minor tool kit I carry would be sufficient to remove it if away from home.

There is no way Harley will put that in writing and i don’t blame them there are too many variables for how people are going to add/modify stuff to their engines…..

It is NOT up to Harley or Harley Dealerships to say what is covered and what is Not Covered. The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act is what regulates what is covered and not. For a period of about 4 years Harley gave the bird to the MM Act. But a few months ago the FTC cracked down on Harley, ORDERING THEM TO STOP THEIR ILLEGAL WARRANTY PRACTICES.

Here is a video made at a Harley Store, with the the store manager...it was recorded the day after the FTC Order was sent to all Harley Dealerships.



The bottom line is that you can put any part you want on your Trike and it will NOT void the warranty, Unless said part causes a Harley Part to fail.

(A high lift cam can reasonably be argued that it was the reason for the valve springs failing. An oil filter relocation kit cannot cause the valve springs to fail, or any other part of the trike to fail...unless installed incorrectly)

There are only two exceptions. Non-Harley Tuners and trailer hitches. Oh, and racing or competition are also allowed to void the warranty.

If a Dealership tells you otherwise, not only are they wrong, they are violating the law and should be reported to the FTC.

The FTC is serious about Dealership stopping their illegal practices...fines for each instance of violating the FTC order can cost the Dealership $40,000+

Below are a few of the bullet points of the 46 page order-

#1 Do I have to use genuine Harley‐Davidson parts and services to maintain my warranty? No. You may elect to use non‐genuine Harley‐Davidson parts or service providers not authorized by Harley‐Davidson and maintain your warranty.

#2 Notice To All Dealerships- If you or your employees suggest that customers must or should use genuine Harley‐Davidson parts or services to maintain their warranties... A suggestion of that nature is a false statement, unless we give them the parts and services for free under the warranty.

#3 What the Settlement Requires Harley‐Davidson to Do To settle the matter, we’ve agreed to:  Revise the warranty consistent with the FTC’s Order, and Notify our customers and authorized dealers that customers don’t have to use genuine Harley‐Davidson parts and services to maintain their warranty, unless we give the customers the parts and services for free.

#4 As an authorized Harley‐Davidson dealer, you must promptly:

 Review the Revised Warranty.

 Provide each customer a “Warranty Addendum Packet” at the time of sale

 Train and monitor your employees. Ensure that your employees understand the warranty and don’t misrepresent its terms. You and your employees may not say or imply that customers should use genuine Harley‐Davidson parts or services to maintain their warranty, unless we give the customers the parts and services for free under the warranty.

 Remove deceptive display materials

You can see the entire Order from the FTC at this LINK.

Of course, Harley can eliminate their warranty, or they can reduce it from 2 years to 1 year, or they can put a mileage limit on it...say 1 year or 12,000 miles. They can do anything they want along those lines. But the must still follow the MM Act, AND the FTC order.

Kevin
 
Thanks Kevin. I will carry the FTC report in my tour pack when I travel, you know, just in case. I love a good fight.
 

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