The one that bolts to the engine itself? They just crack or start to leak?

 

So you start the motor and it cracks in half?

 

Any chance you are putting the filter in upside-down and stressing the cover when you bolt it up??? Just a thought???


Randy

 

I had this problem. It was with a reusable filter, stock oem filter is all that fits right and fixes the problem

 

I am installing an oem filter with the rubber side down onto the case itself. But yes it's actually cracking in half right at a bolt hole. Could it be an oil pressure issue?

 

That motor does not push enough pressure to break the cap. Something is not installed right or lining up right. When you put the filter on and put the cap on...you should be able to compress the spring and push the whole filter cap flush with the motor with your hand. If not something is wrong. If this is the case than the only thing I can think of is way over torqueing the bolts?

 

I believe I'm running an oem oil filter.. If not could this have something to do with it? I'm clueless of what could be going on. Please help!

 

Yes - non OEM filter will cause this. The OEM filter has a recess on the top (opposite of the rubber part) this recess allows the bowl to go all the way on without the bowl hitting the filter. There are filters that are ALMOST the same...but they do not have that recess. If your filter did not come in a green and black box and say Kawasaki on it then its not OEM. Even if it is OEM you may have the wrong filter still. The only possible thing I can think of is the wrong filter is being installed. I got one from a local dealer that was "cross referenced" and it looked legit. When I tried putting it on I was not able to push the filter bowl flush with the motor as I mentioned earlier for you to try. I immediately stopped to investigate. There was no recess in the top of the filter causing not enough room for bowl to go all the way on. Had I just torqued down the bolts I would have broke the filter bowl where you are describing. I think you have the wrong filter. Save the one you have - get an OEM one - compare them side by side - I bet they are different.

 

You're not over tightening the bolts and cracking it before you start it up?

 

So your saying that I should be able to push the cap all the way down on the case without much resistence from the spring? Cause yeah it does have some resistance when installing the cap.

 

Does anybody out there think it is a possibility that my engine case could be warped where the oil filter cap comes in contact with the case? I can't seem to figure out why I keep breaking covers. Please help!

 

try putting it on without the filter… see if it seals

 

hows your oil pump look does it have the dowel in it?

 

yes it has a dowel in it? i cleaned out my oil filter screen. it was a little nasty. could this cause oil pressure build up?

 

Geezer and I looked at a set of KLX cases today and your issue was discussed
He said you may have use too thick of an O ring , and the mounting bolts are like 9 in / lbs (double check your manual) so you only need a 1/4in drive or nut driver to put them on

 

Post pics of this cracked cap. Would be much easier to figure out.

 

I cracked a cover today on my sons bike after he cracked 2 previously. I called him an idiot for tightening too much. Whats the f**in deal? Gotta be the filter? It made a pop like it was over presurized?....

 

I finally cracked one this fall. I think I over tightened it

 

Since all these cracked oil covers happen in the winter is there a chance that the engine is extremely cold on start and heats up so fast it cracks? Just a thought, I know the covers are not very thick.

 

I'm using a bikemaster filter and I don't have any problems with cracking the cover. If you need a oil cover I have one

 

Pics pics pics.

 

Old thread but I am having the same problem. My screen is clean and oil is properly filled. Two in a row cracked 5 seconds after start.

 

I'm pretty sure the recommended solution was in post #10

 

it is the same filter that worked fine before I took the motor apart. Maybe something to do with cold. Out of ideas at this point.

 

Hiflo hf112 oil filters work fine ?