Oil filter "spring" missing?

Hello i just found out after reading articles here (T.Y. XJ bikes) that i am using my XJ650 with NO spring in the oil filter cover, the spring attached to the oil filter bolt... i never notice this, only recently. Now i bought a new spring and ready to install.

My question is what type of damage was done by the absence of the spring? did that restrict the flow of clean oil? Please help.

Thank you everybody!

 

That spring keeps the filter firmly pressed against the oil inlet and not having that there would allow oil to bypass the filter. Not good. Get it fixed and keep an eye out for signs of wear as you normally would (particles in the oil or on the plug magnet).

 

Thank you for the quick reply.. yes i did found sludge in my 1st time changing the oil and filter the second time only a few.. i sure hope no major damage was done
is the dirt kept inside the oil filter or out side fins? i mean if the filter was to dirty where would i find the dirt?

Also i notice the NEW bolt i use now with bigger nut for easy filter housing removal has a different by-pass assembly the original use a round ball bearing, the new one im using now uses some kind of sheet metal? is this ok? should i transfer the ball bearing to the new bolt?

thank you dkavanagh

 

Judging by the direction of oil-flow (in the service manual), the dirt from the oil would collect in the outer folds of the filter. Mostly, it's filtering small particles and hopefully nothing large enough for you to see easily.
I just did my 1st change on my bike last week and no expert on that bolt. I posted a photo of mine on another thread.
I'd guess the ball/spring inside the bolt are pressure relief in case of a plugged filter. As long as what's in yours provides that function, you're good. In general, with regular oil/filter changes, you shouldn't see plugged filters.

 

did you get the washer that goes between the spring and filter?

 

no washer was found..maybe the previous owner forgot to put it back.

 

how strong is the spring? i only have a regular thin stainless spring..

 

typical to get stuck to the seal on the oil filter
washer is 32mm dia 21 mm inner dia .5 mm thick
spring is 19mm tall and compresses easily for first 8mm
washer is to distribute force across oil filter seal so it does not push into the filter.

Spring, Compression 90501-20422-00 spring still in use as of 1993 in other models

Washer, Plate 90201-21608-00 washer still in use as of 1995 in other models

 

million Tnx! XJ550H now i can sleep

 

after getting my 700 air running, i was going to change oil and found my washer missing also, so tnx for the good size description.

 

Get the correct one its there for a reason
Very common to lose the washer gets stuck on filter and goes in recycle oil filter bin
PO may have tried to put filter in backwards ( only Yamaha has the "it only fits one way filter") and the spring would not go in or ended up pushed inside filter

 

Does the flat side of oil filter go towards the engine ? Also i just installed and used a washer that was the dimensions that were posted , except somewhat thicker, which i figured would be good to compensate for any weakness in the spring?

 

spring and washer are available at dealership both will cost about $7 total at dealer. part is good for 700 as well click on part number for fitment list
my 550 manual shows flat side of oil filter to motor.

Spring, Compression 90501-20422-00

Washer, Plate 90201-21608-00

 

I can never remember until I have one apart
Had to look in manual. Protruding side faces engine block

 

on my 3 550's only one filter was installed as shown in manual.
1 missing washer, 1 missing spring and washer.

 

I had some confusion myself about proper order inside the filter housing for an XJ550, I'm guessing it is the same on an XJ650?

Chacal confirmed to me this was the correct sequence of parts on the filter bolt:

"Just to clarify, the order they 'go on' the center shaft inside housing is spring, washer, filter concave side first, then onto the bike?"