Frequently Asked Questions
Bergmen Engineering Spin-On Oil Filter
Adaptor Kit Model 410-010
Patent Pending
Kawasaki Concours A-1 to A-21 (all years)
(and
other designated Kawasaki Motorcycle Models)
Dan
Bergmen February 1, 2006 1) Does this
Spin-on Oil Filter Adaptor Kit
have any adverse effect on oil pressure or oil flow?
Significant before and after
oil pressure tests were run as part
of the engineering qualification of this Kit. Great care was taken during the conceptualization
phase of the design to study the oil flow and oil delivery
characteristics of the Concours engine. At every opportunity, oil flow
paths were at the very least matched or
enhanced at all points, never compromised or threatened at any point.
All
cross-sectional areas of all flow paths or ports are equal to or
greater than the stock configuration.
2) What about the bypass valve that I will be
removing when I install this Adaptor Kit?
The bypass valve that
exists in the stock (or standard) oil filter apparatus is replaced by a
built-in bypass valve that is in every spin-on oil filter that is in the
category the Adaptor Kit is designed to use.
The bypass valve pressure
threshold is 8-14 psi and would come into play when the filter media
begins to clog to the point that flow through the filter is becoming
compromised by excessive contamination. This contamination can be due to
an engine part self-destructing or neglect of regular oil change
intervals resulting in super-contaminated oil. In reality, bypass valve
operation rarely occurs at normal operating temperatures in engines in
good operational condition or with regular oil changes, it is there
mostly as an emergency back-up system.
Some bypass flow can occur during cold startup
because of the viscosity thickness of cold oil but the flow is likely to
be much less than with the stock (or standard) bypass valve since tests
by Bergmen Engineering, Inc. has shown the stock bypass pressure
threshold to be below 5 psi.
3) Since the Concours was originally designed
with a paper cartridge oil filter, how can I find a spin-on oil filter
to work with the Adaptor Kit?
Realizing this from the beginning, a comprehensive
Spin-On Oil Filter Reference List
has been published on
www.bergmenengineering.com and
www.murphskits.com. If at any time there are questions regarding the
applicability of a particular oil filter that is not listed in the
Reference List, contact Bergmen Engineering for assistance. 4) I understand there are spin-on
oil filters of various lengths that will work with this Kit. Will I have
to modify the belly pan on my Concours in order to accept the longer
filters?
In consulting Table 1 of the
Spin-On Oil
Filter Reference List, filters are listed
with overall lengths as part of the definition of the filter. Those
filters that are in bold print are short enough to fit with no
modification to the belly pan. Those filters that are longer will need
to have some relief cut into the belly pan to avoid interference. There
are modification templates available (email
Dan Bergmen) to use
to modify the belly pan to accommodate the longer filters.
5) If I choose to use a short filter to keep
from having to modify my belly pan, is the filter of adequate size to
use with my Concours?
The short filters listed are commonly used on
automobiles with engines up to 2.5 liters (some with turbo-chargers).
The short filter is the common size for motorcycles originally designed
with a spin-on oil filter (the Honda GL-1800 Gold Wing for instance).
6) What advantage is there in choosing one of
the longer filters with my Adaptor Kit?
For one thing, use of one of the longer filters
broadens the oil filter choices available. Secondly, the longer filters
do provide more filter area, however, the advantages of choosing a
longer filter over a shorter filter are probably more academic than
actual in measuring any real performance improvements. The longer
filters are easier to manipulate when installing or removing them and
that may be the biggest advantage to choosing them.
7) If I choose a long filter, is it safe from
damage while riding?
To be honest, the filter
does present a certain vulnerability to impact damage. The long filter
more so than the short one. Careful motorcyclists generally do not allow
the underside of their engine or motorcycle to be exposed to any
potential (or real) impact if at all possible. Even under the best of
circumstances, though, the potential for unavoidable situations is
always there (going over a curb, aggressive speed bumps, an unseen large
pothole hiding in a shadow, etc.). One fallback preparation for those
that could (and sometimes do) incur impacts that might puncture a
spin-on filter is to carry a spare filter and the cup wrench provided
with the Kit to replace a damaged filter. This sort of impact would
almost certainly occur at very slow speeds and it would be safe to
assume that the rider would immediately dismount to check for damage
after any such impact.
One other thing to keep
in mind is that loose sharp objects that pose a puncture hazard to the
filter stand a good chance of puncturing the rear tire right after that.
So if the rider is always on the lookout for anything that may harm the
tires, the oil filter will benefit from that level of scrutiny.
8) Will I need to
modify anything on my motorcycle engine in order to install this Kit?
Nothing needs to be
modified on the engine in order to install this Kit, it simply takes the
place of the stock (or standard) oil filter apparatus. The only
modification the owner may choose to perform are only necessary if the
owner chooses to use one of the oil filters from the longer series (see
question 4 above).
9) Do I need any
special tools to install this Adaptor Kit?
From the
Installation
and Operation Manual, the following list of tools are required (none
special):
-
7mm Socket (for removal of factory oil filter
plate).
-
27mm (or 1 1/16") Deep Socket (3/8" or 1/2"
drive).
-
3/8" or 1/2" Drive Ratchet (for removal of
factory oil filter plate)
-
3/8" or 1/" Drive properly calibrated
click-type, or beam type Torque Wrench.
The only special tool necessary for installing the
Housing is included with the Kit and doubles as a cup wrench for
installation and removal of spin-on oil filters for subsequent oil
changes.
10) How secure is the mounting of this Kit to
the engine?
The steel Mount is threaded into the same threaded
hole that the stock (or standard) oil filter apparatus attaches to. It
is secured in place by thread locking compound (included in the Kit) and
torqued into place at 30-40 ft-lb. This is the same method many
automobile and truck manufacturers use to mount a steel part to accept
the spin-on oil filter if the engine block is made from aluminum alloy.
The Housing is then threaded onto the Mount and is
tightened against the engine flange to 30-40 ft-lb with an anaerobic
sealer to secure it in place (included in the Kit). In demanding
engineering field tests performed by more than ten specially chosen
field test engineers (including at least one demanding racing
application) subjecting these parts to much higher forces than would be
experienced in actual rugged use applications, no part has come loose or
experienced any operational failure of any kind.
11) What materials are used in fabricating
the special parts in this Kit?
The Housing-Filter Adaptor (#410-001) is machined
out of a solid billet of 6061-T6 aluminum on a high precision CNC
(Computerized Numerical Control) lathe. The threads are generated with a
specialized carbide thread milling cutter and are checked by a 6h (fit
standard) go-no/go plug gauge to 100% QA (Quality Assurance). The
inherent corrosion resistant properties of this metal protects it from
destructive corrosion (even in a salt water environment). It will
develop a dull finish over time due to superficial surface oxidation but
this will not adversely effect the function of the Housing. All
functional surfaces of this part are protected from exposure to the
elements.
The Mount-Filter Adaptor
(410-002) is made from a solid round of ultrahigh-strength steel single
point threaded to 6h go-no/go ring gauge checks. It is the strongest and
toughest steel that could be found that can be machined by conventional
means. A special surface hardening process assures a long, nearly
wear-free life.
All parts are 100% QA
inspected to total compliance to the fabrication drawings and certified
as such by the expert machine shop that is exclusively doing the
machining. 12) What
parts are included in the Kit?
From the
Installation and Operation Manual, the following list of parts
are included:
-
Item 1, PN 410-001, Housing-Filter
Adaptor
-
Item 2, PN 410-002, Mount-Filter
Adaptor
-
Item 3, PN 410-003, Tool, Installation
-
Item 4, PN 410-004, Wrench-Cup-Filter
-
Item 5, O-Ring to seal the Housing to the engine cavity (Kawasaki #671 for stock filter)
-
Item 6, Anaerobic adhesive/sealant for the
O-Ring
-
Item 7, Thread locking compound for Mount-Filter Adaptor to engine installation
-
Item 8, Set of Spin-On Oil Filters (if
ordered with the Kit)
13) Does the oil filter need to be pre-filled
with motor oil prior to installation and if so, why?
The oil filter can be
pre-filled with motor oil prior to installation. The operational
advantage of this feature alone is difficult to overstate. In the stock
oil filter setup, the engine operates without oil pressure or oil
flow for several seconds after starting with a new oil filter in
place. By pre-filling the spin-on oil filter, the time lag to oil flow
is greatly diminished such that the oil pressure light goes out during
cranking prior to engine start. This is simply not possible with the
stock (or standard) oil filter apparatus. One is least vulnerable to
dry-filter engine running damage with this Adaptor Kit in place.
14) What other
advantages are there to installing this Adaptor Kit on my motorcycle?
1) There are more than 68
different spin-on filter models made or marketed by more than 22
companies to chose from. While this can seem bewildering, it offers a
magnificent array of outstanding choices in high quality oil filters to
filter your oil. Bergmen Engineering, Inc. plays a comprehensive
advisory role in assisting in making good choices in this arena.
2) With the stock oil
filter apparatus, there are eight parts, three of them to be replaced,
that have to be disassembled, cleaned, properly manipulated and
re-assembled in the correct order during each oil filter change.
With the Adaptor Kit,
there is one (the spin-on oil filter).
3) The Spin-on Oil Filter
Adaptor Kit is designed (and life time free replacement warranted) to
last the life of your motorcycle without attention. The threads used to
mount the Kit into the engine are the same ones used to mount the stock
filter. It is the last time they will be exposed to adverse wear or
cross-threading (as is possible during stock oil filter changes). The
steel Mount in the Kit is made from the toughest steel available that
could be machined by conventional methods (with thread specifications
controlled to 6h, 100% checked). If, after 500,000 miles of hard use and
frequent oil changes you find there is a little more wear on this part
than you would like to see (not at all likely), you can request a new
Mount, free of charge.
4) At the motorcycle
dealer, a stock filter can cost up to $11.00 (US). At Wal Mart, a
Super-Tech oil filter (a premium filter) is about $2.99 (US).
15) My dealer told
me that Kawasaki would void my Warranty if I installed the Spin-On Oil
Filter Adaptor Kit on my motorcycle. Is this true?
This question is best
answered by
consulting
this document on the Bergmen Engineering, Inc. web
site. This is a document that explains the
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and discusses a commonly accepted legal
interpretation of this act and how it applies to accessories such as the
Spin-On Oil Filter Adaptor Kit.
16) Why didn't
Kawasaki just use spin-on oil filters in the first place?
This is an interesting
question. From an engineering and new product introduction perspective,
there are advantages to applying existing, modular designs (called
leveraging by some corporations) in order to expedite bringing new
motorcycle models to market in a very short time. Developmental
budgeting and scheduling functions favor this practice also by lowering
design times and overall project costs as well as requiring a smaller
design team and shortened task lists for engineering.
Kawasaki is known for
using this tactic with many of their motorcycle models introduced since
the early 1980's. Many parts (and functional modules) are
interchangeable across several models that have broad variations in
engine sizes and types. One such example is the paper cartridge oil
filter apparatus which has been used by more than 12 Kawasaki motorcycle
models.
One can only speculate
why Kawasaki did not convert to spin-on oil filters long ago, but other
examples of outdated technologies are rampant across the entire
motorcycle product line (non-maintenance free batteries, manual valve
lash adjustments, carbureted engines requiring regular synchronization,
etc.).
17)
What other
Kawasaki motorcycle models can this Adaptor Kit be installed, other than
the Concours?
Bergmen Engineering, Inc.
in cooperation with designated field volunteers is conducting Model
Application Qualification Tests at this time.
www.bergmenengineering.com can be consulted for an up-to-date list
of qualified models that can use the Model 410-010 Spin-On Oil Filter
Adaptor Kit (see note 6).
It is important to
understand that the Bergmen Engineering, Inc. Spin-On Oil Filter Adaptor
Kit, Model 410-010 has only been tested and approved for use
in those
models listed (PDF Document). Installation of this
Kit in any other Kawasaki motorcycle model without the listed
qualification by Bergmen Engineering, Inc. could involve significant
risk to the integrity of the oil delivery system of the engine on that
model and severe engine damage could result.
Bergmen Engineering, Inc.
would be happy to assist in
model qualification of any of the models not
listed and will work with owners of these
models to secure proper qualification by following a prescribed
qualification procedure available from Bergmen Engineering, Inc.
See
our page on the
Spin-On Oil Filter Adaptor Kit
for more information.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
|
