Missing Filter Spring!!!

AmplexorJ · February 11th, 2012, 05:45 PM

I Just bought a 2003 Ninja 250 and decided to do an oil change before I really rode it. The guy I bought it from says he rarely rode it and has another bike. It seems to run fine.

However when I changed the oil I noticed the filter assembly did not have the spring or washer between the filter plate and filter. The filter just sits directly on the plate.

Unfortunately, I didnt realize this might be an issue until right after I poured the new oil in. So my questions are... Is this normal? Will it damage the motor if not fixed before 500 miles or so? What could this mean considering the bike has apparently been running like this for at least 200 miles( judging by the old oil and filter condition)?

Thanks Guys, and Glad to be A NEW MEMBER HERE

greenaero · February 11th, 2012, 07:30 PM

Definitely not " normal" .The lubrication system is designed for the filter to seal with the spring pressure. WIth no filter washer and spring the oil is flowing past the filter element and not having dirt, grit and other contaminanats captured by the filter. The dirty oil freely circulates through your motor promoting premature wear. Not good. You need to get the missing spring and washer and install them ASAP.
Why wait 500 miles? The recommended oil change period is 5000 miles ( with a working filter of course). If you are concerned about dumping the fresh , clean oil you have just put in it, why not just carefully drain it into a clean container , fix your filter system and put the oil back in . 2 cents worth

AmplexorJ · February 11th, 2012, 08:10 PM

Yeah I just threw 500 out there to see how bad the problem might be. Ok so w/o the spring the filter doesn't do its job but its fine till I get a new spring and washer this week. I dont need to ride it any sooner anyway.

That sucks though considering there is no telling how many of the 14k miles on the bike have been ridden w/o the filter functioning properly.

But yeah as far as the new oil... Ill just buy some more

Ill just consider it a flush.

Thanks

greenaero · February 11th, 2012, 08:27 PM

You are most welcome! Thank goodness your bike has found a good home!

Jono · February 11th, 2012, 10:52 PM

I had that same issue when I bought my ninja. I did an oil and filter change a couple days after I bought the bike and notice it was missing the spring and washer. Good thing I looked up a DIY before I did the oil change or I would have thought it was normal.

I don't know how long the previous owner was riding the bike without the spring and washer so I don't know if any damage was done to the engine. Hopefully not. I don't think it is a huge issue. I am sure most of the pieces of metal shavings or other debris that may be in the oil would be caught in either the filter or the oil screen. My bike ran the same after I put in the missing parts. So I would assume it would be okay to ride it until the parts come in.

February 11th, 2012, 05:45 PM	#1
AmplexorJ ninjette.org member Name: Kody Location: theodore Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250 Posts: 91	Missing Filter Spring!!! I Just bought a 2003 Ninja 250 and decided to do an oil change before I really rode it. The guy I bought it from says he rarely rode it and has another bike. It seems to run fine. However when I changed the oil I noticed the filter assembly did not have the spring or washer between the filter plate and filter. The filter just sits directly on the plate. Unfortunately, I didnt realize this might be an issue until right after I poured the new oil in. So my questions are... Is this normal? Will it damage the motor if not fixed before 500 miles or so? What could this mean considering the bike has apparently been running like this for at least 200 miles( judging by the old oil and filter condition)? Thanks Guys, and Glad to be A NEW MEMBER HERE

February 11th, 2012, 08:10 PM	#3
AmplexorJ ninjette.org member Name: Kody Location: theodore Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250 Posts: 91	thanks Yeah I just threw 500 out there to see how bad the problem might be. Ok so w/o the spring the filter doesn't do its job but its fine till I get a new spring and washer this week. I dont need to ride it any sooner anyway. That sucks though considering there is no telling how many of the 14k miles on the bike have been ridden w/o the filter functioning properly. But yeah as far as the new oil... Ill just buy some more Ill just consider it a flush. Thanks

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February 11th, 2012, 07:30 PM	#2
greenaero Motorcycle Hypermiler Name: Vic Location: Livermore CA Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.	Definitely not " normal" .The lubrication system is designed for the filter to seal with the spring pressure. WIth no filter washer and spring the oil is flowing past the filter element and not having dirt, grit and other contaminanats captured by the filter. The dirty oil freely circulates through your motor promoting premature wear. Not good. You need to get the missing spring and washer and install them ASAP. Why wait 500 miles? The recommended oil change period is 5000 miles ( with a working filter of course). If you are concerned about dumping the fresh , clean oil you have just put in it, why not just carefully drain it into a clean container , fix your filter system and put the oil back in . 2 cents worth

February 11th, 2012, 08:27 PM	#4
greenaero Motorcycle Hypermiler Name: Vic Location: Livermore CA Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.	You are most welcome! Thank goodness your bike has found a good home!

February 11th, 2012, 10:52 PM	#5
Jono ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jono Location: Memphis, TN Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.	I had that same issue when I bought my ninja. I did an oil and filter change a couple days after I bought the bike and notice it was missing the spring and washer. Good thing I looked up a DIY before I did the oil change or I would have thought it was normal. I don't know how long the previous owner was riding the bike without the spring and washer so I don't know if any damage was done to the engine. Hopefully not. I don't think it is a huge issue. I am sure most of the pieces of metal shavings or other debris that may be in the oil would be caught in either the filter or the oil screen. My bike ran the same after I put in the missing parts. So I would assume it would be okay to ride it until the parts come in.