Ironhead oil filter "to be or not to be"

[The Duke]

ok got an 1980 motor in a 1982 frame biulding a custom ride for myself. i have added a oil cooler to the front. my problem now is whether or not i need an oil filter the vintage big twins don't have them. why does an ironhead. i could put the filter in its proper location for this frame but then that eliminates forward control option. so i'm torn between comfort and mechanical purpose. does an ironhead create excesive dirt or metal shavings other than these reasons i don't see a purpose for it. all opions welcome thanks.

[ezmerf]

@ bottom of this pg google oil filter and read some the pro & cons.You'll also find different places to put them.

[ryder rick]

There is NO good reason NOT to have an oil filter!

Unless you are doing a 100 point restoration....

[nikki]

Originally Posted by The Duke

ok got an 1980 motor in a 1982 frame biulding a custom ride for myself. i have added a oil cooler to the front. my problem now is whether or not i need an oil filter the vintage big twins don't have them. why does an ironhead. i could put the filter in its proper location for this frame but then that eliminates forward control option. so i'm torn between comfort and mechanical purpose. does an ironhead create excesive dirt or metal shavings other than these reasons i don't see a purpose for it. all opions welcome thanks.

In the 80 motor the oil filter was under the seat ,in82 it was moved to the front motor mount on the left side .I would use a oil filter on the motor as far as forward controls it is minor inconvenience to take the controls off to change the filter , and save a major brake down on the road . Nikki

[hogmania]

keep the filter, your engine will love ya for it

[IronMick]

Many IronHeads have run for many years with no oil filter. It is optional. It is not necessary. Change the oil often.

I run with an oil filter.

[hasselme0]

my 79 did not have one, I put one on just for piece of mind.

[cafe carl]

Since your building a custom ride, I wouldn't feel too stuck with one design. I've seen some really trick custom filter mounts and filter cooler combos posted here from time to time. Functional and cool looking. I figure even with clean oil, if a little grit drops in when your pulling the cap, a filter would stop it from being cycled around over and over.

[beardo]

Originally Posted by IronMick

Many IronHeads have run for many years with no oil filter. It is optional. It is not necessary. Change the oil often.

I run with an oil filter.

I have to take issue with that. Just because can, doesnt mean you should. What a selfish waste of nature resources just because one is after a 'look'. My 72 CH obviously didnt come with one stock, but the PO added a remote filter.

KEEP THE FILTER!!!

[piniongear]

And I cast my vote to NOT put a filter on the bike.
An oil filter is just another piece of garbage hanging on what should be a clean, lean looking machine.

The bike was manufactured with no oil filter and the reason is because it is not needed.
There is a screen inside the engine to prevent any chunks of metal from entering the oil pump scavenger section, should something break.

The way you keep the engine in top shape is called.......Change the oil and change it often.
Running a filter is going to tempt you to run longer between oil changes and that IS NOT what you want to do to any engine.
pg