XS500E Oil Filter Conversion Kit - NA source?

[ehud42]

I've been having a blast on my '78 XS500E this summer. I'm going to try and squeeze one more ride out Saturday morning (November 1st) as the weather may tolerate a bit of toodling around the city (no highway speeds at just above freezing temps!). But the colourful leaves and chilly winds are telling me I'm heading into hibernation.

I want to get ready to give the bike a spring oil change. I have not yet opened up the filter bay, so no idea what to expect for the filter - new old stock, converted, orginal (YIKES!).

I see Yambits has the conversion plate in stock (https://yambits.co.uk/xs500-oil-filter-conversion-kit-p-106854.html)

Just curious if there are any North American places that have the kit available? (MikesXS and xs650direct seem to not carry it - and any conversion kits they have are out of stock)
Hopefully the bike has been upgraded. But if not, I'm researching alternatives and maybe helping someone else in the near future with a similar issue.

 

[gggGary]

Well seeing if it's already converted has to be step one eh?

If not, it doesn't look TERRIBLE hard to machine the existing holder down a bit, cut an M20 thread where the M22 is now and machine/add an aluminum conversion plate. I'd be pretty tempted to see if "some" existing filter has a seal that would seat on the current plate........... Then it's just redoing the M22 with an M20, a doddle for any competent lathe (with metric gears) operator.

 

[JJames]

Well seeing if it's already converted has to be step one eh?

View attachment 360499
if not, it doesn't look TERRIBLE hard to machine the existing holder down a bit cut an M20 thread and machine/add an aluminum conversion plate.

I guess I'm missing something here. This is to convert to spin-on filter? Where does it attach etc.?

 

[gggGary]

I guess I'm missing something here. This is to convert to spin-on filter? Where does it attach etc.?

We are talking about an XS500 oil filter.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/143306108164

 

[JJames]

Oh. Well, we need to be more clear. It's only mentioned 2 or 3 times. Lol.

 

[ehud42]

Managed to squeeze another ride in before the snow flew in Winterpeg.
But today I'm calling it - 2025 riding season is done.
Took the filter cover off and... that looks very OEM

So, back to my original question: Anyone got a NA source for the conversion kit? or is Yambits the way to go.

@gggGary recutting the threads would be tempting if I had the tools - although that would probably remove a lot of material and jeopardize the strength of the mount. Another thought might be to tap a new filter to fit the M22 thread, but again, that's messing with the mounting strength of the connection.

 

[gggGary]

Spit balling, an element type filter in the existing housing?

 

[ehud42]

Installed the conversion kit from Yambits. I may have screwed up the gasket. It's like -10C in the garage and it seems there's a slow oil leak from either the conversion kit or one of the drain plugs - I have not done a deep dive just yet. But I ordered another gasket just in case.

What is the torque for the 3 bolts/machines screws that hold the adapter to the block?
And should the gasket be put on dry? a bit of oil? (before I could get the first screw in, mine fell into the bucket of old oil under the bike - I gave it a quick wipe with my finger and installed it wet.

 

[gggGary]

Installed the conversion kit from Yambits. I may have screwed up the gasket. It's like -10C in the garage and it seems there's a slow oil leak from either the conversion kit or one of the drain plugs - I have not done a deep dive just yet. But I ordered another gasket just in case.

What is the torque for the 3 bolts/machines screws that hold the adapter to the block?
And should the gasket be put on dry? a bit of oil? (before I could get the first screw in, mine fell into the bucket of old oil under the bike - I gave it a quick wipe with my finger and installed it wet.

Oil on the gasket should be good. Check for thread pull out where the bolts go in the crankcase? A BIT of careful champhering any metal standing proud of the mating surface around the threads may improve sealing. It's a pretty common thing with threads in aluminum.