When it comes to aesthetics, there's just no pleasing everyone. Knowing this, the folks at Doherty Machine have come up with a very different idea for oil filtration. Doherty knows there were lots of builders who just didn't like the look of an oil filter hanging from the front of their motor, so the company came up with the Phantom Oil Filter kit.
The filter is similar to the style used on Shovels during the late '70s and early '80s, which hides the filter inside the oil tank. As a matter of fact, the Phantom can use a Harley OE disposable filter element part number 63839-59, or Doherty's filter part number 1075-F.
In just a short time, it's possible to remove the oil filter mount from the case, re-route the oil lines, and mount the filter in the tank. This can be done either with a weld-in flange or with a bolt-on unit. Depending on which way you choose, you may not even have to repaint the oil bag.
A couple of key points to keep in mind: The new system has a slightly smaller filtering area than most filters used today. This makes it extremely important to service the filter every 2,000 miles, in order to provide maximum protection for your engine.
Since an air-cooled V-twin engine relies on the oil to help cool the engine (in addition to providing lubrication), it is imperative to keep the capacity at the proper level.
With the smaller physical dimension of the filter and the shorter lengths of the oil lines, total oil capacity will be decreased by about 4 ounces; this makes it vital to keep an eye on the oil level.
We cruised by Hot Match Custom Cycles located in Fullerton, California, and hooked up with our local motorcycle guru, Matt Hotch, to install the Phantom oil filter in an oil bag from CCI.
The Doherty Machine Phantom...
The Doherty Machine Phantom oil filter exposed, to the right. Other than the mounting flange, there are only three pieces that make up the unit: the oil filter stem, the disposable paper filter element, and the filter top. Both the filter stem and filter top are made of billet or stainless steel.
For ease of illustration,...
For ease of illustration, we picked up a new steel oil bag from CCI. By using a new tank, we would be able to forgo removing an existing tank from a bike and the necessary cleaning of the tank prior to any welding being performed.
The first thing Matt does...
The first thing Matt does is compare the filter to the tank, in order to make sure there is enough room for it to fit inside, and yes it does.
Doherty includes two mounting...
Doherty includes two mounting flanges with each Phantom filter: a bolt-on flange (as seen in photo two) and a weld-in flange -- which we chose to use. The flange is marked with a centerline, and then the sides are marked before it gets trimmed. Note: Before marking the flange, screw the filter onto it, and orient the flange so your filter line is facing the proper direction
A cutoff wheel and a few moments...
A cutoff wheel and a few moments later...
...the hole is complete.
A belt sander is used to quickly...
A belt sander is used to quickly bring the flange to the correct dimensions.
Before Matt fits the flange...
Before Matt fits the flange to the tank, he cleans up the sharp edges left behind by the cutoff wheel.
Oil enters the filter from...
Oil enters the filter from the oil pump return line. That means the return line on the bottom of the tank is no longer needed. So, Matt cuts off the line close to the bottom of the tank...
...and seals it with a little...
...and seals it with a little bead of weld.
With the help of an air compressor,...
With the help of an air compressor, the cutting and grinding debris are removed from the tank. Once all the work has been completed on the tank, Doherty Machine recom-mends a thorough cleaning with hot soapy water and a good rinse.
Considering the nice, tight...
Considering the nice, tight fit of the parts, gentle persuasion from a small hammer is needed to assure the flange is in the proper location.
This is what the top of the...
This is what the top of the tank looks like before welding.
With TIG and filler rod in...
With TIG and filler rod in hand, Matt tacks the flange in place before...
With the filter fitting like...
With the filter fitting like the proverbial glove, Matt proceeds to weld completely around the flange. When making this weld, proceed slowly, allowing the tank and flange to cool somewhat. This will reduce the chance of overheating and distorting the tank or flange.
Matt uses a sanding disc to...
Matt uses a sanding disc to clean up the weld before he uses a wire brush, making sure the threads are ready to accept the threaded aluminum cap.
A good look at the finished...
A good look at the finished product. The rubber line attached to the cap will be connected to the return line on the oil pump.