Dumb question but in order to get the oil screen out of the bottom side of the motor sump for cleaning, it appears that you have to remove part of the side frame the looks like it holds the engine in place. Anything going to happen when I unbolt the piece that allows me access to removing the screen completely from the sump? They are 2 bolts at each end of this piece. Thanks.

don`t worry, the engine will not drop down. Nothing will happen.

G.

Those removable frame pieces are made just for easier maintain..

Just remove the 4 bolts (15mm) and swing the frame bar out of the way. Remember the oil screen is bolt is brass or similar alloy and is soft metal. There is an alum. crush washer and (someone check me on this) but I think torque is 41 ft. lbs.

Thanks for the tips. I did unloosen the filterbolt and tried to remove the filter. That's when I found out it will not clear the side frame piece. Will do it again since I have owned the bike for just 1 year and don't know when the filter was last out. Have the aluminum crush washer that fits.

Thanks again.

While it is out use a small magnet (like one used by mechanics to pick up dropped screws/nuts/bolts etc) and just gently tease it into the aperture to check for any small metal fragments also the filter. It's a great double check for any loose filings from chaffing metal parts in the engine.

God forbid there is anything there but so you know there are a few threads on the causes.

Ah. Yes. Well.
I tried to remove the said screen for my recently acquired 907ie.
The threaded part came out, but not the screen.
I attempted to remove the screen and it fell into the crankcase.
Their was no crush washer on the bolt, so I'm thinking a bodger has been at work here. My guess is that, without the crush washer fitted, the filter screen was pushed too far in and got stuck.
So, first job is to phone the Ducati dealer I ordered the cam belts from , and find out if the filter is available. (Just phoned. He says yes, so it's on order. Phew ! )
Second job? Looks like remove the engine and split the cases.
That's my summer sorted then .

P.Man

Projectman you do not need to split the cases to get it out mine did the same get yourself a pair of long thin nosed pliers
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11-45-deg-long-no ... 1c139fe753 Also you may need a a bent coat hanger to tease it into postion. This should allow you to pull the item out.. Use a magnet and then squirt some degreaser/parraffin in there to clean any remaining crudd out..

Check that the washer isn't crushed tight onto the filter, the problem is that the solder around the adjoining edge isn't that great and as a result if it gets tugged or caught when you pull it out it will slip off.

The part is as you say easily available £25.00 from Ducati including the washer.

O.K. Thanks for that.
I've had one go at getting the thing out, but it seems to be an 'interference fit' so I'm not confident about getting it out.
Still, nothing ventured - - - - - - so I'll have another go at it.
Thanks for the link too

P.Man

Trick is to push it in then squash the sides together with the pliers,and then clamp with the pliers and as you pull out gently squash the other sides together, be gentle so you don't scrape the bore thread.

without this site it would be a nightmare owning our beloveds! Well done English!