Very stupid design, and hard to reach. Should be an inline, like a reusable cleanable fuel filter. The first time i cleaned mine on my initial oil change it did have small metal shavings and was 1/2 plugged. The second and third times it was spotless. It is there to stop large particles/junk from getting into the oil pump, it is on the intake side for the oil pump, then the oil goes to the filter after the pump. Every car and truck made has an oil pickup screen on it.

 

I think they put it there so if some thing were to fall in the tank when checking or adding oil,
the screen will keep it from going it to the pump. but if u keep the top of the tank clean when
pulling out the dip stick there should not be a problem. I took mine out the first few oil changes
then stopped checking it, there was never any thing on it, and it looked like something waiting
to break!! also watch that mud or sand does not fall in from the fender, it can be real muddy
under there when checking the oil. they must figure anything that goes thru the screen the
pump will handle then the oil filter will take out.

 

This is a well documented issue. After reading many many posts about the hazards of cracking the tank.........and the screen is always found to be clean anyway........I leave the bloody thing alone. Besides, you have to re-prime the system to get oil pressure if you take that fitting out. You need to be a contortionist to deal with pinching the slotted vent line too. If you don't remove that fitting the system doesn't need to be re-primed.

 

I did my break-in oil change the other day, and after about 20 mins of just trying to GET TO the stupid screen, I called the dealer and asked him if it was really necessary to check it, and he said to just ignore that step. So i drained the oil, changed the filter, filled it back up and went on my way.

 

boyo you were smarter than I was. I changed the oil in my X2 at 10 hours....That screen is a mother$#%^&% to get to....I was even more pi$$ed when it came out clean!!!! From now on I am just changing the oil and leaving it at that....

 

If you guys do find the old style tanks.. they came off better.


There alawys on ebay for under $20.00.
Come on you know you spend more that that for any other mod!