What is this black thing??

[Snailster]

When changing oil I've noticed the black blob at the bottom of the oil filter area.
It feels like hard rubber, has irregular margins and cracks, and looks like chunks of it
may eventually come off. I was not able to peel off any of that with my finger nail, pretty
sure some of it would come off if I got more assertive with a screwdriver or so.

What is it? Is it some sort of a deformed rubber plug?
My consolation is that in case it comes loose, the oil filter will capture it.

Pics attached:

[caferacermike]

It is part number 79920772A oil bypass spring.

Here is a picture of one that has no deformation,



Obviously a stolen pic from Ebay.

Dealer replacement price: $10.99

I was hoping to send you to Ebay to buy it from Gotham but their price is double that for a used item. I would normally have recommended them.

Use this parts fiche, http://issuu.com/ducatiomaha/docs/ms...ine&mode=embed Page 26 for a line drawing of it and how it is mounted and page 27 for part numbers. Looks like a small piece of pipe unscrews and is a quick swap for a new one.

Good luck and I hope that helps you.

And no, I do not know why it is dipped in rubber, nor why it degraded. Generally a bypass spring is there in case the filter gets clogged, then the pressure won't build up and blow out the filter. It will keep circulating throughout the engine until the filter is changed out.

[Snailster]

Excellent observation Caferacermike!
On the image below the rubber thingy is not obvious, but perhaps the end
of the spring is rubberized to create a gasket of source.

I just hope the rubber did not melt due to overheating.

Thanks for the input!