I just recently traded my DRZ for a 97 KLX300.
When I started to change the oil, I found a spring in the oil filter compartment, just laying there. I don't see any indication in the service manual that there is supposed to be a spring in there.

It does have a K&N filter.

Anyone know where that spring goes ?

 

It goes behind the filter in the center of the nubs. Some put a dab of grease on the back of the filter to act as glue to hold the spring (in the manual). Others open up the last coil a bit to trap it in the standoffs in the filter cavity. Others think up crazy tools.

 

^yes.
And some lay the bike down.

 

Wow, thanks all.... That's crazy.
I can't believe the service manual made no mention of it.
(I don't have the owners manual)
...and I can't believe they thought that design was just fine.

Strange.

 

Classic spring thread. I think I posted one back about 6 years ago.

 

Yep. The grease trick helped me along with leaning the bike a little