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Foam air filter cleaning and oiling

Posted: 15 Feb 2008, 06:06
by rhysdad
My mk1 filter is dry as a bone. How and what type of oil should it be soaked in? Any info appreciated, RD.

Re: Foam air filter cleaning and oiling

Posted: 15 Feb 2008, 07:38
by slider
r.d,you can get air filter oil from any bike shop in either spray on (aerosol) or the soak in and ring out type.just use a good make i.e silkolene or similar.i generally wash my filter in hot water and washing up liquid ring out and allow to dry then apply the oil (saves buying air filter cleaner wich is basically a degreaser)

Re: Foam air filter cleaning and oiling

Posted: 15 Feb 2008, 07:48
by rhysdad
Okay Slider, cheers for the advice. Will a dry filter affect performance, i mean will i notice the difference when it's re-oiled? RD.

Re: Foam air filter cleaning and oiling

Posted: 15 Feb 2008, 12:44
by knackeredMk1
Oiling won't effect engine performance but it will catch loads more crap that otherwise would be going straight into your engine. :o

Re: Foam air filter cleaning and oiling

Posted: 15 Feb 2008, 16:44
by rhysdad
I didn't think it would suddenly add any more horses TBH but i was hoping a bit!!! Catching a load more crap is good though. Thanks Knackered. :lol:

Re: Foam air filter cleaning and oiling

Posted: 15 Feb 2008, 18:34
by kernow krusty
Hi rhysdad,
Like knack says, get a proprietry foam air filter oil from a bike shop. One tip I use, once the filter has been washed and is dry, get a placcy bag, clear freezer bags that are a bit bigger than the filter are good, and pour some filter oil over the filter ( not too much, as once youve done the next bit, you'll see how it spreads out) ,then pop it in the bag. Then you can squeeze and fumble with yer filter, ( for Old Codgers, it ones of lifes little pleasures!) spreading the oil all over the filter, without getting gooey hands! You should find a little excess oil in the bottom of the bag when you have got a good, even coating. Ideally, the filter shouldnt be dripping oil, but should be tacky all over. Most filter oils are quite a distinct colour, so you can easily see that the filter has been evenly oiled.
Like knacked says, even if you arent the worlds most attentive mechanic, ALWAYS keep the filter clean and oiled... CRMs dont run so well on dust!

Re: Foam air filter cleaning and oiling

Posted: 15 Feb 2008, 18:55
by fallenmikethebike
slider wrote:r.d,you can get air filter oil from any bike shop in either spray on (aerosol) or the soak in and ring out type.just use a good make i.e silkolene or similar.i generally wash my filter in hot water and washing up liquid ring out and allow to dry then apply the oil (saves buying air filter cleaner wich is basically a degreaser)
I use paraffin as my degreaser. Dry in old newspaper. Wash in warm soapy water[ iv'e known hot to melt glue seam joints]
Fuel forecourt freebie gloves for re oiling purposes :D .
First thing i check on any prospective bike purchase 'filter +air box+ air inlet track, if their dirty Que alarm bell. :roll:
A film of grease on sealing face finishes the job of a treat :D
Filters = cheap mechanical insurance.