how to clean air filter

[prkaye]

I'll be starting my first Annual this weekend (with only about 55 hours hobbs time on the plane - i don't fly enough!).

A couple of questions about the air filter.

1) is it time to replace it, or can I just clean it?

2) how do i clean it? Will it damage it to be submerged in water? Do I use soap? Or just vacuum/blow it out with air?

[bkilby]

Get a standard K&N filter cleaning kit from an auto parts store and follow the directions.. you basically spray a cleaner on it, let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes I think.. then you stick a hose up to it and let water flow through. Don't spray it under pressure from the hose. Let it air dry.. then you spray the supplied oil in the kit to re-oil it (sparingly).

Here's a link:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ing+air+filter

[mrreddick]

Originally Posted by bkilby

Get a standard K&N filter cleaning kit from an auto parts store and follow the directions.. ]

Or, if you have things to order from Van's for your annual, they sell the recharge kit usually cheaper than you will find locally.

[gasman]

Inspect the filter, it shouldn't need cleaning at 55 hours. 55 hours is about 2500 car miles and I am sure you don't clean your car filter every 2500 miles. Your car is also down here where all of the dust is.

Now it may be a different story if you were a crop duster.

[az_gila]

Or you could just follow the FAA Approved Instructions for Continued Airworthiness from Challenger, who sell the FAA/PMA versions of the K&N filters...

http://challengeraviation.com/Challe...ingdoc4003.pdf

Main items - no high pressure water or air in the cleaning process.

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by gasman

Inspect the filter, it shouldn't need cleaning at 55 hours. 55 hours is about 2500 car miles and I am sure you don't clean your car filter every 2500 miles. Your car is also down here where all of the dust is.

Now it may be a different story if you were a crop duster.

Maybe... but how many modern car filters are oiled?

[N941WR]

Originally Posted by az_gila

Maybe... but how many modern car filters are oiled?

Ummm...
The K&N I used on my car...

Seriously, clean the filter yearly. That will give you a chance to remove and inspect it. Also, once you wash it out, you will need to let it dry before you oil it. So plan on two days for this, or buy a second filter and just swap out the dirty one with a clean one. Of course, you may have to "fit" the second filter to your carb.

PS. K&N filters are life time filters, no need to replace it, unless it is damaged.

[Sam Buchanan]

I cleaned the filter a few days ago during the condition inspection, still using the original, twelve year-old filter.

The cleaner and oil in the recharge kit sure do remind me of Simple Green and Marvel Mystery Oil.........just saying.....

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by N941WR

Ummm...
The K&N I used on my car...
....

Bet it wasn't an OEM oiled filter....

[Geico266]

Originally Posted by az_gila

Maybe... but how many modern car filters are oiled?

I have K&N on all my vehicles. Improves air intake.

I have a pick up truck with close to 300,000 miles on one airfilter.

Any cleaner will work, 409, Fantastic, etc. Not sure what the oil is.