20 replies to this topic

[Hannioli]

This might be a very silly question but...

My air filter (it's one of those circular k&n ones, but it's been squashed so it actually fits in to the engine bay) is absolutely filthy, which I believe has quite a bit to do with the fact that Freddie is idling like a mofo at the mo.

I can't get a new air filter until next week and was wondering whether it'd be a good idea to take out the air filter and give it a bit of a wash and put it back on so the mini's running a bit better until the new one's put in? If yes, what would be the best thing to wash it with and how

[wolfys_mini]

you can buy proper air filter cleaner stuff, minispares do it, the local motor factors do it, maybe even halfords.

[Hannioli]

hmm...might have a gander tomorrow in halfords then.

Anyone know if washing it with just washing up liquid and water and then rinsing well will do any harm...? might be a better option for me if the air filter cleaner is too expeeeensive

Thanks for the reply Dan2

[minimender]

If it is a K+N then is is washable and reusable, I would use parraffin or similar or washing up liquid if you are stuck.
Lightly oil the filter when it is dry with WD40 or similar light oil


dont let er indoors catch you washing it in the sink:rolleyes:

Edited by minimender, 28 December 2007 - 11:19 PM.

[wolfys_mini]

there we are then wash it like a plate! then spray lightly with wd40/duck oil

imagine a housemate walking in tomorrow as your washing......your air filter!

[Hannioli]

Oooh thanks

The only problem with my k&n is that my mini sits lower than it should do because of the muppets who had a front end crash in him and didn't fix him properly... anywho, the k&n should sit flat on top, but instead mine sits on it's side and has been squashed...so I thought it might be a better idea to just get a new one?

I'll get a pic of the air filter tomorrow and post it up, it's too wet and windy for me now

[Hannioli]

dont let er indoors catch you washing it in the sink:rolleyes:

hehe I had been thinking of washing it earlier and did think about washing it in the sink found me a bucket to wash it in now though

there we are then wash it like a plate! then spray lightly with wd40/duck oil

imagine a housemate walking in tomorrow as your washing......your air filter!

my parents already know I'm weird, so they'll think it normal of me to be doing something that looks odd

[Dog]

I used to chuck mine in the washing machine - prob doesn't do the filter any good, but meh, then sprayed it with WD40...

But since then, I now have the proper K&N Filter cleaner kit

[dave20046]

As long as it's a foam element type (not the paper ones!) you can give it a good wash, I use carb or brake cleaner to wash it and then give it a quick spray with multipurpose lubricant (motorcycle fork spray)

[dklawson]

All the K&N filters I'm familiar with are neither paper, nor foam. They are a type of gauze sandwiched in metal screen supports. You aren't supposed to do anything aggressive to clean them. The process involves dipping/rinsing with their chemicals, then re-oiling. You certainly aren't supposed to blow them out... a mistake I made the first time I found a dirty one.

[Dan]

You MUST use K&N filter solvant and water only to clean a K&N filter. Never use detergent (that is very important). Never immerse it, clean it by spraying from the inside out to drive the dirt back the way it came. Never use a high pressure supply of water. Never use other solvants. Only re-oil with K&N oil. It appears to be the same product as MPZ Build Lube but I can't be sure, never use WD40 or 3 in 1 or anything else. They aren't sticky enough.

[*STONEY*]

You MUST use K&N filter solvant and water only to clean a K&N filter. Never use detergent (that is very important). Never immerse it, clean it by spraying from the inside out to drive the dirt back the way it came. Never use a high pressure supply of water. Never use other solvants. Only re-oil with K&N oil. It appears to be the same product as MPZ Build Lube but I can't be sure, never use WD40 or 3 in 1 or anything else. They aren't sticky enough.

:AGREE: here :-D

[zomerzet]

Why is it important to only use the K&N stuff then? Surely something sticky will block up quite quickly, reducing airflow?

[Hannioli]

bah...so you're telling me I have to go out and buy lots of K&N products...

Took a photo of my air filter so you can see the state it's in worth buying k&n washy stuff and washing or just get a new one?

Attached Files

•  Airfilter.jpg   1.33MB   15 downloads

[ginigwunkle]

looks like yud be better with a cone shaped k+n, will fit much nicer and also will hav more surface area than that one....

i think the k+n washing stuff is about 15 at halfords but needs doing avery year or so anyway, mine lasted me about 2 years