Air Cleaner conversion

svcguy · Jul 12, 2005

I've run a lot of diesels over the years and the key to longevity is clean oil, clean fuel and clean air. I change out oil and filters regularly, because it's inexpensive to do so and guarantees long life. I've had a challenge obtaining air filters for my Iseki TU205F, probably the reason why the air filter that came with it was absolutely filthy. After finally tracking filters down, I was taken back with the price, about $65 USD each. I decided to convert my Iseki air cleaner to a 1988 VW turbo diesel box, which just squeaks under the hood. Any of the turbo diesel boxes around 1990 with the end outlet will work. To fit, I cut the air box off 1/4 inch below the element and inserted a wire mesh to protect the filter. I then reversed the original filter hose which lines up nicely with the new box. The original hose is a much smaller hose, so I created a bushing with a wrap of inner tube and inserted it into the box outlet. It is a nice fit, but carefully taped the joint to ensure it can't leak. It would do fine just sitting there if you protected the fuel injection lines with some rubber hose, but I welded up a hanger and attach it to the fire wall. While it barely clears everything, it fits, doesn't rub and filters are readily available at $5 USD from Wal-Mart.

Whiskey · Jul 13, 2005

svcguy:

Hummm, care to share a pic or two with us?

svcguy · Jul 14, 2005

Absolutely. I will need to figure out how to set up my camera for low resolution, as I have tried to attach photos previously but was denied because of size. Let me work on this.

jimstractors · Jul 14, 2005

Did you ever find a wix or napa or other part # for the original filter? If so, I would like to have it. I am keeping a log of the filter #'s for the different models.

RobertBrown · Jul 14, 2005

Well done svguy,
That's the kind of help I need. I too am plagued with high priced parts that are few and far between. I also own an Iseki.
Please try and post some pics as i would like to see If your idea will work on my tractor.
I recently saw a filter element for a water filter at home depot that measured close enough to replace my dirty filter for which I am unable to locate, let alone price. I guess any filter is better than a clogged filter.
RB

svcguy · Jul 15, 2005

Couldn't get the image small enough with my camera, so I took one with my cell. While not a great picture, it should give the general idea. There would be no reason not to use another cleaner box, as long as it would meet the requirements of the engine. I simply calculated the volume of pleated area (L x W x thickness) and found the VW turbo diesel filter was almost identical to the original Iseki filter (slightly larger).

svcguy · Jul 15, 2005

Sorry Jim, I was not able to find an after market filter the size I needed. The TU205F uses a tube filter 9.5 x 3.25 x .75 thick. The $65 filter was the actual Iseki filter from a dealer. While I am sure this is reasonable for an OEM filter, I just decided to convert because of the cost and availability.

Tom