Air Comb for Air Filter?

[Ford850]

Nearly every (at least every one I've ever come across) OEM says not to blow out air filters (except pre filters). What i've been taught is that the filter effectiveness (i.e. how small a particle that can pass though is) increases as the filter becomes clogged, and that blowing out an air filter, only serves to either A: push the really fine stuff further into the filter and decrease efficiency (the vacuum loss across the filter) or B: damage the paper element and cause potential for particulates to move through. Large equipment OEM's generally recommend to only touch an air filter when the vacuum gauge indicates that it is becoming plugged. I personally use the daylight test - if you can't see daylight though the filter, its time to change the filter.

on a second note, I've never seen an air comb, but it looks like it could be very helpful for blowing crap out of other places like radiators and guard screens.

Both my Kubota and Case IH manuals say to clean the air filters with compressed air, blowing from the inside out.

 

[tomplum]

Nearly every (at least every one I've ever come across) OEM says not to blow out air filters (except pre filters). What i've been taught is that the filter effectiveness (i.e. how small a particle that can pass though is) increases as the filter becomes clogged, and that blowing out an air filter, only serves to either A: push the really fine stuff further into the filter and decrease efficiency (the vacuum loss across the filter) or B: damage the paper element and cause potential for particulates to move through. Large equipment OEM's generally recommend to only touch an air filter when the vacuum gauge indicates that it is becoming plugged. I personally use the daylight test - if you can't see daylight though the filter, its time to change the filter.

on a second note, I've never seen an air comb, but it looks like it could be very helpful for blowing crap out of other places like radiators and guard screens.

I agree. At best I will blow down the pleats with low pressure once it had been tapped out. It send chills down my spine when I see someone grab an air nozzle with 160 pound of pressure behind it to blow through paper filter media. I dunno the proper use of what the OP is discussing. Just like it sends chills through my spine to see someone not want to spend 10$ on a spin on oil filter for a piece of equipment worth thousands. I'll try the orange can of death for $4.99 :confused3:

 

[PILOON]

I made my own air comb using 1/8" copper tubing that conveniently fits the ends of many air gun nozzles, in fact I have a few of different lengths.
Being copper the end can be bent to suit the application.
If you want flexibility you can even find small plastic tubing that can be adapted.

 

[YLee Kioti]

The air comb seems like a good deal for air cleaners - although I have no idea if blowing out an air cleaner from the inside has any effect on how much grit gets in the engine. Instinctively it seems like it would help, but I've been wrong enough times to make me curious. How much change does it really make?
I wonder if anyone done any real testing that shows how using an air comb compares to a new air cleaner?

For that matter, one of my older tractors has a reusable oil bath air filter. How well does that work compared to replaceable dry elements? Anyone know of any studies?
rScotty

Well my anecdote on the former 7.3L 2003 PS used a Donaldson Air Filter.

It was built to be able to back flush with air and good for 75k - 80k miles (IIRC).

Black Stone lab reports normal readings for silicon was around 7 to 9 ppm.

What comes to mind is doing a UOA to monitor filter performance. But at our oil change rate may not know for a few years....ha...

One would thinking back flushing AF is beneficial in allowing rated air flow to perform.
Agree that low air pressure is the best.
A small pin hole in the AF will contribute to really polishing the cylinder walls.
First hand experience on a 93 F-150 5.0L with a K&N AF.
Notice it had no power and took near a mile (or so it seems) to pick up enough speed to pass a Yugo.
Upon inspection looked at AF and it had small openings between the fabric weaves. NEVER again!
If anyone has used these with a bazillion miles with perfect results great. YMMV, this is just my history/feedback.
I see threads going sideways easy. So let's not go there.