Cleaning an air filter

[MHarryE]

Interesting somebody has a manual that says not to exceed 29 psi because mine say not to exceed 30 psi. I go by the book, blow out the primary but don't screw with the secondary (safety) element. One of my manuals actually lists the number of times a filter can be blown out before replacing, then replace both primary and secondary. Only engine we ever had a problem with was when one of our mechanics had to remove the air cleaner to turbo hose for clearance when relaxing a failed alternator and forgot to reinstall the hose. Dusted engine completely trashed in 5 hours - very dusty conditions.

 

[sixdogs]

A lot of guys blow out air filters the wrong way and in that sense the OP is correct. I have seen guys use 175 PSI and blow the filter both inside and out. That will destroy the filter even if you don't think so. The correct way, as I have learned, is to use a very low pressure, say 15 PSI or so, and use a nozzle that extends into the filter correctly. I use one of those twist-type nipple nozzles that's about 3" long. First i tap the filter on the ground and that works great to remove most all of the larger particles. Then I lightly and carefully blow from the inside out of the filter, tap on the ground again and am good to go.
Recently I heard that K & N filters had started to make some mesh washable filters for some tractors.

 

[sixdogs]

Interesting somebody has a manual that says not to exceed 29 psi because mine say not to exceed 30 psi. I go by the book, blow out the primary but don't screw with the secondary (safety) element. One of my manuals actually lists the number of times a filter can be blown out before replacing, then replace both primary and secondary. Only engine we ever had a problem with was when one of our mechanics had to remove the air cleaner to turbo hose for clearance when relaxing a failed alternator and forgot to reinstall the hose. Dusted engine completely trashed in 5 hours - very dusty conditions.

And this is why primary and secondary air filters are so important.

 

[Kioti Tom]

I would love to see oil bath filters make a comeback. This said, I got one of the stepped cones for stepping down a 4" shop vaccuum system and fit it to my wife's hair blower. I them do the other end to fit the filter. After bumping the filter, I use the hair dryer/blower and blow out what it can. It is low pressure and about 5-10 seconds is enough. I don't want to overdo it.
There, I put my :2cents: worth in...
Tom

 

[scrappy isb67]

Recently I heard that K & N filters had started to make some mesh washable filters for some tractors.

K&N does NOT belong in a tractor! they can't keep dust out of a pickup that never sees dirt, what makes you think they will be any better on a tractor in the dusty field?

 

[sixdogs]

K&N does NOT belong in a tractor! they can't keep dust out of a pickup that never sees dirt, what makes you think they will be any better on a tractor in the dusty field?

Yeah, I wouldn't use one either but they must have marketing numbers that say someone will.

 

[JJZ 109]

K&N does NOT belong in a tractor! they can't keep dust out of a pickup that never sees dirt, what makes you think they will be any better on a tractor in the dusty field?

Kind of the general consensus on a Ford diesel forum that I visit. After purchasing a K&N intake kit for my '97 Powerstroke, I kept the K&N hardware, sold the filter and fabric sleeve and opted for a marine type (water resistant) Donaldson.
After reading many discussions after that, I'll go with another Donaldson, but not the water resistant (read: expensive) filter for the truck application. It's been working great. The old dog breathes and runs just fine.

 

[k0ua]

OK here is what I do, I carefully remove the air filter, and use a shop vacuum to suck the dirt back out of the filter. It is gentle high volume low pressure and the air stream flow is going the right way. I then carefully vacuum all of the intake parts, and then take a moistened paper towel to remove any trace of dirt on the intake parts. Since I am not plowing a dusty field, I am not operating in as severe of an environment as perhaps others are. I usually don't find caked on dirt on the filter anyway. But I do try to keep it as clean as possible. Can anyone tell me this is not a good method of cleaning the air filter? It is what I have been doing for many years.

James K0UA

 

[SPYDERLK]

OK here is what I do, I carefully remove the air filter, and use a shop vacuum to suck the dirt back out of the filter. It is gentle high volume low pressure and the air stream flow is going the right way. I then carefully vacuum all of the intake parts, and then take a moistened paper towel to remove any trace of dirt on the intake parts. Since I am not plowing a dusty field, I am not operating in as severe of an environment as perhaps others are. I usually don't find caked on dirt on the filter anyway. But I do try to keep it as clean as possible. Can anyone tell me this is not a good method of cleaning the air filter? It is what I have been doing for many years.

James K0UA

I like that. If the vac has a blow port attachment, ducting that to the inside would enhance the effect.
larry

 

[MHarryE]

Donaldson recommends not cleaning filters and states that 40% of a filter's capacity is lost with each cleaning, but with our combines working in chaff blowing around the machine that has not been practical. Some dealers have a vacuum unit. Bring in your filter element and they will place it against this thin opening long cleaner that will draw out the dust in a reverse flow and being a low pressure, should not really harm the filter. Although the screens on my air conditioner condenser and radiator seem to always get covered with crap, my air restriction indicator is still at the bottom.

 

[Soundguy]

I like that. If the vac has a blow port attachment, ducting that to the inside would enhance the effect.
larry

i don't think i'd trust the crappy dust filter int he shop vac to do that..

 

[SPYDERLK]

i don't think i'd trust the crappy dust filter int he shop vac to do that..

Good point. An alternate hi volume source then. The leaf blower, mentioned early, would do.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Good point. An alternate hi volume source then. The leaf blower, mentioned early, would do.

Someone mentioned a leaf blower in an earlier post. I tried it last time I cleaned my filter and couldnt get any dust to blow out using the leaf blower. I guess just too much area to get the flow needed. Soundguy and I were thinking alike. I wouldnt trust the vacuum filter to do a good job of removing any dust enough to put the outtake on the inside of the filter. You would for sure be dirtying up the inside. I will continue with my bump method and lightly blowing out with compressed air on the primary filter. I dont ever remove the secondary filter as long as it is clean and white which to date has always been the case.

 

[Johnp33]

Personally I would never use compressed air to clean a filter, I rotate it about 2 inches from the flat floor dropping it, it jars the dirt loose on the pre cleaner element, Washing out the housing and the sealing surface is VERY VERY important. I have seen engines dusted because the element is removed and installed, to inspect it and push up a pile of dirt causing the seal to be bypassed.
Using a white soapy cloth on the intake tube, is the very best way to tell if their is any dirt bypassing or going threw the filter. Their is no allowable amount of dust that by passes a filter when dust gets into the cylinder it sticks to the oil on the cylinder walls and turns to lapping compound when the rings rub on it.