Do You Wash Your Paper Air Filter?
- Thread starter jimainiac
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murphy1244
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For the 25 bucks a new one costs I'd replace it.
Utopia Texas
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Since not all paper filters are equal I'd go by the manufacturers recommendations.
MHarryE
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https://www.donaldson.com/en/engine/support/datalibrary/073635.pdf
Another of my references to a Donaldson publication on how to treat an air cleaner. For our tractors we go by restriction indicator or hours and don't clean although on combines we did clean until they came out with an aspirated air cleaner (something you don't find on tractors - cleaner environment). Washing with detergent was the method recommended in the old days - remember, an air cleaner must be capable of handling a tremendous amount of water without failing or you wouldn't be able to operate in rain and snow. Donaldson's current recommendation is not to clean at all, that the risk of engine damage is too high and any warranty they would provide is void if they determine the filter gas been cleaned.
Another of my references to a Donaldson publication on how to treat an air cleaner. For our tractors we go by restriction indicator or hours and don't clean although on combines we did clean until they came out with an aspirated air cleaner (something you don't find on tractors - cleaner environment). Washing with detergent was the method recommended in the old days - remember, an air cleaner must be capable of handling a tremendous amount of water without failing or you wouldn't be able to operate in rain and snow. Donaldson's current recommendation is not to clean at all, that the risk of engine damage is too high and any warranty they would provide is void if they determine the filter gas been cleaned.
Thanks for all of the interesting replies. I didn't mention in the original post, but I have washed the filter before, though I always felt funny about doing so, and hence the question to the forum, to get other opinions and suggestions. That's what I love about TBN - so much knowledge and thoughtful advice out there.
I like the idea of vacuuming the filter with a shopvac. I don't know why I never thought of that. Seems like a safer way to go than compressed air. If there wasn't an inner filter in there, I would probably be more inclined to replace the outer filter more often. It seems if the inner one stays clean, that's a good gauge.
And I wouldn't wash the filter if I didn't have another one on hand to put the tractor right back in service. It takes a long time to dry completely.
I like the idea of vacuuming the filter with a shopvac. I don't know why I never thought of that. Seems like a safer way to go than compressed air. If there wasn't an inner filter in there, I would probably be more inclined to replace the outer filter more often. It seems if the inner one stays clean, that's a good gauge.
And I wouldn't wash the filter if I didn't have another one on hand to put the tractor right back in service. It takes a long time to dry completely.
woodchipper
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Jim, I agree with your last comment. But regarding the filter, nowhere in your post do you mention the filter being made of paper. I would not hesitate to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean it. I think to first gently tap the filter to get the bigger particules dislodged, followed by a shop-vac thorough vaccuming, followed by a comprehensive blow-out, to finaly soak and wash a few cycles wil give you back afilter that will be as efficient as a new one, no doubt!
One important consideration, is your drying "cycle", ie let the filter air dry completely before you put it back to good use.
Great idea to have a back up filter on hand. This way, you always have a clean one to use right away.
One important consideration, is your drying "cycle", ie let the filter air dry completely before you put it back to good use.
Great idea to have a back up filter on hand. This way, you always have a clean one to use right away.
oosik
Epic Contributor
My Kubota Op Manual discusses washing the air filter in warm, soapy water also. I have never attempted that. I have taken the primary (outer) element and gently used compressed air from the inside toward the outside followed by my shop vac on the outside.
Otherwise - I take the easy way out. I replace both inner & outer annually.
Otherwise - I take the easy way out. I replace both inner & outer annually.
bumperm
Veteran Member
I'm in the compressed air camp too, but will try washing the filter next time.
If you don't have the time to let it dry, use a second air filter and rotate them as another previous poster suggests.
As to using other than recommended methods such as solvents, it may be that the paper element is treated with resin that may be damaged.
If you don't have the time to let it dry, use a second air filter and rotate them as another previous poster suggests.
As to using other than recommended methods such as solvents, it may be that the paper element is treated with resin that may be damaged.
bumperm
Veteran Member
I'm in the compressed air camp too, but will try washing the filter next time.
If you don't have the time to let it dry, use a second air filter and rotate them as another previous poster suggests.
As to using other than recommended methods such as solvents, it may be that the paper element is treated with resin that may be damaged.
If you don't have the time to let it dry, use a second air filter and rotate them as another previous poster suggests.
As to using other than recommended methods such as solvents, it may be that the paper element is treated with resin that may be damaged.
