Foam Air Filter Replacement oil

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flw · #1 Unread post by **flw** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 4:41 pm

In the past, I used new auto oil on foam filters. Is there practically any difference other than using "foam filter oil" or "motorcycle/car oil" after cleaning/rinsing it out with gas ?

I need to give it a cleaning when I get it back from valve check. It can be dusty around here around planting and harvesting times.

So as a add on, how often do you either clean or replace your air filter for non-dirt bikes as well as what do you use to clean/oil it?

Sev · #2 Unread post by **Sev** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 5:31 pm

I'd suggest using only filter oil on your filters. It's pretty tacky which will trap and hold particles out of the air far better.

slimcolo · #3 Unread post by **slimcolo** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 2:27 pm

Some earlier bikes (some HD and some Honda) that came with foam filters used clean motor oil. But this was because the modern filter oil was not yet on the market. I use spray on oil that is colored red because you can see where you missed. Uni says to clean their filters w/Dawn non ultra regular scent, like it makes a difference. Never use any thing flame-able.

JC Viper · #4 Unread post by **JC Viper** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 8:35 am

Why don't you get the K&N filter for the Vulcan? I got mine for $45 and it ended up being much easier to clean with the K&N cleaning kit.

That Kawasaki stuff is both messy and tedious.

Anyway, from what I'm told auto oil isn't as thick as filter oil in order to trap in those fine particles of dust.

flw · #5 Unread post by **flw** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:28 am

Yes it looks like I'm going to just change to a better aftermarket filter since the one that comes with is is poor at best.

For cruiser or sport bike, anyone use another aircleaner other than K&N instead of the stock air filter? If so what and why that brand/type?

Thanks.

slimcolo · #6 Unread post by **slimcolo** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 4:22 pm

Yeah I've used other foam filters. Honda,HD,UNI,Revtech,Motorfactory, and a no name K&N copy off Ebay.( in my pickup)

HD,Revtech,and Motorfactory are for use in Harleys,and fit in the stock and many aftermarket air cleaners like S&S. UNI also makes these for HDs. These are basically just an OEM replacement w/cleanable element)

Honda,HD,Motor factory,and Uni use filter foam. (thick)

K&N,Revtech,and the no name use a screen/foam (thin) combo.

All seem to work about the same.but,

The UNI I have in my GS is built to fit the stock box,(application specific)and has a box built around it just like the stock filters. This is a great filter and I am very confident of it in this duel sport. This application by UNI ( 91GS) is far better than any I've seen. (K&N don't have one to fit this bike)

The no name filter in my truck is an K&N copy. It looks the same and seems to act well (stops a lot of dirt and needs cleaned very often) but main body is plastic ( made to look like carbon fiber, not the real stuff) unlike K&N. Price was about 1/4 of K&N.

A further note on UNI. If they don't fit your bike (especially true of older bikes) they sell "bulk" foam so you can make your own filter. (looks kinda like pre charger foam) I've used this on bikes,lawnmowers,air compressors and other farm eqpt.

Again the real work is done by the filter foam (many brands avail.)not really the filter itself. The tackyier the oil the better it will work. This comes in a bottle to pour or in a spray can.(some pump like Rogaine) A cheap filter with proper oil will out preform the best filter using WD40 or motor oil.