How to clean airbox filter? By rosiemoto (Read 1,250 times)

[rosiemoto]

I was just made aware that there's an air filter that needs cleaning every 1,000(?) miles and I've never touched that area and am near 16,000 miles now. That's kinda scary, what am I going to see when I take it out...

I understand how to take the box apart, just unscrew the outer cover screws (don't need to take the whole box off), and there's the filter. But...

How do you deal with the filter? I'm really lost after the cleaning part. I heard to clean, you bathe it in dish soap+warm water then squeeze (not wring) dry between paper towels or a clean rag or something. The next part totally throws me off as a beginner - you're supposed to oil it after? What kind of oil? Can I use the same oil I put in my engine and how much? I'm assuming the filter is sponge-like so is there a good method of spreading the oil evenly? Do you need to add gas too or is just oil fine?

[rosiemoto]

Noone's answered so maybe I made it sound complicated... basically how do I take care of my airbox and air filter?

This is the one I have.
www.scooterworks.com/filebin/images/products/1000/1100-1352_1000.jpg

[Alleyoop]

All you need to do is take it out wash it with dish soap dry it out and stick it back in. You do not need to oil it if you do not want to MOST DO NOT. If you ride in a dusty area then yes I would recommend putting on a little oil, oil will grab the little dust partials. If you want to oil it just get paper towel and soak it with your engine oil and just wipe the out side of the filter. You do not want to soak it with oil it will restrict to much air and you will run rich.
Alleyoop

[rosiemoto]

Thank you Alleyoop. When I get it out, I'll take some pictures of what a 16,000 mile uncleaned air filter looks like...

By the way, those little clamps shown in the picture on the hose... where can they be gotten and what are they called? I think some of mine are getting weak and rusty.

[Alleyoop]

You can get them at any auto parts store or hardware store.

[richardv]

I've used foam filters on a couple motorcycles and I used a spray on oil from auto parts stores. Just a light coat after the filter dries.

[rosiemoto]

Okay, turns out my air filter wasn't at all what I expected to see! It looks nearly clean ...what?? Only thing is it smells like gas. 16,000 miles never cleaned. Makes me wonder is the thing even FILTERING air? The foam around it is super thin.

Here's some pictures... does it even need anything done or should I put it back in?

[Alleyoop]

You don't need a new onw just slap it back on. See, if you do not live in a dusty area and ride on the streets all the time they last a long time.
Alleyoop