'79 GS850 air filter question ??

[wrench2ride]

Due to some success with the search feature I've been scarce around here, but one question gnaws at me re: the air filter. Is the foam element the only filter needed? Was there ever a paper element inside the filter cage? Some scorching on the top screen leads me to believe something burned up. Sunflower seeds in the airbox and ripped foam also a clue airbox was at one time a mouse hotel. Also too, when sealing the airbox does the breather pipe on top need caulk around the neck where it enters the box? Will be working on it pretty steady now and look forward to picking up know how all over these great forums. Thanks again for the warm welcome some months ago and all the great content found on this site. wrench2ride

[rustybronco]

One word. K&N SU1200.

Edit...
What pipe on top? Do you mean the air intake at the back of the air box? No sealing is required if that's what you are referring to.

[wrench2ride]

Thanks Rustybronco. Not the intake snorkel but the eng. breather tube middle top edge where it enters the airbox.

[rustybronco]

My '80 850 has a metal box. No sealing is required on it as that particular tube doesn't come out.

[wrench2ride]

Just a pile of goop in the box and some foam remnants. Must have been a pretty good fire or possibly it dissolved. Thanks so much for the K&N SU1200 rec. Look forward to getting more regular here at the best darn resource on the intertoobz. wrench2ride

[wrench2ride]

Just adding my photobucket link. Hope it is a help to someone. Hope I do this right.

http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/wrench2ride/library/#/user/wrench2ride/library/?sort=3&page=1&_suid=137665800059405457149832209167

[rustybronco]

Can't you braze some steel tubing in it's place?

[wrench2ride]

Will do if it's a problem. Rust to clear up at top of box inside where air goes to breather. Would backfiring have been a possible cause for the airbox fire. Have scorching on #3 &#4 carb slides and carbon spilling from my headers when i moved them the other day. Am glad they fell over the other day where they are stored. More clues all the time.

[koolaid_kid]

wrench2ride, your breather tube is fine just as it is. That is how the factory delivered it. If there is a crack in the pipe that is attached to the airbox I would seal the crack.

[wrench2ride]

Thanks Koolaid Kid. Just wasn't sure about the spacing where it enters. Pipe intact now it's on to reassemble my stripped n dipped carbs, check valves and electrical system and on and on...

Had an 82 1100e once. Disappeared one day. I now believe in magic.

[rustybronco]

My '80 850 has a metal box. No sealing is required on it as that particular tube doesn't come out.

Just a pile of goop in the box and some foam remnants. Must have been a pretty good fire or possibly it dissolved.

ten ......