Quick ???: Is my air filter washable? (550L)

[Anonymous]

My air filter was soaked in gas from the petcock not shutting off overnight. I've dried it up as best as I could but still smells a bit like gas. Can I just wash it? It's otherwise in fine shape.

TIA

 

[chuckycheese]

Yes

Yes

I don't see why not! The most important thing is that it's clean and breathes properly. :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, it's just a piece of foam, anyway. I just don't wanna mess it up as I can't find a replacement for it locally so far. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a K&N air filter in there...and yes, I can wash that thing off...then spray it down with the stuff that comes with it.

I would guess that it has to be the re-usable kind.

Rudi
1980 GS1100E

 

[Anonymous]

The standard OE foam air filters are washable and re-usable.......in fact, cleaning should be part of periodic maintenance. The foam filters can be washed with water and a mild detergent (e,g, dishwashing liquid), rinsed with clean water, allowed to dry, and then lightly re-oiled. After rinsing , be carefull if you squeeze out the water.....these filters are easily torn and expensive to replace (despite just being flimsy pieces of foam). Instructions can be found in the Owner's Manual, if available.

 

[Gary Lich]

I always wash the foam type filters in gas. It should be good and clean now. Just oil it up and your ready to go.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I've noticed these things are pretty expensive, even over the internet. I'll get a K&N for next time.

Gary, I've heard of other people who wash these things in gas - I guess the petcock did me a favor then, huh? So can I use K&N re-charger oil on it? I still have a can of that from some car I owned.

Simon, thanks for the instructions. I have the Haynes manual coming in any day now, from Amazon. Still looking for an owner's manual, though.

 

[Hotblack]

How expensive is expensive? I've seen sheets of Uni foam for something like 11 bucks, doesn't seem too bad for something that's reusable, even though it is a bit much for a piece of foam rubber.

 

[Anonymous]

How expensive is expensive? I've seen sheets of Uni foam for something like 11 bucks, doesn't seem too bad for something that's reusable, even though it is a bit much for a piece of foam rubber.

True, but the best I could find was on eBay for $15, plus $5 shipping. I'm used to $4 car filters But since it is reusable, you do have a point. Mine's in very good shape though, so I can ward off the cost for now.

 

[Anonymous]

Are there certain paper filters that are not washable?

Is it better to use a foam or air type of filter?

Is K&N the best and most durable?

Should I shell out the extra $$ for an OEM part from www.bikebandit.com ?

:? :? :? :? :? :? :? :?

 

[Anonymous]

All you need to use for oil is 30 weight. Pour some into a plastic bag and throw the filter in after it. Then all you need to do is squeeze it around for a while.

Steve

 

[Anonymous]

I just went to pep boys and bought a filter for the old car carbs. On of those big round ones. I got the same width as for my gs550, and just cut it to the right length. It even came with spray oil. Fits right in, and no trouble in over a year. Plus, the same strip of car filter can be cut into 3-4 bike filters.