Air Cleaners

[RossL]

I am assembling a pair of 1 3/4 SU carbs for my TR6. I considering AH type air filters. The flat type with the metal filter material.

Do these filter as well as a K&N type?

Do they have to be oiled?

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I haven't seen any numbers/tests, but I can't believe some coarse steel shavings--even soaked in oil--would filter as good as oil-treated cotton or standard paper filter material. However, I suspect the stock filters actually do a decent job, certainly better than nothing, and probably don't impede airflow very much.

Yes, the stock filters should be oiled. When I ran them, I used a special 'tack' oil formulated for this purpose (from Amsoil, IIRC). It seemed like the oil mostly ended up in a puddle in the bottom of the filters anyway.

 

[Johnny]

Even though I still use the original type air cleaner I doubt they filter anything smaller than a grasshopper. I've never used oil in them, nor have I ever read they needed to be oiled. I have removed them and let stand overnight in a cleaner like mineral spirits. Then I would use a hose and spray out any bugs etc. They're usually pretty dirty so they must be doing something. I do no they will rust out, so don't use old ones buy new ones if you want originality.

 

[IanIrving]

The service manual, para D10 says to clean the air filters in fuel at the recomended mileage then when the gauze is clean and dry, re oil with engine oil then allow to drain before refitting.

Ian