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For most of us that run an aftermarket intake system cleaning an aftermarket filter is a must, as unlike an OEM airbox our elements are considerably more expensive.
The option of cleaning our filters is much more appealing than buying a new one. As in this case my S2000 Mugen element is around about £180. Obviously a new one would be better, but this isn't always an option.
Cleaning them every time you get your car serviced is an ideal routine.
In this case I have used a K&N Filter Cleaning Kit as it is the most readily available at Halfords or via an online seller. It's roughly about £13 and can be used many times over.
At this point I will add that this kit can be used on most filters be them cones or panels.
Most of the kits available contain two things, a cleaning agent to remove the dirt, grime and oil and an oil to moisten the filter after cleaning to give it a better performance of filtering out dust from the air.
Firstly I removed the protective sheath (not all filters will have these) .
I then tapped the filter gentley on the side of the sink carefully trying not to tap the actual filter but the rubber fixing point at the end. This removes any large bits of grime, dirt or nasty bits that get caught by the filter.
I then evenly applied the cleaning agent to both sides of the filter, the clean inside and the dirty exposed outside.
I then let the agent soak in for about 10 minutes keeping an eye on it not to let the agent dry on the filter, you don't want that to happen.
The agent was doing its job and removing the dirt and grime from the filter.
I then run cold, low pressure through the filter to rinse off the cleaning agent. Making sure that the flow of water went from the clean side through to the dirty side.
This is what came out of the filter
.
You can see in this picture the oil that was in the filter floating on top of the water.
If necessary repeat this stage for very dirty filters.
Once you're happy with the filter being completely rinsed through leave to dry naturally.
Once the filter is completely dry then apply the filter oil to the exposed side of the filter. Make sure this is applied evenly and carefully. Once applied check the clean side of the filter to ensure a even spread of coverage, touch up any areas that need it.
Leave the filter to stand for twenty minutes before re fitting to the vehicle.
That's it done .
The option of cleaning our filters is much more appealing than buying a new one. As in this case my S2000 Mugen element is around about £180. Obviously a new one would be better, but this isn't always an option.
Cleaning them every time you get your car serviced is an ideal routine.
In this case I have used a K&N Filter Cleaning Kit as it is the most readily available at Halfords or via an online seller. It's roughly about £13 and can be used many times over.
At this point I will add that this kit can be used on most filters be them cones or panels.
Most of the kits available contain two things, a cleaning agent to remove the dirt, grime and oil and an oil to moisten the filter after cleaning to give it a better performance of filtering out dust from the air.
Firstly I removed the protective sheath (not all filters will have these) .
I then tapped the filter gentley on the side of the sink carefully trying not to tap the actual filter but the rubber fixing point at the end. This removes any large bits of grime, dirt or nasty bits that get caught by the filter.
I then evenly applied the cleaning agent to both sides of the filter, the clean inside and the dirty exposed outside.
I then let the agent soak in for about 10 minutes keeping an eye on it not to let the agent dry on the filter, you don't want that to happen.
The agent was doing its job and removing the dirt and grime from the filter.
I then run cold, low pressure through the filter to rinse off the cleaning agent. Making sure that the flow of water went from the clean side through to the dirty side.
This is what came out of the filter
.
You can see in this picture the oil that was in the filter floating on top of the water.
If necessary repeat this stage for very dirty filters.
Once you're happy with the filter being completely rinsed through leave to dry naturally.
Once the filter is completely dry then apply the filter oil to the exposed side of the filter. Make sure this is applied evenly and carefully. Once applied check the clean side of the filter to ensure a even spread of coverage, touch up any areas that need it.
Leave the filter to stand for twenty minutes before re fitting to the vehicle.
That's it done
.
