Blowing out an air filter

5 Speed · #1 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 02:48 PM

When cleaning under the hood, I normally open the filter box and clean out the inside of anything that got into the box, clean both sides of the rubber filter seal and put a little vasoline on it. I usually run the shop vac on the base of the air box to pick up any leaves or small particles that have been picked up. I used to always blow out my air filter in reverse with my compressed air at 45psi, not anything blasting. I am not trying to get more use out of the filter, just blow a little bit of the dust out and change at normal intervals. Any thoughts if this might not be a good idea? I can tell that a few blasts really moves out the dust but could this be a problem?

Genthar · #2 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 04:36 PM

I believe K&N specifically says "Don't use compressed air" to clean their filters, but it's a different design. It's probably more of an issue to those who would crank it to 150 PSI then complain that the filter doesn't work very well with holes in it...

As long as you use the minimum amount of air-pressure to clear it I don't see an issue. Too much pressure and you could start punching holes (ones small enough to be hard to see, but big enough to let extra dirt in), and that could eventually cause problems.

v8Toilet · #3 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 08:50 PM

You could possibly blow a small hole in the filter and reduce it's effectiveness to filter out contaminants.

Bbbutch · #4 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 11:39 PM

It would be better to tap your air filter against a non-abrasive surface to dislodge loose dirt.
Both air and oil filters do an extremely important job and should not be compromised. They are very cheap parts that protect a very expensive motor.

Wiley · #5 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003, 06:40 AM

As said previously: Filters are cheap. If you need to for some reason, go ahead.

I'd not put vasoline on rubber parts. Vasoline (a petroleum product) and rubber don't get along to well. It also going to attract more crud. Clean and dry would be my choice.

Joe · #6 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 5 Speed
I am not trying to get more use out of the filter, just blow a little bit of the dust out and change at normal intervals. Any thoughts if this might not be a good idea? I can tell that a few blasts really moves out the dust but could this be a problem?

Here's a little something to think about - The dirtier a paper air filter gets the more "efficient" it becomes, so unless "performance" is effected, maybe one should just clean around it.

5 Speed · #7 (**permalink**) 08-07-2003, 02:15 AM

I was only talking about a low psi blow, but I think I will end that. I will continue with the shop vac inside the air box and will hit the dirty side of the filter just to remove any surface dirt. I remember reading somewhere someone mentioned the vasoline on the gasket because it attracted the dirt in case it started to get pass the rubber gasket. Since you discard the filter I don't think the rubber will break down that fast. I always lubed the o-rings on water filters because it helped the ring seat better and create a positive seal. I totally believe in the dirty filter becomes more efficent. Water filters that stop particles do get more efficent until the flow drops, than I change them. I have always found the top of the air box spotless and always want to keep it that way.