Replacing Oil Bath Filter Medium

[plumer46]

G'Day all,

Has anyone attempted to replace the Metal Filter Medium in a Oil Bath Air Filter, if so can the correct method be described please.

Regards

John

[mcl1959]

It's not supposed to be replaced in service, but I guess it could be replaced by drilling out the spot welds and putting new stuff in, then rewelding or pop riveting - not 100 % sure what the metal is, maybe aluminium.  It certainly dissolves in caustic solution (experience  ) so it isn't steel.

Ken

[zulu]

I had boxes of NOS air filter replacements but they were for a different model, (smaller diameter) as I could not determine what car they were for I did the unthinkable & chucked them to the tip.

The wire wool type stuff was actually already contained in the circular metal frame, thinking back now I could have used the stuff to replace mine plus quite a few more!

Gary

[plumer46]

Thanks Ken and Gary,

I will drill the spot welds and remove the lower section to replace or clean the medium.

Regards

John

[mcl1959]

Just curious why you actually want to remove the inner stuff. The best way to clean is put it in a parts washer and give it a thorough soaking and then blow out with compressed air. Repeat a few times if contaminants remain.

Ken

[plumer46]

Hi Ken,

I sandblasted the Filter two years ago and painted 2 pack black, after washing and blowing many times there is still fine grains of sand coming out, everything is new or re-conditioned on this Ute including the 138 Grey, so I am not taking any chances.

Regards

John

[EffCee]

I too have been down the "learn from experience" track, I too have learnt that the "element" dissolves in a caustic solution. I too have found that I was unable to totally clean an "element" after bead blasting it.

The air filter that I "dissolved" was from a Ford Prefect and the one that I filled full of glass was from a 36 Ford.  In both cases I was able to get a replacement air filter.

If I were to need to clean an oil bath "element" today, I would ensure that the "element" is totally free from oil and have it soda blasted. This way the bi carb soda is dissolvable, ensuring that no contaminants remain in the "element". I would also ensure that as much of the "element" would be covered as possible to ensure that any rust or paint did not lodge in the "element".

Maybe it would be better to obtain a replacement air cleaner lid with new element. I realise there is the pain of having to redo the lid in two pack to ensure that it matches the base, it sounds like you have done a great job on your car and, like you, I would not be taking the chance of particles coming out and getting into the engine.

Keith

[mcl1959]

I see, yes under your circumstances it is necessary to remove the element to ensure no grit remains.

I guess pop riveting it back together would be the best way to go.

Ken