Air Cleaners

[T.R.]

I would like to install a K&N air filter in place of the original oil bath air filter, has anyone done this and how did you do it? or is there a better choice.

[powerwagontim]

T.R.,
I could be wrong here, but I seem to recall reading that the oil bath air cleaner, though "old school" will filter better than the modern filters. Sometimes old tech isnt a bad thing!
Tim

[m37_power]

I found the same thing when i was researching. Seems like you cant beat the oil bath setup.

[Master Yota]

I too have heard the above statements - but....

Less restriction to air flow both in and out of an engine will provide an increase in power - however marginal it may seem. Its probably not a big deal to fabricate a plate and lid to sit atop the carb to sandwich a conventional style air filter. The diameter and height of the chosen filter will dictate more of the design than probably anything else.

[SierraM37]

I was thinking of looking to mount a K&N cone directly off the ETW1 - Horizontally so to speak. If anyone has done and has pictures, that would be great.

[MSeriesRebuild]

Whom ever is saying an oil bath is better/more effiecient than a K&N is simply misinformed is all I know to say. We haven't put a K&N on the stock set up, however it would not be a huge affair to make it happen. If it is done right, it will be a far better set up in every way than any oil bath.

[SOTVEN]

I HAVE INSTALLED A DONALDSON DUAL ELEMENT PAPAER/GAUGE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I DO NOT REMEMBER DETAILS OF THE PART NUMBER, BUT YOU CAN SEE IT IN MY ALBUM HERE. AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION I HAD OBSERVED BETTER MILAGE, BUT IT WAS MARGINAL. NOT A BIG DEAL

[MSeriesRebuild]

I HAVE INSTALLED A DONALDSON DUAL ELEMENT PAPAER/GAUGE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I DO NOT REMEMBER DETAILS OF THE PART NUMBER, BUT YOU CAN SEE IT IN MY ALBUM HERE. AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION I HAD OBSERVED BETTER MILAGE, BUT IT WAS MARGINAL. NOT A BIG DEAL

We used Donalson Air cleaners with a dry paper element on our Cummins repower engines in the early years. In fact that is still on my Cummins M37. It cost as much to purchase a replacement filter element for the Donaldson housing as the initial installation of a K&N cost. The paper element last a year, the K&N last a lifetime if serviced correctly. The K&N recharger kit is around $15, how often it needs washing and re-oiling is dependant on operating conditions, however it will certainly be much cheaper than buying new paper elements at $60 a pop. Retrofit the K&N, it is a no brainer. The K&N will also flow more air than the Donaldson, this is tough to believe, yet it is true.

[Brett]

Charles,

I've used Donaldson filters in alot of my equipment at work, But $60 for an air filter sure sounds high. Check out www.Tnfilter.com they are in nashville, but it might be worth your while to call them up and get quotes on a couple of part numbers. These guys are extremely Knowledgeable, and I've been using them for years.

Brett

[SOTVEN]

I WAS AWARE OF K&N FILTERS, BUT I NEVER KNEW WHAT WAS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THEM. WHEN I GOT MY HARLEY BACK IN OCTOBER, I OPENED UP THE HYPERCHARGER TO INSPECT THE AIR FILTR. SURE ENOUGH, IT WAS A FILTHY LOOKING, DEBRIS COVERED, OILY FILTER, WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT, I TOOK IT TO THE AUTOMOTIVE STORE TO MATCH IT TO A NEW ONE. THE CLERK THERE LOOKED AT IT AND THEN HE ASKED ME "WHY DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE THIS? IT IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE" I THOUGHT HE WAS KIDDINNG ME. "I CAN SELL YOU ANYTHING YOU WANT" HE SAID,"BUT THIS IS THE BEST THING YOU CAN PUT IN YOUR BIKE. HERE IS A RECHARGE FOR IT, JUST FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS." SURE ENOUGH. 15 MINUTES LATER,THAT FILTHY LOOKING FILTER WAS LIKE NEW!!!!! NEXT THING I DID, WAS GET A K&N FOR MY RAM. GOODBYE PAPER ELEMENT.

[MSeriesRebuild]

Charles,

I've used Donaldson filters in alot of my equipment at work, But $60 for an air filter sure sounds high. Check out www.Tnfilter.com they are in nashville, but it might be worth your while to call them up and get quotes on a couple of part numbers. These guys are extremely Knowledgeable, and I've been using them for years.

Brett

Obviously we are not talking apples for apples, $60 for the element mine takes is a very reasonable cost and in line with all mainstream filter suppliers other than the ones who pedal junk. I expect you are thinking a much smaller element than what I have here. I'm talking an element that is 11" OD X 18" long, in an externally mounted Donaldson housing.