How Do I Clean the Air Filter on My Motorcycle?
Datetime:2013-01-31 Hits:
How Do I Clean the Air Filter on My Motorcycle?
Air filters play a major role in the operation of your motorcycle's engine. A well-maintained air filter removes dirt and debris as air passes through its filtration element before it can reach the motor and cause major damage. Like many of your motorcycle's components, air filters need occasional maintenance, mostly in the form of a good cleaning and inspection. If left unchecked, the air filter will eventually accumulate enough dirt to starve the motor of air, robbing the motor of power. Thankfully, the process is simple enough for most DIYers to add to their regular maintenance routines.
Instructions
1 Remove the air filter from your motorcycle and inspect it for obvious signs of visible damage, such as tears, rips or punctures. If the air filter is damaged in any way, replace the air filter.
2 Clean a paper-element air filter by shaking any loose dirt from the air filter. Remove embedded debris by blowing compressed air through the element from the inner face outward. Inspect the air filter element, looking for tears or punctures. Look also for signs of water damage that may have been concealed under the dirt. Water damage will decrease air flow through the filter. Replace the air filter if it is damaged.
3 Clean fabric element filters by shaking out any loose debris. Soak the filter in a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Shake out the solution and any remaining debris and allow the filter to air dry naturally. Once the air filter is dry, spray the filter with air filter oil before reinstalling the air filter.
4 Shake out loose debris from a foam air filter and soak it in a solvent, such as gasoline, to remove any remaining dirt and filter oil. Wring out the solvent from the filter and allow it to dry naturally. Inspect the filter for any rips or tears that may have been concealed before applying a thick coat of air filter oil spray.