Dual element, cyclone type:
1) Remove the nut, air cleaner cover and wing nut. Remove the air cleaner elements and separate them. Carefully check both elements for holes or tears and replace if damaged.
2) Foam element: Clean in warm soapy water, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly. Or clean in high flash point solvent and allow to dry. Dip the element in clean engine oil and squeeze out all the excess.
The engine will smoke during initial start-up if too much oil is left in the foam.
3) Paper element: Tap the element lightly several times on a hard surface to remove excess dirt or blow compressed air lightly (30 PSI or less) through the filter from the inside out. Never try to brush the dirt off; brushing will force dirt into the fibers.
4) Wash the paper element with clean, high flash point solvent.
– If you are using a parts washer with a recirculating stream of solvent, direct the stream at the inside of the element. Do not use equipment that delivers solvent under high pressure.
– If you are using a container filled with solvent, immerse the filter and agitate it. Do not use a brush to clean the filter.
5) Shake excess solvent out the filter, and use compressed air (30 PSI or less) to dry it further. Direct the compressed air at the inside of the filter.
Let the filter dry completely, for 24 hours if possible.
A wet filter will restrict air flow.
6) Shine a light through the elements, and inspect them carefully. Reinstall the elements if they are free of holes and tears.
If the air filter still affects engine performance,
replace it with a new one.
Semi-dry type:
1) Remove the wing nut, air cleaner cover and foam element. Carefully check the element for holes or tears and replace if damaged.
2) Clean, wash and oil the foam element (P. 3-3, 4)
Oil bath type:
1) Remove the wing nut, air cleaner cover and foam element. Carefully check the element for holes or tears and replace if damaged.
2) Clean, wash and oil the foam element (P. 3-3, 4)
3) Empty the oil from the air cleaner case, and wash out any accumulated dirt with non flammable or high flash point solvent. Dry the case.
4) Fill the air cleaner case to the level mark with the same oil that is recommended for the engine (see engine oil recommendation on P. 3-2).
