I would just like to hear other people's thoughts on cleaning the air filter.

[SkyMaxx]

I clean my air filter when it gets dirty. That could be after a day of running or it could be after a couple of months of running. It all depends on what type of terrain I am running on. If it is particularly dusty, I might have to clean it after a day of running. If not...then I check it for cleanliness and go.

Bottom line: You should check your rig (whatever it may be) prior to or after each day of running. I recommend at least prior to (I do both pre and post session checks). This allows you to find and replace missing screws, tighten up those that were loosened during the last running, and make certain that everything is ready for a hardcore beating.

I check the air filter before each day of running...

 

[scottm]

Some solvents are hard on some types of foam. I say don't use carb cleaner. Nitro fuel has caused some of my filters to swell up huge, so I would recommend washing it after that in hot soapy water.

I have been cleaning foam filters for cycles for about 30 years now. I use a solvent tank with safety-clean solvent (basically karosene) then wash with water, and oil with Maxxima or Bel-ray motorcycle filter oil. I have a cycle filter that is more than 5 years old, and is still healthy.

 

[SkyMaxx]

The only things I use to clean my air filters with are water and dish-soap. Works just fine for me.

 

[Robie6]

if using air to blow it out always blow from the INSIDE-OUT I use my parts cleaning tank to wash, then blow & let it sit in the sun for a bit. Always a good idea to have a few extras on hand if your in the field

 

[jon2]

I use warm water and regular hand soap to wash the complete air filter. then rinse it thoroughly. I allow it to dry then in a plastic bag and then add air filter oil to it and let it absorb it well. Then assemble it and attach it back to your mill

 

[Losi-HPI]

One or two people have actually said how often they do it, I have heard all of the cleaning methods now, a lot of people do it the same so that's cool, I still want to know how often you do it not how you do it. :read:

 

[jon2]

I do it after an hour of running the engine unless the air filter i ivsibly covered or the performance is going downhill. I notice the low end start to putput due to the lack of air.It would be like running it rich.

 

[typhkc]

re:air filter oil

I would buy an air filter that does not require oil..

 

[wizen2002]

I always cleaned my air filters using nitro fuel...easy and it always does the job....

I take the air filter off and take my nitro bottle and pour a little bit of nitro on the air filter...then I simply sqeeae the air filter and the dirt comes right ou and poors right out....

Put it back on and ready to go...

 

[Robie6]

Alot of guys go with the "once every 5 runs" but it boils down to the conditions your running in. I'm in the desert & dont need to leave home to have fun. But If do I take a small 4-gal. gas- air compressor cause I gotta blow EVERYTHING off after a good 20 min. run. I carry 6 inners & 6 outers (filters) pre lubed the night before in a zip loc baggy (not mixed with my stash of course) Filters are cheap 3-4 bucks a pop for a single stage maybe 5 for a 2 stage. Get some high density foam & roll your own. Motor Saver make a 3 stage filter thats supposed to be the best going

 

[spill]

I'd say get over the gross feeling and get the filter oil made for the purpose. Yes it's sticky and blue. Buy better soap to get it off once you get it on yourself.... or use the ziplock baggie trick and keep it clean. The Traxxas blue stuff can be had for $3 or $4 a bottle, which will last quite awhile.

Using fuel in the field to clean seems fine to me... especially if you're in really dusty conditions and need it cleaned/reinstalled immediately. Motor Saver filters with their big surface areas get pretty damned dirty pretty damned quick.

When the nitro evaporates, the oil remains. It will do the job... albiet not as well because there's less of it left than applying it "for real" with real oil.