To clean or not to clean ?

[militarymaxx]

The break-in instructions that came with my RB Concept engine says, and I quote, "do not wash and re-use the foam since the foam absorbes and holds the dirt.....after washing, the dirt which is still inside the foam will go into the engine....". The filter oil I have came with a special washing powder and I will always clean and re-use mine. I figure that the common practice is to clean/re-use, but wanted to know if anyone simply puts on a new one each time they run.

 

[mcvickj]

You don't have to buy a new foam filter. I wash and reuse mine after each run. Works just fine. If you want to get a new filter go with Motorsaver air filters. IMO they are the best.

 

[Nitroaddict]

it sounds to me that they are either warning against washing the filter will still attached to the engine - or warning against washing it and then not re-oiling it.

ever person i know - including myself washes and then puts back on the air filter. the filters i use are almost 20.00 - that would break me if i had to replace them everytime i ran my rc.

 

[big kal]

I clean my air filters after a day of running. I also carry extra air filter inserts in my tool box for the long days. I'll usually change out my filters every couple of runs, especially in really dusty conditions. As to answer your question, I clean the filters really well and have them well oiled before putting them back in.

Here's something that I found on another website agreeing with changing air filters and not cleaning them.

Air Filters

 

[FlyinRazorback]

I use the RB filters and have always cleaned and reused them. No problems so far.

 

[Team 17]

I've always wash mine and again like everyone else, I never had any problems.

 

[SilentGTboy]

The Kyosho one I have has problems when I use normal cleaning methods. You can barely see the airholes and when my friend tried cleaning it for me after it wouldn't suck up my air filter oil it swelled up to twice the size of what it should be and it hasn't shrunk. I am seriouly considering never cleaning my filter and just replacing it everytime because it can not be cleaned without it getting the size of a tennis ball. onder:

 

[DarthRacer]

Don't laugh, but I'm using the stock T-Maxx filter.
I oil it with a lightweight shock oil and clean it when I see dirt on it. Dirt never makes it far enough to get to the other side of the foam. I wash it with a Simple Green solution, let it dry, and then oil it. No Problems. :bling:

 

[El Pirata]

I clean my filter foams with soap and water then rinse them rather thoroughly and let them dry before I reuse them. I also have a ton of spares foams in my tool kit in case I am at a point where I can't clean them in the field and the filter gets trashed. If you're really worried about violating the warranty because you're cleaning and reusing your foams then buy a filter with replacement foams, the foams will only run like a buck or two for a 5 pack, at least the ones I use.

 

[SkyMaxx]

You can either clean the foams thoroughly or you can simply go out and buy replacement foams. Either way, you need to keep them "clean". If you don't they will eventually impede airflow and your engine performance will suffer. I use MotorSaver air filters on my RCs and clean them routinely with water and dish soap. I have yet to have an engine get any dirt that it is not supposed to. So I say, clean away.

 

[SDMaXX]

I clean my filters with dish washing soup and water (becasue dishwashing soup is a degreaser) and if it's really gunky i'd put it in a bag of denatured alcohol and swish it around. Then oil it up with some AE filter oil. I've had no problems with the denatured alcohol messing up the filter.

 

[*Phantom*]

A good way to clrean them is to pour some nitro on them itried it and all the dirt just disapeared

 

[SilentHunterKellen]

This is by far the best method I've ever used. Be sure to wear latex gloves. First wash out filter with only water. Next give it a shot of WD40 (Trust Me!) and thrououghly rub it around while putting a little water on the filter. Next, was out as much WD 40 as you can, then use dishwashing liquid. Next wash everything out, and dry. You will be surprised to how strong the WD40 will clean your filter. Remember you heard this from me first!

 

[SilentGTboy]

I'm off to try it Silent. I'll take before and after pictures. My air filter is Dark dark black with a hit of dark blue and mud dots all over. Should be white.

 

[El Pirata]

That's not dirty yet. when you can't see it's a filter anymore then it's dirty. :sneaky:

 

[SilentGTboy]

lol, it's supposed to be white, lemme show you pictures.

 

[SilentGTboy]

Dirty - New

 

[SilentHunterKellen]

SilentGT did you try it? Post a pic of my cleaning method if you got a digi. (I dont)

 

[wdavidhicks]

It is a pain, but if it extends the life of the engine I'll do it. I ended up buying a second stock T-Maxx filter element with the rubber horn so I always have a spare in a baggie ready to ziptie on.

Keep 'em clean with dish detergent (Safeway Select Ultra Antibacterial), blow it out with compressed air, oil it with my original bottle of Traxxas oil that I haven't used up, and put it on the truck or in the baggie.

Razorback? Nice sig!

 

[SilentGTboy]

I need new foam! Where can I get foams for the Kyosho filter?