ATV Florida Forum

I’ve recently gotten into quads and I have a few questions about maintenance. I’ve got a K&N air filter with a screen over the filter. I want to take them off and clean them. I was told by a friend that all I have to do is spray carb cleaner on K&N to clean it. Then wash it out with water and let it dry before putting it back on. Is that true? Is there another way you guys clean your filters? If so, do you spray from the inside of the filter out so that it pushes all the dirt out and not in?

Thanks for the input

Carb cleaner not the best.  Too harsh.  Breaks down the filter material.  Use a diluted degreaser.  And then you need to re-oil the filter before installing back.  Oil each pleat front and back.  I also use silicone spray on the prefilter, helps water proof it.

What he said. You can also get K&N cleaning and reoil kits at auto parts stores that don't cost too much.

Thanks guys. I was weary about the carb cleaner thing. I like the tip about silicone spray on the outer screen. When you say diluted degreaser, do you mean something like Simple Green?

Simple green will work but like Bones said, Just stop at your local auto parts store and pick up a cleaning kit, They're cheap and has exactly what you need.

By the way, don't forget to check the flux capacitor and the doofilator valve as well.

I was born at night, but not last night! ;D

I know my way around small engines and such. Just wanted to make sure I was doing right things on my quad :ThumbsUp.gif

 ;)

Welcome to the site Kortsman.

I didn't see a response to your question about spraying the filter w/water after letting the cleaner soak into the filter.  Definitely spray the water from a hose from the inside of the filter to get all the debris out of it.  The K & N oil recharger kit has directions included-follow them and you'll be fine.  Just don't go crazy on the re-oil of the filter.  I've seen a lot of air boxes with a puddle of oil at the bottom from putting an excessive amount on the filter.  The oil goes a long way.

Mark

I'll do that. Thanks!

At the very least buy the K/N recharger kit and follow the directions.

 The best thing for your engine though would be to throw that filter in the trash and buy a quality foam filter. Nothing filters better than a PROPERLY OILED foam filter.

I like to fill 5 gal bucket 1/2 up and put a cup of simple green in and let it soak. All the dirt and oil will float to the top. The rinse with water lightly. Let air dry in the sun. Don't use compressed air. It will damage it. When dry oil it up and your done

I wouldn't put any oil on the k&n's prefilter it's ment to be used dry, oiling the prefilter will clog your air flow and make to much air restriction.  ;)

[/quote]I wouldn't put any oil on the k&n's prefilter it's ment to be used dry, oiling the prefilter will clog your air flow and make to much air restriction.  ;)
[/quote]

+1, its mainly used for dusty conditions, not wet ones.

I beg to differ.  Foam filter + Sand = FAIL.  Seriously I hate foam for the sand it gets clogged and will start to pass the stuff through.  When i had one I would be bogging by the end of the day.  K&N breathe easy all day and my intake is always clean with a prefilter on the K&N

  Whatever,  I think I give foam filters a pretty good test. NOTHING is as grueling and dusty as harescramble racing.  K/N filters keep engine builders in business.

I've had a K&N on a 1 2004 400ex for 4 or 5 years still havent had to rebuild it and another on a 2004 400ex for 2 years now running strong.  I never have dirt and what not in the intake boot.  I think those that had bad luck just didnt know how to maintain.