A typical air filter has several layers to filter the contaminants and particulate matter at different levels. The carburettor is responsible for sucking air for combustion with the help of a pipe that is attached at the entry point of the filter which is where the air filter is located and filters out the air to transmit cleaner air to ensure optimum combustion is achieved which eventually leads to better performance and delivery.
There are basically four types of air filters that are used in different types of vehicles:
First one is the paper air filter. It makes use of a pleated paper that is too strong to tear and consists of several layers to maximise the impact. It makes use of a basic filter that is available in several bikes these days and is not as expensive as other filters.
The next type of filter is the premium foam filter which makes use of polyurethane form that is oil-bathed which is responsible for sticking the particulate matter to the heavy oil.
Then there are cotton air filters that were used before paper filament but they often result in low engine life.
Another variant, cotton air filters were used before paper filament was discovered and can result in low engine life.
Then there are the liquid bath air filters which are heavy, messy and intense that are often used inside the heavy vehicles.
One thing that makes air filters an important part of a vehicle is that they prevent engine seizures that can result in jamming of the pistol in the cylinder.
This can also be caused due to impurities in the oil as it might have become contaminated because of which it might become hard for the filter to function properly. It can also result in scratches and damage the engine which can affect the performance of the bike.
Advantages of different types of dirt bike air filters
FWF proline filter
The ProLine dirt bike air filter are single layered and come with single density foam which is responsible for doubling up the external surface of the filter and it does not increase the original filter size. It helps in trapping the dirty, sand, mud, and fine dust over the area and the outer surface of the vehicle and also helps in ensuring optimum airflow for ensuring maximum performance and reliability.
It comes with a single density and single layer polyurethane foam that has the ability to ensure that original shape and numerous washes are maintained properly. When compared to the conventional foam filter, these filters provide more protection from dirt ingestion and also helps in maintaining the rate of airflow.
Foam air filter
If you are looking to ensure that your vehicle gives higher performance, then it is best to consider replacing the paper air filter that has high air intake and will ensure higher performance over the course of time. Foam filters last for a longer duration of time and have several benefits when compared to paper-based disposable air filters.
Foam air filters are majorly used to ensure that vehicles achieve high-performance and ensure that air flows smoothly just like the cotton gauze filters. These are perfect for trapping debris, dirt and even the contaminants that might have entered into your vehicle and might damage it if not removed. As the airflow increases,
As the airflow intake increases, higher performance can be attained in vehicles that are gasoline-engine based, and with foam air filters you will be able to ensure high levels of air intake.
It is recommended to use specially formulated air filter oil as that would help in increasing the capability of the filter to trap contaminants that are present in the foam air filter, and also maintain smooth airflow through the filter.
It is extremely easy to clean the foam filters, as you just need to use warm water and mild detergent. But in case you are using air filter oil on a foam filter, it is necessary to use special types of filter cleaning fluids for cleaning the filter. Also, foam filters are less expensive than cotton gauze filters although their functionality is almost the same.
How to clean dirt bike air filters?
The dirt bike air filter that is used for your bike is responsible for protecting it for dirt, sand, and any other foreign materials from entering into the engine of the dirt bike.
It can only work well if it is kept clean and affects the bike performance due to lack of airflow that enters the mud-cake breathing hole that is present in the filter. There is nothing better than cleaning the air filter and if you happen to neglect it regularly, then it might cause damage to the barrel and piston and might even block the carby.
Here are some of the ways in which you can clean a dirty filter:
First thing that you need to make sure is to ensure that the air box is clean. Once you are done, you can make sure that dirt doesn’t go into the air intake. Moreover, it is best to keep a clean rag when the filter is exposed.
Once this is done, the oil that was used on the filter can be used to clean up using warm water and washing powder. Or in case, the filter is not cleaned properly, you can use mineral turpentine as an alternative to dissolve it. It is better to use biodegradable filter cleaner and filter oil.
The next step is to remove the excess water and make sure that the filter dries properly.
Once it is dried, you can clean the air box as it might have dirt and dust stuck inside it that might need to be cleaned out.
When the filter is dry, you can apply the filter oil to squirt the oil into the plastic bag and use the filter inside it. Once done, you can give it a good squeeze and massage it gently. When it is soaked in water, you can remove the excess water so that there are no heavy patches and let it dry for at least half an hour.
Once this is done, you can use screws to put back the filter into its original position. Use your finger to circumference the filter and make sure that it is completely sealed around the air box flange. In case you own a bike such as a KTM air filter, its air filter can be found at the side of the bike. The cleaning process will be the same in that situation as well, you just need to make sure that you put it back properly.
Make sure that you use latex gloves to protect your hands from the harmful chemicals that the cleaning products might contain.
When you are cleaning the filter, it is best to check for tears or holes and in case replacement is required, go ahead with it immediately. Never think that you might damage the engine in the process as you might need to spend more in case the damage is more.
Some Do’s and Dont’s to Keep in Mind When It Comes to Air Filters
DO – CLEAN THE FILTER ON A REGULAR BASIS
Just doing a visual check of your bike air filter does not suffice at times. This is because small particles might remain trapped inside the air filter foam which can over time damage the filter. When you are driving in rough conditions such as silt beds or sand, it is necessary to check on the air filter as it might need replacement after every single ride. Always wear solvent gloves to prevent your hands from getting exposed to harsh chemicals.
DON’T – CLEANING THE AIR FILTER WITH GASOLINE
Gasoline can damage the air filter by breaking down the glue and foam cells that happen to keep the foam stripes together. It is best to use an air filter-specific application and clean the air filter properly. It also helps in cleaning the chemicals once you are done with it.
DO - ENSURE TO CLEAN THE AIRBOX
Always clean the airbox when you are changing the air filter. This is because a dirty airbox can harbour germs which might contaminate the new air filter and reduce the effectiveness of the box. You can also buy a plastic air intake cover for cleaning the airbox. Rag and soapy water can also be used for the cleaning purposes.
DON’T – FORGETTING TO DRY THE AIR FILTER
Once you are done cleaning the air filter using kerosene or any filter cleaning application, make sure you let it dry properly. Always make sure to do this, use warm water and soap to clean the air filter. This is necessary to ensure that all contaminants are removed from the air filter and it is dried properly. Avoid using a clothing dryer as it can tear the foam filter and break down the glue.
DO – KEEP A CHECK ON THE AIR FILTER
Air filters are not made to last forever and stop the particles from entering the intake system. Check if the filter is having issues and also look out for the glue seams. If you are an avid motorcyclist, it is recommended to keep several air filters handy as your bike will be exposed to dirt often.