atv question?

Question

does using an air hose on your air filter clean it out? mine is getting dirty and i need to know if this will work

Answer 1

Unless someone has changed the filter from its original one, it should be a foam type filter that goes over a plastic type cage. This foam filter "is" a washable filter. Simply blowing air through the filter is not the proper way to maintain your air filter. Here is how its done:
1. Remove filter from filter box. While you're at it, clean the inside of the filter box. Chances are the filter/breather box is also dirty with grit, dirt and/or sand.
2. Remove the inner cage from the filter.
3. You may find a heavy coat of dirt on the outside of the filter, depending on how often it is serviced. Lightly tap the filter against something such as a 2x4 to knock off this heavy build-up before cleaning.
4. Although you can buy filter cleaner in a spray can at your local dealer, the manufacturer's recommend warm soapy water to clean this filter. I suggest using Dawn dishwater detergent as it works best for removing the oil from the filter. Yes, i said oil and this will be explained later. Let it soak for a bit then "nead" the filter in the water solution carefully not to tare the filter. If it is torn it must be replaced.
5. Now run some warm water through the filter from the "inside-out." Gently squeeze the access water from the filter and hang it somewhere outside on a nail or something and let it dry...completely!
6. Once it is dry, you have to re-oil the filter. If you don't have any filter oil, you can use 30W engine oil. Pour the oil on the filter inside and out so it is saturated. Then "squeeze" all the excess oil out of the filter. Do this till you cannot get a single drop of oil to drip off the filter. You will have to squeeze it pretty hard to accomplish this. The idea here is to have the filter saturated inside and out, through and through with an oil "film". You don't want the filter to be soaked as this will defeat the purpose of the filter by clogging up the tiny holes.
The purpose of this oil is to "trap" dirt, sand, grit in the filter before it is sucked through your Carb. and into your cylinder. Being a certified motorcycle mechanic and an ex-racer i can tell you that this is the most important thing you can do to protect your engine. It is also the most neglected.
6. Before applying the oil as stated above, if you want to blow air through the filter as an extra measure, this is good, just be sure you blow the air from the inside of the filter.
7. Put filter cage back inside of the foam filter.
8. Before attaching this to your filter box, be sure to put some grease on the outer side of the filter that meets and is flush with the filter box. This helps keep dirt/sand/grit from being sucked in from the mating surface. If you look at this, you may even see a "groove" there which is there just for this reason, to apply a good coat of grease. Fill the groove. Best to have too much than not enough.
9. Install filter and bolt and be sure it is properly aligned.
Some models use a wire clamp type device instead of a bolt with a wing nut on the end of it.
To save time, it is a good idea to have an extra filter on hand. It can be oiled and stuck in a plastic bag for future use. It may seem like allot of trouble. This is why it is neglected. Once again, i cannot stress how important this procedure is to properly maintain your engine. All it takes is dirt and such in your cylinder to destroy the cylinder wall, piston, piston rings, valves-valve seats (if it is a four stroke) and cylinder head.
Inexpensive to maintain. Very expensive if you don't!

Answer 2

Some brands of air cleaners do not stand up to cleaning. Not knowing the brand, I'd say blow out the dirt, and check it by shining a light through it. If you see direct light replace the filter and don't blow it out any more. Fram air cleaners can be blown out with air, or if oil soaked washed with water and dish washing liquid.

Answer 3

Yes it will work. But do not tear the filter if it is paper. If it is a K&N use water the use a recharge kit for it.

Answer 4

your best bet to keep the engine in top condition is to buy a replacement.