Air filter

[obymic]

I watch a video of someone changing the air filter on a Yamaha 350. They put the filter in a ba g along with some oil and shake the bag. Is this necessary, if so what type oil.

Thanks 

[Gwbarm]

 The standard is to oil the filter, i think the theory is the oil catches more particles to increase the air filtration efficiency. I will probably get a lot of flack for this, but i dont oil my filters, i like to look in my filter housing and see a clean filter and when its dirty change it, if there is oil in there i know i have a problem with blow by. Just my thoughts. It will be interesting to hear what others do. Good question!

[Mech]

Paper filters shouldn't be oiled, Foam filters should be lightly oiled.

The way I've always done it, and the way that's recommended in some manuals, is, oil it liberally with 30 grade engine oil, and then gently work the oil right through with your hands. Then wrap it in a clean cloth and squeeze the cloth and filter fairly hard in your hands, but don't wring it. If you wring the foam filter it can tear. After the squeeze in the cloth it should come out lightly oiled all over and all the way through.

Some C.V. carbs are quite sensitive to having too much or too little oil on the filter.

Edited May 17, 2025 by Mech

[MagnoliaHunter]

you ABSOLUTELY  should oil your filter.  putting it in a bag and shaking is wrong.  I like soak style better than the spray style oil because it's easier to get theboil down into the filter.  I have ridden and raced and worked on motorcycles, 3 wheelers, 4 wheelers and SxS for 55 years. most paper filters for your 4 wheelers are designed to be oiled.  there are different types of filter oil for foam and paper filters.  when cleaning your filter do not use gas, it will eat your filter.  I recommend using oil filter cleaner.  it is a little more expensive but works a lot better.  cheaper than a rebuild.

[Gwbarm]

Excellent! I appreciate the input.