Can an inner/Primary Air Filter be cleaned or washed?

[jodebg]

Wondering if the inner/Secondary Air Filter can be removed, cleaned dry, or washed?
I have a B7800 using a filter #32721-58424.

 

[RickB]

The inner filter is not the primary. Inner (secondary) filters are to be discarded, not cleaned.

 

[banjodunn]

As Rick said the secondary is a throwaway item if you see any dirt on it then bin it and the outer.

Jon

 

[rswyan]

I finally replaced the inner filter (wire mesh screen) on our B2910 after about 10 years.

It wasn't dirty ... but it had finally started to rust.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Inner filter should never get dirty unless the outer (primary) filter is bad. If the inner filter is dirty, replace both inner and outer filters.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Kubota WSM says you may blow out or soak air filter in detergent up to six times to clean but to replace inner and outer every year.

Installed filter minders on all my filter housings and very rarely see any movement on them before cleaning filter.

Fuel filter elements also may be cleaned in kerosene and reused, but many times the crap in the biodiesel has warped the pleats or rusted the element.


David

 

[oosik]

I've cleaned the outer filter with GENTLE air from compressor. The inner filter has never got dirty. I replace both annually anyhow.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I've cleaned the outer filter with GENTLE air from compressor. The inner filter has never got dirty. I replace both annually anyhow.

I think the OEM say to replace the inner every year just so they can sell the part. I have never replaced the inner filter unless it is damaged or dirty which has never happened. Outer filter can be cleaned indefinitely with compressed air as long as it isn't damaged. Another one of those "Let me sell you some parts your really don't need " things.
Most CUT owners might get 100 hours a year and those filters are good for 1000 at minimum so yearly replacement for 100 hours of use it a bit much.

 

[oldballs]

I think the OEM say to replace the inner every year just so they can sell the part. I have never replaced the inner filter unless it is damaged or dirty which has never happened. Outer filter can be cleaned indefinitely with compressed air as long as it isn't damaged. Another one of those "Let me sell you some parts your really don't need " things.
Most CUT owners might get 100 hours a year and those filters are good for 1000 at minimum so yearly replacement for 100 hours of use it a bit much.

I'm with Gary.:thumbsup:

 

[rswyan]

I'm with Gary.:thumbsup:

2X ...

 

[murphy1244]

2X ...

3x...

 

[RickB]

I think the OEM say to replace the inner every year just so they can sell the part. I have never replaced the inner filter unless it is damaged or dirty which has never happened. Outer filter can be cleaned indefinitely with compressed air as long as it isn't damaged. Another one of those "Let me sell you some parts your really don't need " things.
Most CUT owners might get 100 hours a year and those filters are good for 1000 at minimum so yearly replacement for 100 hours of use it a bit much.

I agree and advise my customers accordingly.

 

[sixdogs]

Our tractors depend on fuel, air and coolant to function and all had better be clean. I often operate in severe dusty conditions so I blow my outer filter out a few times and then replace both inner and outer. You can ruin a engine with dirty air so to me, an extra few $$ over the life of the tractor is OK.

 

[RickB]

Changing air filters by the calendar, engine hours, or anything other than a visual inspection or manometer indication is unnecessary. Not many people understand that the act of removing the filter invites dirt to enter the engine. Install a clean filter and leave it alone until it needs attention. You can pull the end cap of most filter housings and get a good idea of filter condition without removing the element.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Changing air filters by the calendar, engine hours, or anything other than a visual inspection or manometer indication is unnecessary. Not many people understand that the act of removing the filter invites dirt to enter the engine. Install a clean filter and leave it alone until it needs attention. You can pull the end cap of most filter housings and get a good idea of filter condition without removing the element.

This is why I put Filter Minders on everything, never have to open the housing to see how dirty the filter is. Actually had to replace one of the dust ejector valves recently because of a tear in the flap and list on one is over$15. So off to Ebay and found NOS one, either replace or your filters will plug faster.

David

 

[jodebg]

Filter Minders seem like a very good idea. Is there a particular brand that you recommend?
Photo would be great.

This is why I put Filter Minders on everything, never have to open the housing to see how dirty the filter is. Actually had to replace one of the dust ejector valves recently because of a tear in the flap and list on one is over$15. So off to Ebay and found NOS one, either replace or your filters will plug faster.

David

 

[mitch becton]

i found a picture of the o/e filter and the baldwin brand neither filter is of paper construction the inner filter appears to be cleaned at least a couple times it appears to be metal mesh over covering a serrated metal inside

 

[sixdogs]

Each time you clean a filter, you destroy a bit of the media and it's protection capabilities. More if you clean it wrong and probably 100% of guys that clean them clean them wrong. You need a light air pressure, and I think the instructions say not to exceed 15 psi and to never blow from the outside. everyone does a little bit if even a glancing blow. It's too tempting.

It's being penny wise and pound foolish to try to over clean-or not clean at all--when conditions call for it. Cleaning is a need from operating in severe dusty conditions like secondary tillage that generates clouds of dust all day. Almost none of us do that but that's when they need to be cleaned. You tap the ends on the ground, blow a little bit of air through it, wash out the lid from the housing and you're good to go. After a few times of that, replace both filters. It helps if you have one of those clip-on blow guns that are maybe 6" long and snap on over an air chuck. I don't know anyone that washes an air filter and you never touch an inner filter except to replace it. That's asking for trouble.

I've seen guys trying to get filters clean after just working in the woods. All you do is destroy the media and maybe should not clean in that instance. Operate for a couple or few years and replace without anything else. Just my two cents here. Engines better have clean air and the right amount of it. Same for oil and coolant and we all know that drill.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Filter Minders seem like a very good idea. Is there a particular brand that you recommend?
Photo would be great.

Made by Donaldson for small military generators from Saturn Surplus

13206E0820

Saturn Surplus

David

 

[jodebg]

David-

Thanks for the link.
Price is very low compared to what is selling elsewhere. Are these new and good quality?
Any chance of posting a photo of your filter minder installed on the air filter housing?

Made by Donaldson for small military generators from Saturn Surplus

13206E0820

Saturn Surplus

David