Kohler Pre-Filter question

[JPPWNY]

I installed a new pre-air filter on my 3100 yesterday, and ran the machine for 2 hours.
I read the directions in the package this AM, and there are directions to rub 2 tablespoons pf oil into the pre-filter before installing it.
I assume the oil is to make dirt stick to the pre-filter before reaching the air filter.
Is this really necessary? Do you guys do this? Or do you just slap on the pre-filter dry like I did?

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I just replaced both filters and I didn't apply any oil. I remove the prefilter and blow it out with compressed air after each mowing. That probably wouldn't work too well if the dirt was imbedded in oil.

Bob B.

 

[BoobyTrap]

Speaking for myself I take my oil can squirt it a couple of times and just roll the prefilter up in ball to spread the oil around. Not too much oil where you can squeeze it out, just enough to make it sticky. Makes it much more efficient. Now that an opinion and we all know about those.

 

[JTKub]

I wouldn't oil the foam pre-filter since it's going over a paper element, automotive style filter. Would it hurt anything to oil it? Not a chance. IMO, it just makes it more difficult to clean the main filter. I just shop-vac mine off from time to time. I'm at 100hrs on my factory pre and main filter and they still look good. The carb throat is spotless to boot.

Joel

 

[micman32]

I oil mine like the manuel says. A drop or 2 and work it thru. I do blow out main filter several times during the season and wash the prefilter with some dish soap and let it dry and re-oil.

 

[Dave01]

I think its just a matter of paper filter life. If you are in dusty conditions, and oil the pre-filter, you'll extend the life of the paper filter quite a bit. If you don't oil the pre-filter more dust gets to the paper filter, shortening the life. I oil the pre-filter, I think you get full air flow to the engine for a longer time that way.

I think either way is fine, just watch that you don't start choking the engine by waiting too long to replace the paper filter.

 

[JSharp]

I oil mine. Just a bit of oil on the filler then squeeze it together in a ball to remove the excess. The foam filter won't catch much other than very large particles without oil.

As others have said though it's probably not 100% needed. It's probably there just to extend the life of the paper filter.

 

[BoobyTrap]

Used to cut grass as a kid, fooled with a lot of small engines. As far as a soap to clean that foam pre filter, I've found that Murphy's Oil soap can't be beat. Fast and efficient. Just a tip. And yes, the manual DOES say to oil the foam prefilter. I won't pretend to know more than the engineers even if they do make mistakes.

 

[OhioGuy]

I've always oiled mine. I keep a couple of spares and wash, dry, oil and change them regularly.
Curt

 

[SnowRidge]

I don't have a Cub Cadet, but I do have a 25HP Kohler Command Pro. I always oil the pre-filter. I pour a little oil onto it, roll and squeeze the foam until the oil is spread through out it, and wring out the excess.