Why do I need to service my air filter?
The air filters job is to filter out dust and dirt from the air entering the engine. Even a very small amount of dust will lead to rapid cylinder wear and high oil consumption, regardless of the age of the vehicle.
The dirt that is cleaned from the incoming air builds up on the air filter surface, as the dirt builds up, the resistance to air flow increases, at some point the dirt will be drawn through the filter element and into the engine causing premature engine wear and increased oil consumption.
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Servicing a Foam Filter
Watch the video to the right to see how to carry out the steps outlined below.
Step 1 - Remove the air filter from the ATV, then remove the foam element from the filter guide.
TIP: The end cap is a press fit which will require a good pull to remove.
Step 2 - Soak the element in solvent for several minutes to break down the oil then rinse in solvent to remove as much dirt as possible.
Step 3 - Squeeze out the solvent and wash the element in warm soapy water, then rinse in clean water. Squeeze out the excessive water and let the element dry. Use rubber gloves.
Step 4 - (Don’t skip this step, it’s the most important of all) Apply a liberal amount Yamaha foam filter oil to the element. Completely saturate the entire foam element, and then squeeze out the excess filter oil.
TIP: Its difficult (and expensive) to fully saturate the element inside and out using aerosol foam filter oil. It can often require ½ a can per filter and any missed spots will result in engine damage, for this reason aerosol foam filter oil is not recommended.
Step 5 - install the element onto the filter guide, replace the end cap and re-install the filter assembly into the ATV.
When you start the engine, it may run sluggish at first, don’t worry, this is due to a temporary rich condition as the excess oil is drawn out of the element; the engine will run normal again after a few minutes of operation.
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| Dirty filter resulting in engine damage |
When do I need to service my air filter?
The actual miles or hours will vary widely. For someone riding in a low dust area that could be many miles and months. On the other extreme, as with desert riding in groups, it could be as little as a few hours. The only way to know for sure is to check it frequently. It’s quick and easy and much less hassle than replacing the cylinder, piston and rings.
You will know it is time to clean it when;
a) Any part of the filter oil has dried out from dirt or debris as this spot has lost its ability to capture dirt.
b) When any of the filter pores are completely blocked from dirt or debris causing reduced air flow.
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| Wet-foam type air element |
How do I service my air filter?
This depends on the filter type. There are primarily 2 types of filters used on Yamaha products.
Oiled foam which is serviceable and dry paper which is disposable, both have their advantages.
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| Deteriorating Wet-foam type air element |
Wet foam types can be re-used after they are cleaned and re-oiled as long as the foam does not show signs of deteriorating.
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| Dry-paper type air element with foam pre-filter |
The paper element can not be cleaned and must be replaced when it becomes dirty.
TIP: Many dry paper type filters have foam pre-filter which can be removed and cleaned using warm soapy water. Never add oil to the foam pre-filter, this will ruin the paper element.
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