Kawasaki Air Filter Service Info from 1991
Posted: 03:18 am Aug 13 2015
Here is some dealer info from 1991. Enjoy.
Air filter service
by Steve Rice
Product Support Specialist
How do you clean the foam air filters used in ATVs and
motorcycles? Probably the most common method is to
rinse them thoroughly in a high flash point cleaning solvent
and blow them dry with compressed air.
This method does get rid of the dirt since the solvent
removes the oil that’s in the filter and the dirt is carried
away with it. However, there is a problem with this
method: There is always some solvent left in the foam
which dilutes the fresh oil you add after cleaning. The
diluted oil doesn’t cling to the foam as well and is more likely
to drain off or be sucked into
the engine.
You can avoid this problem
by cleaning the filter with
degreaser instead of solvent.
Degreaser loosens dirt in
much the same way as solvent,
but since it is water
soluble, you can rinse it out
with water. Warm, soapy dishwashing
detergent will remove
all traces of the degreaser and
cold water will remove the soap.
TIP
Then wrap the filter in a clean dry cloth and squeeze
as much water as possible into the cloth. (Never twist or
wring out a foam filter element. This can tear it. Blowing
it out with compressed air can also damage the foam.)
Some water will be left in the element but it won’t mix
with and dilute the filter oil. Most of the water is absorbed
into the rag as the excess filter oil is squeezed out. The
small amount of moisture that’s left is quickly and harmlessly
drawn into the engine the first time it’s started.
Don’t forget the important last step of air cleaner service!
Generously grease the surface of the filter element
that seals against the air box before you reinstall it. This
will prevent dirt, grit and other unmentionables from
sneaking in between the foam and the air box.
Air filter service
by Steve Rice
Product Support Specialist
How do you clean the foam air filters used in ATVs and
motorcycles? Probably the most common method is to
rinse them thoroughly in a high flash point cleaning solvent
and blow them dry with compressed air.
This method does get rid of the dirt since the solvent
removes the oil that’s in the filter and the dirt is carried
away with it. However, there is a problem with this
method: There is always some solvent left in the foam
which dilutes the fresh oil you add after cleaning. The
diluted oil doesn’t cling to the foam as well and is more likely
to drain off or be sucked into
the engine.
You can avoid this problem
by cleaning the filter with
degreaser instead of solvent.
Degreaser loosens dirt in
much the same way as solvent,
but since it is water
soluble, you can rinse it out
with water. Warm, soapy dishwashing
detergent will remove
all traces of the degreaser and
cold water will remove the soap.
TIP
Then wrap the filter in a clean dry cloth and squeeze
as much water as possible into the cloth. (Never twist or
wring out a foam filter element. This can tear it. Blowing
it out with compressed air can also damage the foam.)
Some water will be left in the element but it won’t mix
with and dilute the filter oil. Most of the water is absorbed
into the rag as the excess filter oil is squeezed out. The
small amount of moisture that’s left is quickly and harmlessly
drawn into the engine the first time it’s started.
Don’t forget the important last step of air cleaner service!
Generously grease the surface of the filter element
that seals against the air box before you reinstall it. This
will prevent dirt, grit and other unmentionables from
sneaking in between the foam and the air box.