2 stage filters are very easy to see. The outer foam is more coarse and the holes are larger. The inner foam is more fine and the holes are smaller. The two foams have been bonded together to make one filter.
If you pull your filter off you will see the outer foam is blue and very coarse. the inner foam is gray and very fine. This is the same type of set up that both UNI and Twim Air use.
Generally a single stage foam filter will be the same on the inside and on the out. Hope this helps. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Hey hey, thanks TTaylor-my hero! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] I just went out and looked, sure enough, just like you said. One thing though-you forgot to tell me my filter was filthy! heh heh heh, good thing we're on the subject, it's getting a bath right now.

Thanks again,

Mike

 

Just got back from the dealer with the new jets-will be working on them shortly. I asked about the filter again, it seems we misunderstood each other the first time. He meant the old style filter did not need to be oiled-the new one that we have-blue foam does indeed need to be oiled as you all have mentioned. He said DO NOT use normal 30wt. oil, it will lead to premature breakdown of the foam, as well as separate it from the rubber ends. I bought a bottle of the recommended AC air filter oil, though he did say any oil designed specfically for air filters will work fine. I also bought a can of the AC air filter cleaner, which is similar to the K&N brand, does basically the same thing to clean it out. I bought a new filter as well, and will be using it to break in the new jet.
Cost of the new filter-$17.23, filter cleaner-$4.73, filter oil-$3.79, in case anybody was interested.

Also-asked about switching to a semi-synthetic oil, he said definately do so as soon as possible. Basically, like others have mentioned, it really reduces friction better than the normal AC oil even, and consequently reduces heat and engine wear. Like Boner has mentioned, it will also help the manuals shift a lot smoother. So, I think I'll be going with the Castrol semi-synthetic, unless anybody else has a better recommendation for a semi-syn oil??? I want to stick with a good brand-for peace of mind really.

Just thought somebody might be interested,

Mike

 

Mike, I also swiched over to a semi synthetic oil. I tried the Castrol, but it seemed to get dirty looking the fast. I then did a flush out of the engine with kerosine, let it drain for a day then switched over to Quaker State semi synthetic for 4X4's It seems to stay clean looking for a little longer. Now I know this isn't scientific, but Some say dirty looking oil is correct. That means it's holding the engine crud in suspension. Others say that it could be a sign of oil break down. I don't have a clue as to which is correct so I've stayed with the Quaker State.

 

i just bought a whole new arctic cat air filter but the dealer told me not to oil it. it is a green colored one. is he just blowing smoke up my a$$? should i oil it anyway?? i haven't ridden it much since it replaced the filter cuz i been a fishin', oh i meant to say drinking, in Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) tournaments nearly every weekend after.

texascat

 

TexasCat-
Out of curiousity, why did you buy the green one? We looked at those today, as he was pointing out that the green ones are the OLD style, and NO, they do not get oiled. The blue foam was the new design in '00 and was only available on the automatics. Then, with '01 all the 'Cats now come standard with the blue foam. It is supposed to have better flow rates, as well as better filtering efficiency than the old style green ones. You have a '01 'Cat don't you? It should have come with the blue filter stock-or did they swap it on you? The other thing about the blue foam is they are re-useable and supposed to last a lot longer than the green ones, if taken care of that is. I'm not sure if I damaged my old one by NOT oiling, which may have let the smaller particle dust deeper inside the filter, rather than catching it on the outside as the oil is supposed to help with, that is why I ended up buying a new one. So, yes, oil the blue ones with any "air filter" oil -not regular 30wt, or any other kind for that matter as they will lead to premature breakdown, and NO, do not oil the green ones.

Hope that helps, and best of luck,

Mike

 

Minehunter-
I've heard of quite a few people using the quaker state semi for 4x4's. Guess I'll use that instead then, if you had problems with the castrol getting dirty quicker. So how often do you change the oil now, and what is the cost per quart of the quaker state semi-synthetic? Did you notice any difference in heat or even in smoother running? I run the Castrol full synthetic in my Honda car and it has worked great-comes out damn near as clean as it went in, and I only change it every 6,000 miles-of course, as much as I drive that thing, it is only about once every month and a half, or two months max!

Anyway, thanks for the tip!

Mike

 

Cowboy

I probably change the oil too often, usually about every 3-400 miles. which it seems is just about once a month. I pay a $1.74 a quart at Shucks. The price seems fair and I have had really good results from the oil IMO. The oil usually fairly clean when I change it, but what the heck it will be a long time before I can afford a new machine so I've got to make this one last.

Bob

 

My dealer told me the same thing about synthetic oil being better (easier shifting, and the engine would run 15 degrees cooler). He carried Amsoil on hand but said any 10w-40 would work.

So anyhow I did a search yesterday and found a couple of good links that were posted on this subject automotive oil v's motorcycle oil. They pretty much confirmed oil is oil.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

But something worth mentioning, they did talk about energy conserving oil may not be good for the internal wet clutch and I believe that castrol 4x4 oil is such. Look at the bottom of the label where it says the oil rating ie SG, SJ..ETC. I'm guessing you auto guys are OK, but I would stay away from it with a standard.

My 2-cents
I believed I searched for oil in the A/C forum, pretty sure Taylor posted one of the links can't remember the other.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

cowboy,

i bought the green one b/c that was the only one they had on hand. should i just clean up the old one and reuse it then keep the green one for emergencies? my dealer is a real putz to say the least. how 'bout them there K&N filters are they any better?? where might a country boy find them suckers?

thanks

texascat