I was cleaning up my new 01 Arctic Cat 400 4x4 (after I bought it from the original owner), and noticed that the air filter under the seat was pretty dirty (looked brown). I ordered a new one from my local AC dealer, but I was wondering if these things are supposed to be oil soaked. Does anyone know if they come pre-soaked in oil, or if you have to do it yourself?

Thanks in advance for any information

 

powercat:

Filter oil should be applied to the filter. (I'm assuming the 400 has the same blue foam filter as the 500's) They also do not come oiled when you order a replacement.

 

I bought a spare air filter to keep in my back rack pack, in case I need it out on the trails. I also bought air filter oil and air filter cleaner. I haven't used the oil yet, but it looks like you apply some air filter oil on. I'm not 100% here, but will ask my dealer on the way home for you, and post his response tonight.

 

Use a quality air fliter oil. don't soak it in the oil. Generously apply the oil and work it in to both sides of the filter. It is quite messy to oil these. If you soak it then it will take days to get all the oil back out.

To clean the filter, use a quality foam oil filter cleaner. Remove the inner spring. Never wring the water out of the foam filter. squeeze the out the excess water and dirt. The twisting motion when wringing it out will cause the filter to seperate from the rubber base and cause the two pieces to seperate.

 

Is there a brand I should stick with? (oil)

 

powercat;
i use a gallon zip lock plastic bag and a teaspoon full of motor oil,pour the oil in the bag,coat the inside of the bag,stick your hand inside the filter,stick it in the bag and coat the filter with the bag.works real nice,cheap too.to clean use gojo hand cleaner,rinse with water,then i use dawn dish soap for the final wash.you can use paper towels to pat dry,finish air dry or use a hair dryer,takes a little time,but it's cheap.


buzzsaw 2001 ac500
2000 warnwinch
48"snowplow.

 

Use a good quality filter oil, not motor oil. Motor oil will eventually cause your filter to fall apart. Filter oil can be be purchased in an aerosol form and it's really easy to use and apply evenly. I use Belray, it's red in color so it makes it easy to tell when the filter is coated completely.

 

I use UNI air filter cleaner and air filter oil. It is designed specifically for foam type filters. You can use Twin Air filter cleaner and oil, PJ1 is another good brand. Just get something that is designed for foam filters.
As mine hunter said don't use motor oil or other solvents to lubricate or clean your filter. They will cause the two foams to seperate from each other and the rubber base.

 

Thanks for everyone's responses. I got my AC filter, and it was pre-soaked for me [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Well, I guess I should have expected that since I paid over $20.00 for the thing

Thanks again all!