I don't like using a solvent. Sure it cuts the oil, but it tends to just leave the dirt behind. I spray mine with PJ1 foam filter cleaner, thoroughly rinse with water from the INSIDE OUT (this is what your solvent can't do!), dry, and spray with Maxima filter oil (really sticky stuff).

I sure hope that Foreman hasn't had the same dirty air filter on since 88!!!

 

The worst thing you can do is wash your air filter and then not oil it. I promise if you do that, your rings will wear out very prematurely, especially in dusty, sandy conditions. I've seen it many times. For years, Honda recommended using their shaft drive oil (regular old 80\90 gear lube) on foam filters, which I did. It works just fine, and I've enough regular customers over the years to know that for sure. Matter of fact, It looks like that's still what comes on them new to me. If you want to buy the specific purpose "foam filter oil" (naturally they want you to spend your money on this), it works great too. For washing...soapy water, solvent or kerosene are all fine. Don't wring the filter out, use clean rags or allow to air dry. Nearly all the dirt should be on the outside of the filter, and come off fairly easily. If it doesn't, or matter has penetrated into the foam, either you're not servicing it enough, or you haven't used enough oil. Then replace it.

 

I ride very dusty conditions, so I have 3 UNI filters for each bike. One on the bike, one in the wash, and one on the shelf oiled up and ready to go.

I like UNI filters because they (usually) give you a new less restrictive support screen to replace that extremely restrictive (spark arrestor support screen) that Honda gives you OEM. Strangely, the exception is the utilities (Ranchers, Foremans, etc. which all use the same filter) where they DON'T give you one, so you are stuck with the OEM. I have called UNI and asked why, and nobody has an answer.

Incidentally, UNI makes Honda's OEM filters. The OEM units are made of very thick and very dense foam, that is designed to survive extreme neglect.

 

well i got the filter out today, it was VERY dirty i;ve never cleaned it before (ownd my 88 forman for bout 10months now)

i bought some foam filter oil at honda for $6 and im going to oil it when i get off of work.

thanks for the help all [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I would consider replacing that filter. I doubt you're going to get all of the dirt out from a foam filter that hasn't been cleaned in months! Just make sure you clean from the inside out like already stated and reoil.

Just out of curiousity, does this bike have a screen type filter(like new FI cars have)?

 

it has the screen mesh interior for support..