Alternative to K&N specific filter cleaner?

[Chipstix]

Hi all,

I'm soon to do a service on my bike, to include cleaning the K&N filter. I've bought a can of the K&N re-oiler spray (split it with a friend who's doing his bike too), but my question is what is the best alternative to the K&N cleaner to use.
(We figured with the amount of degreasers, carb cleaners, etc. etc., that we have between us, there was no point buying the K&N specific cleaner).
But...which commonly used chemical is the right one to use? I even heard washing up liquid once?!

Thanks, Chris

[Baph]

Personally, I'd just clean it the same way as a stock filter, compressed air. The oil would be needed, but only every once in a while.

[21QUEST]

Personally, I would have just bought the K+N recharger kit(cleaner/oil) and be done. It's only about ten pounds and lasts ages ;) .


Ben

[Chipstix]

I wondered how long it would be before someone said that!

My buddy in particular is not a big fan of buying 're-badged' product if there is a cheaper alternative. I'm not saying the K&N cleaner is that, as I don't know whats in it, but we decided to get the reoiler and spend only a fiver. OK, perhaps we could have bought the kit, but hey the delivery is already here, so back to the original question....

what does anyone else use?

Ta.

[Blue_SV650S]

Last time I did mine, I washed it out with stale petrol I wanted to dispose of (otherwise would have used paraffin), let it dry out, then sprayed WD40 on it.

The crankcase breather goes in the airbox, filling the airbox with oil mist when the engine is hot and therefore the filter will soon 'oil up' nicely of its own accord … the WD40 just gives it a starter for 10 ...

Basically I am not going to spend £5 let alone £10 on something that is totally unnecessary ;)

[AlanSv]

yep, washing up liquid, decent rinse, and WD40 when dry.

sorted.

[Chipstix]

Good stuff.

Yes, I've read somewhere else that the K&N filter oil is water soluble, and hence warm water with washing up liquid ideal.

I also read that petrol can weaken the filter structure, but I have no idea if its true....

Didn't know about the WD40 trick, but we've got the oil now, only £4 between us and should last a long time for my bike, and my mates 3!

Other trick I read about was using soda-water/carbonated water to clean it as the fizzing action really helps shift the grime. Might well try that!

C.

[Blue_SV650S]

I also read that petrol can weaken the filter structure, but I have no idea if its true....

I hope the filters aren’t effected by petrol else we are all in trouble as they … well … get plenty of ‘spit’ and petrol ‘mist’ from the carbs!! ;)

Lets face it it would be pretty silly to design something that is damaged by fuel and then stick it right next to the engines source of fuel, i.e. the carbs!! :lol:

[Chipstix]

That's a good point. Just goes to show that 50% of the stuff you read on the internet is bo**ks.

It came from here:
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060907191247AACEuCk

I'm not convinced pressure washing it (with water) is a good idea either.....

I'm going for soda water with washing up liquid (with petrol or SBP solvent on standby on the side)!

C.

[Blue_SV650S]

....

Hot water and washing up liquid should do the trick, but if you are not prepared to wait 3 days for it to dry out, using petrol etc is the way forward! ;)

An air-line used correctly is a good idea as after the soap/petrol has removed the oil (and some of the particles), any remaining dust partials can simply be blow away as they are not stuck (via oil) to the filter any more!! :)

[Chipstix]

I've just read this on the outside of my K&N Air Filter Oil spray can.

Cleaning the k&n filter before re-oiling:

lightly brush off surface dirt with a soft bristle brush. spray on k&n cleaner (or any good detergent soap) let filter soak for 10 minutes. revers flush with plain water. (inside out, that is). shake off naturally. re-oil with k&n air filter oil. do not clean with gas, solvents, steam or caustic (lye) coeaners. do not use high pressure air to clean or dry filter.

Straight from the horse's mouth!

[Blue_SV650S]

If you don't intend to deviate from the written rule, why are you asking us what we would do/alternatives then?!!? ;)

All I will say is there is always more than one way to string a bow ... :smt003

[Chipstix]

I agree. I'm sure most methods will work - just having a discussion!

As it happens, I genuinly didn't see the instructions on the filter spray until a few minutes ago - otherwise I may not have asked!

Having said that though, thats the point of these threads, hey - to explore the options!

If I gave up too easily, I'd have just bought the full cleaner and reoil kit and spent un-required money but where's the fun in the that?

Problem solved - though a good point raised; I had bet'ta do the filter first if using water, to give it time to dry!

C.

[Robw#70]

Having dealt with quite a few rejected warranty claims when all the cotton falls out of the filter, at £10 for a re-charge kit that is re-usable

WHY BOTHER!!!

Putting filters in the washing machine gets them really clean, only prob is it fluffs up the material and they dont flow any air!!!!!!