Air Filters: Replace Or Clean?

[MrKymco]

Hi guys

I am coming up on 2500 miles on my scoot (Agility 125). According to my owners manual the air filter should be close to its second replacement, but I haven't even replaced it once. I took it out yesterday, checked for dirt, shook it out a little, and it looks clean as new, just about.

So does it need replacing, or am I good to go?  If it looks clean does it mean its clean? Also does their come a point where it just "wears out"  but it can't be seen by the naked eye? And lastly is their a best or better way of cleaning these things (it has a paper filter) if in fact simply cleaning and not replacing?

I wouldn't mind replacing the filter every few thousand miles or so, maybe. But every 1300 miles at around $25 a pop is a little precious imo. What say you all?  

 

EDIT: And while I am on the topic...what about the fuel filter? My service manual says replace the "Fuel Filter Screen" at  6000 miles, but says nothing of the filter itself. Is it the same thing?  Seems an awful long interval, too.....

[sidthesloth]

With the air filter, I would blow it out with compressed air regularly, being careful not to damage it. There comes a point when it gets clogged, you won't be able to see with your naked eye. Maybe they suggest to replace it often to ensure the best efficiency. If the fuel system is similar to the zx, there will be a screen in the petcock, this will catch the larger particles before entering the fuel line, you should also have an in line filter as well.
cheers,
sid.

[spr0k3t]

What I would do is go ahead and clean it (carefully).  Just in case, get another air filter to have it on hand.  Once you do replace it, look into making your own K&N filter.

It's a matter of picking up a flat K&N filter, then cutting out the paper section of your old filter, cut the K&N mesh to the same size and fit in place.  Use a high bonding plastic cement to weld the new mesh in place to the filter housing.  The results are better airflow, and you won't have to replace your filter for a very long time (only clean it every oil change).

[axy]

Hi guys

I am coming up on 2500 miles on my scoot (Agility 125). According to my owners manual the air filter should be close to its second replacement, but I haven't even replaced it once. I took it out yesterday, checked for dirt, shook it out a little, and it looks clean as new, just about.

So does it need replacing, or am I good to go?  If it looks clean does it mean its clean? Also does their come a point where it just "wears out"  but it can't be seen by the naked eye? And lastly is their a best or better way of cleaning these things (it has a paper filter) if in fact simply cleaning and not replacing?

I wouldn't mind replacing the filter every few thousand miles or so, maybe. But every 1300 miles at around $25 a pop is a little precious imo. What say you all?  

 

EDIT: And while I am on the topic...what about the fuel filter? My service manual says replace the "Fuel Filter Screen" at  6000 miles, but says nothing of the filter itself. Is it the same thing?  Seems an awful long interval, too.....

Replacement interval is greatly exaggerated. If you drive your scoot in the desert, it might need replacement every 1500 miles.
If you ride on European/US roads, you can blow it with compressed air at 7.000, 14.000 and 21.000 kms and then replace it with new one.
It is just a few bucks on scooterspareparts.com. Skip Kymco OEM, it is a rip off.

[Syl]

sprok3t, You mentioned "K&N Filter". Good name! I have used K&N filter's in all my vehicle's and talked many people into using them. When I purchased my Colorado Pick-Up and called K&N for a filter for it which I already knew they didn't have one at that time using their on line question form. Anyway, not so long ago they came out with the Filter which can be used in the 2010 and 2011 Colorado's. I purchased one right away and do as always note difference's. I just E-Mailed them again today for a DT 300i Filter which they do not have so am hoping they say they will come out with one. I read where you cut one yourself. Good Air Filter's make a big difference...it pay's not to fool with them. I know vehicle Filter's are good for many thousand mile's before being cleaned depending on the environment you ride in.

[spr0k3t]

I know what you mean Syl... but I've done them many times and use good equipment to make such pieces work correctly.  I've been in the custom vehicle business for quite some time now.  Go have a look at some of the stuff my friend EZBake has made.  I just have to explain what I'm after, and viola... 1-off custom work.

http://www.ez-bakedcustomz.com/

This is my daily

[axy]

What is this black box in front of the building? 

[Syl]

spr0k3t, very nice..... The color tones and composition of your photo are great. Your product also look's very professional. I'm sure you do well with this business. I have no problem now in mind about someone making their own air filter's...great! I am now presuming you read all the post's on the seating of some scooter's to gain some leg room also. Upholstering wouldn't be a problem if the seat formation could be refabricated to give a vertical back l instead of trying to move back on the \ slanted seat. Thanks for you reply on that filtering.

[Syl]

I see you provided a Bench and smoke pot for the smoker's and even matching color's to the entire photo!

[Peters]

smoke pot

hahaa you got me there

[Syl]

Check Post in the Hammer Drill Noise I just posted....didn't want to re-type here!