Air Filter Upgrade?

[hydrogeo]

Has anyone upgraded their air filter to a modern paper element-type? It kind of made me crindge running my 40c with less than 100hrs on the motor in dusty conditions with that filter setup.

I dunno, maybe the stock setup works better than I think, but....

[Lavoy]

There is very little if any difference in efficiency between a properly maintained oil bath air cleaner and dry type. At one time I had heard an efficiency difference of 1%, but have not seen it in print.
Lavoy

[JD440ICD2006]

I do not have data to support my opinion, only common sense.
With a standard paper filter, we are pulling air through fine paper mesh, particles smaller than the smallest part of that mesh will get through.
With an air bath, the air is less restricted since it is being pulled through a liquid. That liquid (oil) is all encompassing, which seems like it would catch almost any size particle down to the smallest.
If you keep the oil changed and use the same grade and weight as the engine, I believe it is at least as good, maybe better than paper.
Yes, it can be a mess if you are a sloppy mechanic, but take your time and it is easy. Amazing how much "stuff" is in the bottom of the oil bath bowl!

[hydrogeo]

Thanks, I guess I never really thought about how it worked, I just assumed that the new style was significantly better. I will just make sure to change the oil regularly.

[LarryD]

If I'm not badly mistaken the only real benefit to the paper element filters was.the volumetric efficiency.........they flowed better. A real concern for modern automotive engines turning as much as 6000 rpm, but not a big deal for.an engine only turning 1800 - 2000 rpm.

[Willyr]

You might also want to consider that the oil air bath makes for a richer fuel mix.

It has been noted on another forum that the farm tractors like my avatar seemed to run poorly on air filters. The problem is that these engines were designed to run with the resistance from the oil bath. Also it helped if you used true 30 weight, opposed to 10w-30

[Lavoy]

Yes, forgot to mention the air flow problem. Once you have an engine big enough to flow a substantial volume of air, it would suck the oil right out of the bowl. Largest oil bath engine we ever had was a 72 C60 Chevy with a 427 and a HUGE oil bath air cleaner on it. It was so heavy that it finally wore down through the top of the carb where the flage sits.
Lavoy

[JD40c]

I've never heard of having too little restriction on an air intake causing fuel mixture problems. Richen it up!

[Lavoy]

Too much restriction on the intake side is the same net effect as putting the choke on, so they will be very rich.
Lavoy