Air filters

[Africa]

Sigh** and an engineer designed the Airbus Pitot tube and air france flight 447 disintegrated into the Atlantic ocean. I say again. we simply stated what works for us on an every day account. It will not cause a machanical failure because it never has and never will. Thats fact. Your code of conduct is what the book says. the book is not always right and thats also fact. But I am not going to continue this argument because its not getting us anywhere. I suggest people use the book because that also works and it will keep the old farts that follow the book very happy..LOL

oh and BTW I have used a cotton shirt as a fuel filter for many years and also cotton stocking (panty hose) and again i recon that book is wrong because absolutly nothing happened. they are still in good shape

[AndyG]

That will be the day when my wife washes my shirts

I can see both sides of the argument. Tandem you have the qualifications to back up what you are saying. Africa has also been involved in microlighting from the early days. He was also a member of the team at Solo Wings.

Let's put the guns away and take eack persons opinion on it's merits. The choice is up to the individual and those who have read this post can judge which way they want to go. However as I stated earlier your initial response gave me food for thought and I will no longer endorse the washing of air filters with petrol.

Regards to all,

[Morph]

I thought I had heard it all until yesterday when I discovered that a close mate of mine replaces his K&N filters every 100 hours because he doesn't trust himself to clean it correctly. And this from a highly intelligent brain

K&N manufacture the airfilter and then send it out into the wild world with absolutely no control on where and how the filters get used. As such they have researched and approved a general method of keeping their filters clean and functioning correctly. Not trusting the manufacturers documentation, is completely nonsensical.

Now I don't understand what is so difficult to see here. It is the same work to wash it in water and soap as it is to use petrol, except of course, you are endorsed by the manufacturer if you do the former plus it doesn't stuff up the rubbers and fabric. I can't see why people are so emotional about defending their use of petrol. I could understand if they insisted that you use a specific cleaner at a moerse high cost, but sunlight liquid and water, come on The real problem is if you have been washing it in petrol, you may as well throw them away, because the damage has already been done.

The fact that you have always done it, doesn't necessarily make it right, My dad always had bacon and eggs for breakfast, until the cholesterol killed him at age 53.

[Low Level]

You pay R 200 or so for a K&N airfilter. The filter costs maybe R 20 to manufacture, and research and development costs R 180 contributed by each filter getiing sold. If you are willing to pay the R 180 and not use it, good for us who wants to read the book and use it.

Thanx

That also counts for Rotax, Toyota etc.

[tandemtod1]

Panty hose are manufactured from a synthetic material called POLYAMIDE. Usually only the gusset is made from cotton but not always. (I got this from a book) I doubt if you would recognise a cotton shirt if it jumped up and smacked you in the eye. LOL
You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink
Wise men learn from other peoples mistakes and of course Fools never learn

[Africa]

Ok so tandem you call me a fool and Morph said that I was completely nonsensical. sounds like you boys are getting personal here... big balls you all have when everything thats in books come from hundreds of thousands of hours experience. I know that water and soap work and have never said that it does not. i simply stated that petrol has worked for me. I did not slate your way or the books way just simply said that something else works for me and has for years and other people on here.

The reason why i have always used petrol is because i had petrol in my hangar and it was easy to dip the filter in the petrol and be done with it go fly. If I used water and soap it would have to get taken to the house and then cleaned and fitted back the next time I was at the field. Aslo IMO it does not make sense to put water anywhere near the carb for that could cause an engine out. if the pilot does not blow the filter out with a air hose or let it dry 100% this will cause engine failure. I have repaired many trikes that have had engine failueres due to this. Now if this forum are going to personally slate someone for adding their opinion and experiences then what the hell is this forum for. I guess its all a click on here kind of like fit in or F off. if you go against the grain then you get personally attacked.

No where have I said not to listen to the book. infact i said that people sould but this works for me. And yes you can lead the horse to the water and make it drink. but you have to know how to train the horse to do that and that my friends takes experience. so again I say to pilots to use your discreation on what to use.

[Morph]

Africa this is not a personal attack, but as a forum we have to be careful what we say in terms of correctness especially when it comes to maintenance and the law

If you feel I did insult you and your experience I apologize, it was not intended.

if given a brand new engine, and new filters I would prefer that guys do it by the book. That way your arse is covered.

[Africa]

Agreed and oppology accepted.

[AndyG]

And now can we all stay mates and ingest all the knowledge that has been placed. Time out.Truce

Look forward to seeing you soon Jamie. To all Microlighters,

[Africa]

next Friday be in JNB. zero 8 three, three 7 six. three zero 4 eight.

[Low Level]

The reason why i have always used petrol is because i had petrol in my hangar and it was easy to dip the filter in the petrol and be done with it go fly. If I used water and soap it would have to get taken to the house and then cleaned and fitted back the next time I was at the field. Aslo IMO it does not make sense to put water anywhere near the carb for that could cause an engine out.

Just to add another 2c.

If my filter is to be serviced, I take it off after my flight, take it home with me, wash it, let it dry 100 % and oil it to let the oil spread evenly in time. The toilet paper in my hanger is then also handy to plug the open intake.

Filter without filter oil is as effective as panty hose on the intake. I have seen 1st hand test results done at varsity, many moons ago. It's the fine stuff going through that's .
To oil a wet filter is just as effective as not to oil it.

if the pilot does not blow the filter out with a air hose

If he does, he can just as well put back the panty hose.
Compressed air and air filters -

[Morph]

The oil is specifically dyed red, so that you can see the coverage. I use the squeeze bottle type, run the oil along the top of the ridge and allow for capillary action to spread it into the grooves.

I wash the filters whenever dirty and when I wash the plane, then let them stand in the sun. If they are not dry enough then I leave them until next time.

Oil is available from Midas or any good bike shop and a bottle will last you thousands of hours

[Boet]

Nee wat Morpf. I give up. All our good well meant advice is of no value to some of our more stubborne yet thin skinned flying brigade members. Wasted.......

[Tailspin]

Hi All

I have been following this thread with alot of interest for the simple fact that i have Done BOTH and i am not the most theoretical type of person, i like to use what works.

I was told by my instructor to wash the filters in the same mix you fill your tank with ok Did so and did not have a problem with my 503. But on the Other hand i have recently purchassed a new set of Filters for my BMW motor on the Sunbird and when sitting on the Bog i decided to read the manuel and was blown away.

The dude that made this little device has more brains and intelligance then me that is for sure and if he suggests i use soap and a little oil to keep the filter working th way it should then well that gets my Vote. I just think that all the R&D that those people have put into the stuff they sell must have some background and mega bucks put into it. There is no doubt that the petrol and oil mix will/does work but i will from now on use the book method.

Just my 2c worth.

[tandemtod1]

I agree with what you say Boet. I am beginning to wonder why us "old farts" should have to put up with snide comments and implied insults from the self proclaimed "experts" out there who give bad advice and opinions with nothing concrete to back it up. I wonder if it is woth it?