Questions, Questions. Air Filter this time?

[Descolada]

Hi blokes,

I am in the process of changing the old (and very dirty) air filter with a nice clean new one. Having taken off the top air filter box cover and compared the filters to confirm correct type (old and new), I noticed the sponge that sits on the left hand side (internal) of the air filter box. Do we do anything with this by way of cleaning?

It's a little oily and there is a small amount of residue on the bottom of the air filter box (internal) but nothing that looks worrying.

Do I leave this sponge alone or clean. Do I use WD40, kerosene etc, etc?

Answers on a postcard please ...

Thanks for the advice.

Des

[TravellingStrom]

I never bother with that but it won't do any harm to clean it

What I do do though is clean the air box under the filter, just a paper kitchen towel should be enough then spray liberally with WD40 or equivalent

What this does is act like a bug catcher, if anything gets through or around the filter or seal it would most likely get stuck on the oily residue before heading into the cylinder area

Not an essential thing to do but costs bugger all in time or money and may save some damage

[Juvecu]

It's the catch sponge for the oil breather hoses that go from the engine to the air box. I usually take it out, squeeze it a bit in a rag and then stuff the rag into the hole and poke it with a screwdriver or something so the rag can soak up anything at the bottom, then put the sponge back in. Don't worry if you don't get it all cleaned out.

[Descolada]

Thanks All!

I gave the sponge a WD40 bath and watched the gunk flow out into the WD40. Then put it back in after a wipe down of the Box (both in and out) with WD40 again.

As mentioned, I have a ton of projects I am trying to get through, some are servicing related, some basic maintenance and cleaning, others are electrical additions.

I am documenting and photographing as I go and will post the results under a "Beginners Guide To.." series.

Oh, and just for Juvecu I am going to complete my air pump tests and post in an official 'review'.

[Juvecu]

2nd coat of paint has gone on the centre stand, lovely day for some bike maintenance  )