2018+ Softail Models Breakout

The Everything Fat Bob Thread

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Old May 29, 2023 | 09:20 AM
  #1491  
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Hey guys. Sorry if this has been asked before but a simple answer continues to elude me.

I just added a 2023 Fat Bob to the stable. Just waiting on delivery. IS the stock air filter washable? If so, does it need to be oiled like a K&N filter, or just dry. From what I can tell, it is washable and should not be oiled, but just wanted to double check.
 
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Old May 29, 2023 | 11:33 AM
  #1492  
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Originally Posted by harkon
Hey guys. Sorry if this has been asked before but a simple answer continues to elude me.

I just added a 2023 Fat Bob to the stable. Just waiting on delivery. IS the stock air filter washable? If so, does it need to be oiled like a K&N filter, or just dry. From what I can tell, it is washable and should not be oiled, but just wanted to double check.
I think the OEM filter is paper based. So no oil. You can get an K&N filter element for the stock breather: 29400293
 
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Old May 29, 2023 | 01:15 PM
  #1493  
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Originally Posted by herwarth
I think the OEM filter is paper based. So no oil. You can get an K&N filter element for the stock breather: 29400293
Thanks. Everywhere I look it tells me this should be washable. So a washable paper filter? That's a new one for me, but I'm happy if it is.
 
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Old May 29, 2023 | 02:05 PM
  #1494  
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Originally Posted by harkon
Thanks. Everywhere I look it tells me this should be washable. So a washable paper filter? That's a new one for me, but I'm happy if it is.
I doubt its washable.Blow it out with compressed air.
 
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Old May 29, 2023 | 04:23 PM
  #1495  
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Originally Posted by murphc13
I doubt its washable.Blow it out with compressed air.
I know, it's weird. Like i can find a replacement element for the OEM filter element for my 2012 RGU but there is literally nothing, at Harley for a replacement paper element. That was kind of what prompted the question. Searching I have found, wash with warm water and mild soap, or, as you assert, it's paper and getting wet will be the end of it. I found some on EBay that are like $30, which tells me that they are disposable. I will likely purchase a washable replacement filter that removes any question from the picture.

Thanks for the input on this. I know it's a silly question, but I haven't found anyone that will tell me if they replace theirs or if they wash theirs. Maybe everyone just gets a washable one.
 
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Old May 29, 2023 | 05:39 PM
  #1496  
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Originally Posted by harkon
Hey guys. Sorry if this has been asked before but a simple answer continues to elude me.

I just added a 2023 Fat Bob to the stable. Just waiting on delivery. IS the stock air filter washable? If so, does it need to be oiled like a K&N filter, or just dry. From what I can tell, it is washable and should not be oiled, but just wanted to double check.
With your VIN you should be able to download the owner's manual from the HD site, info like this is in the manual.
 
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Old May 29, 2023 | 08:31 PM
  #1497  
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It’s paper and it is meant to be disposable. Get them at Harley or other.

HD part number 29400267

or aftermarket


Fat Bob air filter
 
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Old May 30, 2023 | 12:36 PM
  #1498  
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Originally Posted by Calif Fat Bob
It’s paper and it is meant to be disposable. Get them at Harley or other.

HD part number 29400267

or aftermarket


Fat Bob air filter
It's paper and it's meant to be washable. Says so right in the owner's manual.



 
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Old May 30, 2023 | 01:06 PM
  #1499  
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Just my opinion but I have never washed a paper filter on any vehicle.
" Hold the filter element up to strong light source. The element is sufficiently clean when light is uniformly visible through the media".

I don't know maybe I tend to throw money away, but for $50 I'm buying a brand new one every year or so, and I'll know the element is "Perfectly Clean".
 

Last edited by Calif Fat Bob; May 30, 2023 at 01:09 PM.
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Old May 31, 2023 | 07:35 AM
  #1500  
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Originally Posted by Calif Fat Bob
Just my opinion but I have never washed a paper filter on any vehicle.
" Hold the filter element up to strong light source. The element is sufficiently clean when light is uniformly visible through the media".

I don't know maybe I tend to throw money away, but for $50 I'm buying a brand new one every year or so, and I'll know the element is "Perfectly Clean".
I think I have trust issues. Seems somehow wrong to get a paper filter wet. Kinda goes against everything I've ever been told about paper elements. It is in the manual though.
 
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