Exposed Filters
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 133
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From:
Exposed Filters
I put a K&N Filter on when I did a stage I breather / download & new exhaust. I put a cover plate on it and left the filter exposed, I would like to hear peoples experiences with this type of set up when its been exposed to rain when you where riding?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: florida
RE: Exposed Filters
i live in florida and rain can happen at anytime .. i have just installed the same setup as u with an open filter but i also bought a round cheap cover for them days that looks like there might be rain .. there fast and easy to change .. i have heard there are no issues with rain and an open air filter BUT i have not experianced it yet
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,090
Likes: 3,882
From: Murfreesboro , TN
RE: Exposed Filters
I've had no problems with either my 03 Lowrider (carb'd model), or my 05 EG Standard (EFI). Now, it doesn't rain often here in Phoenix, but I've run through my share on both bikes (and when it does rain here, it sucks!) No hesitation on either bike.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 380
Likes: 3
From:
RE: Exposed Filters
Chances are you won't suck water into motor; the element will stop it. It may run a little rougher in a rain storm due to the fact that the element would be stopping the water and not taking in quite as much air, but you won't hurt anything.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 2
From: central TEXAS
RE: Exposed Filters
after leaving the lonstar ralley in galveston last nov...........I got caught in the rain most of the way home..........about......300miles................. .......to be honest i never even thought of it...............bike ran perfect....................................It was a cool ride home.................................LO........... .....................no rain gear.........................
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Exposed Filters
My experience might shock some of you that say its OK in the rain. I have a carbed SG and ran an open filter for a while. On two occasions I was caught in the rain. Both times it affected the bike and how it ran. One time I barely made it home. I was stalling out when stopped, sputtering at full throttle, and the engine was making some real nasty noises (this was in the dark in some heavy traffic). Honestly I was real worried that I was doing some serious damage to the bike and I definately ran the risk of getting hurt myself.
The oil on that filter will not keep the pouring rain out. I know this from experience. Take this for what it's worth, but I won't be caught with an open element again. It was damn scary for many reasons!
The oil on that filter will not keep the pouring rain out. I know this from experience. Take this for what it's worth, but I won't be caught with an open element again. It was damn scary for many reasons!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,090
Likes: 3,882
From: Murfreesboro , TN
RE: Exposed Filters
ORIGINAL: JSW
My experience might shock some of you that say its OK in the rain. I have a carbed SG and ran an open filter for a while. On two occasions I was caught in the rain. Both times it affected the bike and how it ran. One time I barely made it home. I was stalling out when stopped, sputtering at full throttle, and the engine was making some real nasty noises (this was in the dark in some heavy traffic). Honestly I was real worried that I was doing some serious damage to the bike and I definately ran the risk of getting hurt myself.
The oil on that filter will not keep the pouring rain out. I know this from experience. Take this for what it's worth, but I won't be caught with an open element again. It was damn scary for many reasons!
My experience might shock some of you that say its OK in the rain. I have a carbed SG and ran an open filter for a while. On two occasions I was caught in the rain. Both times it affected the bike and how it ran. One time I barely made it home. I was stalling out when stopped, sputtering at full throttle, and the engine was making some real nasty noises (this was in the dark in some heavy traffic). Honestly I was real worried that I was doing some serious damage to the bike and I definately ran the risk of getting hurt myself.
The oil on that filter will not keep the pouring rain out. I know this from experience. Take this for what it's worth, but I won't be caught with an open element again. It was damn scary for many reasons!
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Exposed Filters
I forgot to mention that my filter is a K&N from the Ness Big Sucker kit and the bike was sitting still in the rain for about 20 minutes before I took off. Maybe the engine not being warmed up before the rain hit and soaked the filter had something to do with the performance. I don't know the answers I can only speak for what happened to me.