Engine Mechanical Topics Discussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.

Arlen Ness Air Cleaner Q

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 2, 2020 | 01:29 PM
  #1  
highwayman50's Avatar
highwayman50
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2,611
Likes: 1,021
From: Michigan
Default Arlen Ness Air Cleaner Q

Hey guys...I have a Arlen Ness Deep Cut Inverted Air cleaner. It says on Arlens web site and I quote...."Reusable/washable filter, does not require oil" I took the cover off and the filter looks dirty and does have some (very little) oil on it. Does it need oil? Can I wash it with just soap and water? Get a K&N cleaner kit and use it to wash....use the oil in the kit? Any input is appreciated. The pic shows the filter I have.
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2020 | 12:12 PM
  #2  
nevil's Avatar
nevil
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Default

If it's washable it doesn't need oil. The oil you see is coming from the breathers. You may be running a little too much oil, so try taking some out. The best solution would be to vent the breathers to the atmosphere. I've seen that done with Ness intakes using a few inexpensive parts from a hardware store. There are a few DIY posts here about how to do it.
I was actually going to do that mod on my Ness intake, but when I removed it I saw that the pot metal backing plate mounts had cracked. Ended up using a new set up from DK Customs that was designed for external breathing.
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2020 | 12:50 PM
  #3  
highwayman50's Avatar
highwayman50
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2,611
Likes: 1,021
From: Michigan
Default

Originally Posted by nevil
If it's washable it doesn't need oil. The oil you see is coming from the breathers. You may be running a little too much oil, so try taking some out. The best solution would be to vent the breathers to the atmosphere. I've seen that done with Ness intakes using a few inexpensive parts from a hardware store. There are a few DIY posts here about how to do it.
I was actually going to do that mod on my Ness intake, but when I removed it I saw that the pot metal backing plate mounts had cracked. Ended up using a new set up from DK Customs that was designed for external breathing.
Thanx for the response. After I posted this I got to thinking, the local motorsports shop I had install the filter...probably put oil on it, cuz thats all they know to do with most any filter. Arlen Ness aint answering their phone. If I would change to the atmosphere like you suggest...wouldn't that alter the tune I have?
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2020 | 01:24 PM
  #4  
nevil's Avatar
nevil
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Default

Tuning is partly based on air intake, so it would not be a factor. Crankcase breathing occurs after combustion, not before.
I use a K&N oiled filter and the oil is red, so maybe this helps.

 
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2020 | 01:34 AM
  #5  
highwayman50's Avatar
highwayman50
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2,611
Likes: 1,021
From: Michigan
Default

Update. Do NOT use a filter cleaner on a Arlen Ness synthetic filter...it ruins it. (Don't ask me how I know) Dawn or simple green and water.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DeneFXDWG
Milwaukee Eight (M8)
2
Jun 26, 2019 08:38 PM
toddhowudoing
Touring Models
3
Sep 13, 2014 10:19 PM
128auto
Softail Models
25
Aug 27, 2008 05:41 PM
goutieboy
Touring Models
4
Jul 27, 2008 07:49 PM
eravo
Softail Models
4
Nov 27, 2007 03:54 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:15 AM.

story-0
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-6
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-7
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE