I just installed the Arlen Ness Big Sucker Stage 1 Air Cleaner on my 2020 FXST. It looks great, but I've got some beef with Arlen Ness over those tiny washers you can see in the attached pics (#5 in the manual).

They're not mentioned in the original manual or any installation videos, so I think they were added later to fix some issue. The extra manual says to put these washers between the top and the backing plate when installing the air filter, but good luck with that. They're supposed to go inside the airbox, and once the filter's in place, you can't reach where they need to go.

You could try using grease to keep the washers in place, but if they get knocked loose, they could get sucked into the engine and ruin your bike. And even if you manage to install them properly, the next time you or someone else cleans the filter, they might not notice those tiny washers, and the engine's toast.

So, Arlen Ness left me with three bad options:

1. Remove their filter, put the stock one back on, and buy a different brand.
2. Keep these "suicide" washers and hope they don't wreck my engine.
3. Get rid of the washers and hope nothing bad happens to the filter.

I went with option 3 because it's the least hassle and #2 seems too risky.

If you're considering this air cleaner, be warned. I'd avoid Arlen Ness until they fix this dangerous and defective product.


evil washers

BS manual

 

Should have went with a screamin eagle stage 1 air cleaner assembly. You can use the stock a/c cover too.

 

Glue them on with epoxy.
Ya, they F'ed up and will fix it once the Chinese supply in stock runs out.
I like allot of their stuff, but the fact that they ruin it by putting their LOGO
dead center of EVERTHING stops me from buying it.

 

Just slide the bolts thru the top plate then slip the washers on the threads sticking out
Then assemble, once together there is no way the washers will fall into the intake.

 

I was going to write that too but as the bolts do sit higher that the mouth of the intake, it's possible.
But the butterfly should stop it. BUT, Murphy's Law for me, if it could it will, especially with the bike on the jiffy stand.

 

That's what i was thinking?
1. How the hell would they fall off?
2. How would they get past a closed throttle?
I'll agree it's a band-aid to a design problem, but not something I would worry about getting into the motor, that's just silly. May as well warn everyone about the potential of dropping a socket in the intake and then blame the socket design.

 

How many times have you removed the Air Cleaner when the bike was running?
I know I've done it a time or two.
**** happens.

 

I think the OP is suggesting that they may fall off during install, where you may not notice since the cover obscures the view. Then if loose could be injected when the motor is running. Not that they could come loose once installed.

 

Dab of grease on the washer will prevent it from sliding off.

 

This won't work, I tried. The filter snaps into place and will shake the washers off into the air box. Even if it won't, you cannot check this once the filter is in place. Would you risk ruining your engine because of a washer?