Dirty Air Cleaner
Dirty Air Cleaner
I have a Fat Boy S 2016 with a filthy air filter. I took it apart tonight to wash it (it's washable and can be put back on without oil sprayed on it). It doesn't seem to be getting any whiter in a warm water and Dawn solution and so I'm wondering if I should just replace it or keep trying to get it clean.
Next question is K & N or replace with another SE HD one?
Next question is K & N or replace with another SE HD one?
Most Wanted
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,345
Likes: 808
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Without pics, it's hard to tell. Seems kinda new to have to replace it this soon. Perhaps showing it to your riding buds or mechanic for their opinions may be more helpful. If you do choose to replace, definitely K&N.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 588
Likes: 199
From: Danbury Connecticut
Hi lauren
I have a HD Se ventilator on my bike it came with the non oil washable filter. That can be washed a few times before it needs to be replaced. The first time I tried to clean it I had the same results as you . Went to my dealer to by a replacement and the gave me a K&N that uses oil, They said this is the replacement now!!
But My friend who went through the exact same story, went to another dealer and got the filter that does not use the oil , go figure???
If it helps I cleaned my K&N for the first time this year as per the You tube videos and it came out perfect, then I oiled as the vids and I am pleased with the filter. Hope this helps...swifty
I have a HD Se ventilator on my bike it came with the non oil washable filter. That can be washed a few times before it needs to be replaced. The first time I tried to clean it I had the same results as you . Went to my dealer to by a replacement and the gave me a K&N that uses oil, They said this is the replacement now!!
But My friend who went through the exact same story, went to another dealer and got the filter that does not use the oil , go figure???
If it helps I cleaned my K&N for the first time this year as per the You tube videos and it came out perfect, then I oiled as the vids and I am pleased with the filter. Hope this helps...swifty
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
Personally, I've used K&N for years and out in farming country where I live, they can get dirty but I've found them easy to clean. When I've needed to clean mine, I just use an air hose and that takes care of most of it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,492
Likes: 103
From: Stuttgart, Germany
The dry fabric a/c, like the SE Ventilator, are supposed to be cleaned every 8000 (!) mls if I remember correctly. U could either use a specific a/c cleaning solution or e.g. a good dish detergent and hot water. Make sure to soak well from the outside and do not flood the inside of the filter by submersing it completely. After the procedure rinse with cold water from the inside and let it dry (don't use an air compressor/nozzle).
I bought a second one in exchange for the used one and cleaned the used one like mentioned above. This way I always have one at hand when it's time for cleaning and I won't have to wait for the a/c to dry....
I bought a second one in exchange for the used one and cleaned the used one like mentioned above. This way I always have one at hand when it's time for cleaning and I won't have to wait for the a/c to dry....
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
I soaked mine in Oxi-Clean over night and it came out like new. Mix half a scoop of Oxi-Clean in a gallon of warm water and your good to go. Btw, I let it dry for another day before putting it back on bike.
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The dry fabric a/c, like the SE Ventilator, are supposed to be cleaned every 8000 (!) mls if I remember correctly. U could either use a specific a/c cleaning solution or e.g. a good dish detergent and hot water. Make sure to soak well from the outside and do not flood the inside of the filter by submersing it completely. After the procedure rinse with cold water from the inside and let it dry (don't use an air compressor/nozzle).
I bought a second one in exchange for the used one and cleaned the used one like mentioned above. This way I always have one at hand when it's time for cleaning and I won't have to wait for the a/c to dry....
I bought a second one in exchange for the used one and cleaned the used one like mentioned above. This way I always have one at hand when it's time for cleaning and I won't have to wait for the a/c to dry....
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