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?

 

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.

 

23,000 miles in 18 months so it's been well used.

 

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

 

thanks guys, I'll probably go to Harley tomorrow and pick up an K and N one. I think at 23k this one is beyond help.

 

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.

 

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 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.

 

yeh kinda pissed at the Dealerships. It's been at 2 for services and warranty work and nobody thought to mention it. Oh well live and learn. After 5 years of Harleys I'm still learning.