How to clean this aftermarket intake for my car

R

rx7_FD

New member
Hey guys I have this intake im going to purchase from a local guy on my rx7 club forum. Can I use a engine degreaser to clean it up? I already have 303 aerospace cleaner would that work? Pics below



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Thanks in advance :ca
 
I'd personally buy a new filter element. Regardless of whether or not you wind up "cleaning" it, you'll still have dirt in there causing restriction. I'd just bite the bullet.
 
SOmeone suggested to me that I shake it to loosen up the dirt and then vaccum it on low speed. Thats to get rid of the dirt inside but what about the appearence of it. I want it to look like its in great condition
 
Trust me, that doesn't work. Among my hobbies, speaker building and cars are the top two. Due to the first hobby, I wind up cleaning my vacuum filter at least twice a month, and I can guarantee you that you'll never recover that power. I would buy a new cone altogether because the intake charge COULD be compromised if you start tooling around with a weakened paper element.
 
rx7_FD said:
So I guess soap and water wont do the trick huh?
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I wouldn't risk it (I've only used the cleaner that comes in the kit), plus you need the special oil to recharge it after it is cleaned.
 
Even if it's not an actual K & N brand filter, their cleaner and recharge oil kit will work fine for your filter.



If I were you I'd look into fabricating a new intake tube with smoother walls than that one in the pic. I've seen components at AutoZone to build your own intake from chromed plastic.
 
Hi rx7_FD,



It is quite obvious this is a APEX'i intake/element. It features a dry element unlike K&N and other cotton oil filters. Do not use the K&N recharger kit with this element. It is not cleanable per APEX'i Japanese instruction that come with the intake (I've owned APEX'i intakes in the past and speak/read fluent Japanese). If I remember correctly, APEXI'i's instructions claim(ed) the filter to be good for about 20,000 kilometers in best conditions.

As has been suggested you can vacuum or gently blow air from inside/out the filter to remove loose impediments during the filters life, but once soiled it's done and time to buy a replacement element from APEX'i.



Good luck,
 
HRD said:
.......It is quite obvious this is a APEX'i intake/element. It features a dry element unlike K&N and other cotton oil filters. Do not use the K&N recharger kit with this element. It is not cleanable per APEX'i Japanese instruction that come with the intake (I've owned APEX'i intakes in the past and speak/read fluent Japanese). If I remember correctly, APEXI'i's instructions claim(ed) the filter to be good for about 20,000 kilometers in best conditions..........
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Good info there HRD. The red hue on the filter made me think it *might* be a K&N. Glad you chimed in and cleared up that not all filters that *look* like a K&N can be cleaned and recharged. The only after market air filters I mess with are K&N's, so that does limit my experience.
 
Heh heh, HRD sure sounds like the voice of knowledge here :xyxthumbs



Even if it *were* a K&N type cleanable filter, I for one would weigh the cost of a new one against the time/hassle of cleaning up something that dirty.
 
Get an Amsoil air filter then, or an AEM, both do not need to be re-charged like a K&N. Just a vacuum will do. They are dry filter's. But neither filter will be at it's optimum with that tube.
 
I've had K&N intakes, filters, Amsoil filters, and some from AFE. Many aftermarket CAI systems use AFE filter elements. They are gauze like K&N and can be cleaned with a variety of cleaners, not just k&n's, and then reoiled with proper gauze air filter oil. Tapping against the wall helps dislodge junk as well as using a shopvac. My AFE I currently run looks every bit as bad as that one you have does, but when I'm done cleaning and re-oiling it looks brand new. The Amsoil filters I've used were foam filters, which required a similar cleaning regimen, and foam filter oil/tack oil. I would never suggest running a dry gauze or foam filter, you might want to look into the filtration capabilities of this supposed dry filter, and make a choice from there on whether or not you want to compromise the longevity of your engine for a few more CFM of air (that won't make a difference really in performance unless you have appropriatedly increased fueling to match the higher airflow).
 
Lightman said:
I've had K&N intakes, filters, Amsoil filters, and some from AFE. Many aftermarket CAI systems use AFE filter elements. They are gauze like K&N and can be cleaned with a variety of cleaners, not just k&n's, and then reoiled with proper gauze air filter oil. Tapping against the wall helps dislodge junk as well as using a shopvac. My AFE I currently run looks every bit as bad as that one you have does, but when I'm done cleaning and re-oiling it looks brand new. The Amsoil filters I've used were foam filters, which required a similar cleaning regimen, and foam filter oil/tack oil. I would never suggest running a dry gauze or foam filter, you might want to look into the filtration capabilities of this supposed dry filter, and make a choice from there on whether or not you want to compromise the longevity of your engine for a few more CFM of air (that won't make a difference really in performance unless you have appropriatedly increased fueling to match the higher airflow).
Click to expand...



I have often thought about using K&N filter, and had a CAI on my Protege5 (recently went back to stock intake and like it better). K&Ns may flow better, but they also let in more trash. I personally don't think the minute performance gain is worth it.
 
I really like my K&N FIPK II setup. The throttle response is way better, especially around when on the highway. Punching it and it moves when better than the stock setup. In about 25,000 miles I will replace the filter with the Amsoil new one's they have now.
 
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