air filter foam

[rvjer]

can anyone tell me if the foam cover used on the air filter is really needed?
I changed the air filter today but cannot get that foam to come clean enough to see any daylight through the middle of it. I have a message into W/H tech service but haven't got an answer yet.

TIA
Jerry

[rvjer]

can anyone tell me if the foam cover used on the air filter is really needed?
I changed the air filter today but cannot get that foam to come clean enough to see any daylight through the middle of it. I have a message into W/H tech service but haven't got an answer yet.

TIA
Jerry

[Bigdaddy]

Mine is in the shed. If I was doing off road with the MH, I would then use it.

[rgrstndgby]

Jerry, I just changed my element, and thoroughly cleaned the foam in warm dishwashing liquid, squeezed it as dry as I could and re installed it. Starting th engine will dry what little moisture remains. Squeeze it dry, dont wring it. You can see by how filthy it is, how much stuff it keeps out of the dry air filter element.. By all means, re install it...rgr...

[rvjer]

Thank You for the reply, I was afraid to use much strength washing it since it is so delicate. I will try as you suggested.

Jerry

[rvjer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bigdaddy:
Mine is in the shed. If I was doing off road with the MH, I would then use it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Humm, Ok thanks for your thoughts, I do get into dusty and dirty conditions now and then and was wondering what anyone else did about it.

[DriVer]

With care wash the pre-filter using very warm water and dishwashing soap like Dawn for instance, it cuts grease. Rinse and absorb the excess moisture with paper towels or cloths. Allow to additionally air dry or use a little help from a fan or hair dryer set on cold. Restore the pre-filter to the air filter prior to operating your motorhome.

That's it!

[rvjer]

DriVer,
Thanks for the answer. After rereading my post I see I didn't say that I was using a K&N filter. So with that filter should the foam pre-filter still be used, or does it defeat the purpose of using the K&N ?

Jerry

[oemtech]

With all do respect to DriVer... He reads from the WCC bible and is politically correct. If it was me I would can the foam filter as it is the most restrictive part in the OEM system.

Better yet can the whole OEM system and install a Brazels or DIY CAI... DriVer did and so did I.

[rogueii]

Throw the OEM filter system out! Do a DIY CAI and look at S & B filters. I use a 9" cone filter in a home made can, with a Ram vent, 4" x 10" to a 8" tube to the 10" filter Can. 4" Aluminum Tube from 4" cone filter to the MAF. Works great---No more Wet Soggy air filters. cost is around $90.00.

[adj]

I was told by a WCC Rep. that the foam filter was designed to protect the air filter but was not really needed.

[rvjer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by oemtech:
With all do respect to DriVer... He reads from the WCC bible and is politically correct. If it was me I would can the foam filter as it is the most restrictive part in the OEM system.

Better yet can the whole OEM system and install a Brazels or DIY CAI... DriVer did and so did I. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

oemtech & roqueii,
Thanks for the info, I have the Ultrapower kit already and will have to wait for next year for the CAI kit but for now I will just take off the foam.

Jerry

[rvjer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by adj:
I was told by a WCC Rep. that the foam filter was designed to protect the air filter but was not really needed. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
That's good to know, I guess that answers the question, Thanks for the info.
Jerry

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by adj:
I was told by a WCC Rep. that the foam filter was designed to protect the air filter but was not really needed. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I would say that this is unsubstantiated 3rd party information that can not be corroborated since there is a lack of a name. There are more than 350 Workhorse reps. I wish folks would get a name or failing that initials.

When new the foam filter is to a great degree transparent to the filtering process. It's intent is to trap large particles, leaves and bugs, before they become entrapped in the filter media of the main filter. If a GM engineer put it there it belongs there. If you're interested in maintaining an OEM condition regarding your air filter it belongs there to maintain the original OEM specification.

It it absolutely necessary? Probably not, but it's part of the stock air filtration system that GM specified for their 8.1L engine.

Workhorse did not install the foam screen over the main filter element as something they took the time to do while the chassis was being built.

I spoke with an engineer in Hershey and the filter isn't one of their major concerns. It is their opinion that the GM filter is more than adequate to the task of delivering a sufficient quantity of air to the engine. The new Workhorse UFO, "The First of Its Kind" uses the same filter housing and media.

In aftermarket, filter components and media can be any number of different solutions, some better than others. Validating the worth of these systems is often proven by dynamometer and the results are compelling and indisputable.