Community Forums

dagger · 04-09-2024, 07:19 AM

Hi I am changing my air filter. but the old one has a foam cover over the fin's which you can remove. But the new one does not come with it, and I can't find anything when I google for it on line
Just wondering if anyone else came across the same thing,
The old one is Napa gold. I am replacing it with a Ac Delco

Thanks Dagger

Mark_K5LXP · 04-09-2024, 08:37 AM

Maybe it's specific to the brand, or maybe something someone added thinking it would "help". When I changed mine it had no such foam element. A Fram came out, and another Fram went in and I sprayed out the MAF while I was there. That's the last I've thought about it.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

edgray · 04-09-2024, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagger

Hi I am changing my air filter. but the old one has a foam cover over the fin's which you can remove. But the new one does not come with it, and I can't find anything when I google for it on line
Just wondering if anyone else came across the same thing,
The old one is Napa gold. I am replacing it with a Ac Delco

Thanks Dagger

The original filter came with the foam "sieeve". It is intended to catch large particles and bugs to help extend the life of the filter element. The foam can be washed if it has gotten oily, and reused after allowing it to dry if you want to, but it not essential. MAYBE the NAPA GOLD comes with one and the AC/Delco is cheaper, but IRDK.

SmilingSam · 04-15-2024, 07:18 AM

it is orig equip part but not really necessary.

can use any comparable foam filter material but not needed ultimately.

but stay with paper air filter, k&n are not so great at filtering supposedly - see project farm/others for vid.

GL!

AveryF · 04-15-2024, 08:13 AM

A couple of years ago, we had a foam "pre-cleaner" in our coach that totally disintegrated and severely blocked the air filter. At the end of the day, changing the air filter, cleaning the air filter box and cleaning the MAF sensor turned out to be a pretty easy fix but still left us stranded for several hours on the shoulder of I-40 between Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC. I decided to forgo using the foam pre-filter and just change the air filter with every oil change no matter how clean it looks. I would definitely stay with a traditional disposable paper filter and steer clear of the reusable ones.

yeloduster · 04-18-2024, 02:42 PM

The GM intention for the 8.1L engine was for truck usage. The foam pre-filter was specified because the presumed use model was in farming, ranching, lumber, gravel...you get the picture.

The foam pre-filter is unnecessary in motorhome applications. I use WIX filters. They are not the best filters money can buy but they are probably the best reasonably priced filters.

The Wix Filter part #46144 is the same filter without the foam.

Rocadog · 04-19-2024, 09:10 PM

Hi all…can’t seem to find the location of the engine air filter on my 2006 Itasca Suncruiser 35A - 8.1 Vortec. Where the heck is this filter located?

Any help appreciated - thanks!

Arch Hoagland · 04-19-2024, 09:20 PM

I threw away my foam filter at the first replacement 18 years ago.

Runs fine without it.

Arch Hoagland · 04-19-2024, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocadog

Hi all…can’t seem to find the location of the engine air filter on my 2006 Itasca Suncruiser 35A - 8.1 Vortec. Where the heck is this filter located?

Any help appreciated - thanks!

Just in front of the passenger side tire. Turn the wheels to the right to have better access.

Rocadog · 04-19-2024, 10:39 PM

Thanks for the quick reply - much appreciated!

David 70 · 04-20-2024, 03:30 AM

I just got an air filter from Brazel's the other day and it has a foam on the front. I just bought the W24 nd I have not had a chance to look at the old one yet so I don't know if it has a foam or not.

yeloduster · 04-20-2024, 03:38 AM

The foam prefilter is truly not needed in motorhome applications unless you drive on gravel roads most of the time.

Buy a filter without the foam. Ask Brazel. They will tell you the foam prefilter is not necessary.

I buy Wix brand without the filter from Orielly. Wix P/N 46144.

David 70 · 04-20-2024, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeloduster

The foam prefilter is truly not needed in motorhome applications unless you drive on gravel roads most of the time.

Buy a filter without the foam. Ask Brazel. They will tell you the foam prefilter is not necessary.

I buy Wix brand without the filter from Orielly. Wix P/N 46144.

As stated in my previous post, the one I got from Brazel's has the foam. I agree it is not necessary, but it seems odd that if they say it is not necessary that they sell you one with it. I believe I will be removing the foam.