Changing Engine Air Filter.

[mitchflorida]

Can I just use a regular screwdriver to remove the Air Filter housing, or I have to go buy torx screwdriver ?

Also do I need to remove the electrical connector on top of the housing and also loosen the air intake clamp?

Thanks.

 

[SSJ455]

A regular Philips head will do. Removing the connector is not necessary.

 

[BoostedRegal2.0]

I used a phillips screwdriver and I didn't remove the electrical connector or the intake hose clamp. Just loosen the screws, lift the lid, remove old air filter and replace with new air filter, then close the lid and tighten the screws.

 

[mitchflorida]

Thanks. The owners manual gives all these complicated instructions, it actually sounds very easy.

 

[SSJ455]

You also may want to vacuum any debris that is in the airbox.

 

[mitchflorida]

I ordered and installed the air filter specified in the owners manual, A3128, a paper pleat design.

Turns out that the air cleaner factory installed was A3175, which also has a thin flat foam liner on the bottom. You would think they could get the part number straight. Which is better or no difference?

 

[BoostedRegal2.0]

The Puralator air filter I installed didn't have the foam pad and it seems to work fine.

 

[mitchflorida]

I am surprised you didn't go for the K&N air filter. Are they too much of a bother? They add about 5 HP, I think.

 

[BoostedRegal2.0]

A K&N air filter don't seem to filter as well as a paper filter. Plus if it's over oiled the oil can contaminate the MAF sensor. So a 5hp gain isn't worth all that.

 

[nlacomb]

I’ve only ever used the AC Delco replacement with the foam on the bottom.

 

[Mackiesback]

A K&N air filter don't seem to filter as well as a paper filter. Plus if it's over oiled the oil can contaminate the MAF sensor. So a 5hp gain isn't worth all that.

Plus I think the 5hp gain claims are pretty dubious. Sometimes entire CAI systems aren’t worth that.

 

[mitchflorida]

FYI, the foam pre-filter is designed for cold climates and protects the paper pleats from getting clogged by the snow and ice that might get through the air intake. For very dusty areas it might protect against large particles that might otherwise get through, but how many people will clean the foam liner?

In other words, the foam strip is not needed in warmer climates like Florida.

 

[Mackiesback]

FYI, the foam pre-filter is designed for cold climates and protects the paper pleats from getting clogged by the snow and ice that might get through the air intake. For very dusty areas it might protect against large particles that might otherwise get through, but how many people will clean the foam liner?

In other words, the foam strip is not needed in warmer climates like Florida.

That's interesting, I have never heard that theory. First, it would be awful tough for snow to make it that far upstream in frozen form, and second, airfilters are borderline unneccesary in the deep winter. Snowblowers and such don't even have them. I would have guessed that the foam was just another level of dust protection.

 

[mitchflorida]

They are also good for capturing insects or small pebbles.

The Regal manual recommends the standard air filter, but the previous owner must have changed it out.

This is the cold climate version air filter:

Air Filter - Cold Weather

Cold Weather vs Regular Air Filter

 

[Mackiesback]

They are also good for capturing insects or small pebbles.

The Regal manual recommends the standard air filter, but the previous owner must have changed it out.

This is the cold climate version air filter:

Air Filter - Cold Weather

Cold Weather vs Regular Air Filter

Interesting. I have lived in MN for 50 years, have been an NIASE certified master technician, and never once heard of a unique air filter for our climate.