Is there an issue with rain/water with the exposed filter elements in all the aftermarket air intake systems? Just wondering as I ride to work all the time and often get caught in the rain.
It depends how hard it rains. If its just a short time showers than no need to worry. If you ride in moderate/downpour rain than water may start to build up in filter housing area and as soon as you ride up the hill you hear your engine begin stutter. Its water mixing up with air going into engine.
Always use those protection covers. From dust when its dry and from rain.
well here was my fix and actually my 7 year old daughter came up with it while we were at walmart.
i have the superman covers that were made by board member duck:super:..i also run k&n filters.
while shopping at walmart she mentioned that she needed a shower cap for some reason and when she found them she said hey dad.....these would work great on your bike in case you get caught in the rain...she was right we bought 3.
they are clear in color with elastic around the edges that fit snug over the covers,i keep them under the seat and slip them on when in a serious down pour.
have used them twice already.
Alright here are some facts about water entering the air intake of a combustion engine...
In most cases, no damage occurs when small amounts of water enter the air intake of a standard combustion engine. In fact, this water commonly plays a positive roll by lowering the internal combustion temperatures, further forcing the motor to run cooler over a period of time which in turn could increase fuel mileage. If you think about it, this is one of the main reasons why an individual may look to incorporate an aftermarket high-flow air intake system. The purpose of most aftermarket kits is to allow a cooler air charge to enter the engine which is commonly combined with an increase in the total air volume.
Keep in mind that although a small amount of water is okay, larger amounts (ex. extremely heavy down pour or washing/rinsing bike) may subject your engine to extreme/quick temperature changes which can cause permanent damage to the engine.
Ultimately, you'll have to use your best judgment when riding through rain storms with open-end filters but more times than not, you should be fine.
***NOTE: Always remember to keep your cotton filter properly oiled!
A small of amount of water never hurts, hell they inject water into airplane engines!
An old trick used to be to raise the rpm and spray water down an intake of an old engine to clear off the carbon/lead build up on the valve faces to bring back the compression, it would would also clean the piston crowns, comp dome etc and look like brand new.
The change in temp/quenching would shrink the carbon and it would detatch from the metal surface and fly out the exhaust port. Instant tune up. The removal of leaded fuel in NZ fixed a lot of those problems.
However... after the water trick you had to take the vehicle or bike for a run to clear off any water residue, as water that is left in the system can cause corrosion damage to the bore etc.
A rain soaked air cleaner will retain moisture in the intake system and if the intake valve is open once the motor is turned off then...???
Also the evaporation of the water will wash out a small amount of oil in the filter and it will need replenished to keep the filter protecting your engine.
I have the Tornados with K&N Air Hog Filters... the wife and I rode 4hrs. to Lake George... Americade this year... it was a down pour for most of the ride.... I keep the filters well oiled and have never used the slip on nylon covers... never had a hick up or sputter... bike runs strong... I believe the trick is to keep them oiled so the water doesnt get sucked through the filter...
If you have car air filters as a intake filter, self mod, do I still have to put oil on the filter?? I have spectre air filters that are retrofited onto the stock air filters with some plexiglass, minus the chrome cover of course. Just wondering. Thanks
If the filter was designed to be oiled, such as the gauze types, then it needs to be oiled no matter what you put it on. The oil catches the fine particles.
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