How to Clean a K & N Motorcycle Filter

Your motorcycle relies on a steady stream of fresh air to perform properly. K&N air filters offer a greater flow of air into the intake while keeping foreign debris from wreaking havoc on the sensitive components of your motor. Both rely on you to keep the air filter clean. A dirty air filter can starve your motor of the air needed to help fuel combust and can even begin to leech contaminants into the motor, causing expensive premature piston wear. Cleaning a K&N filter is simple enough for most people to do at home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle
• K&N air filter
• K&N recharger filter care service kit (Part #99-5000)
• Screwdrivers
• Allen head sockets
• Socket wrench

Cleaning Process

1. Remove the K&N filter from your air box or carburetor. You may need to remove body components or the fuel tank to access the air filter.

2. Tap the sides of the air filter gently to loosen large deposits from the filter media.

3. Spray the clean (inner) side of the air filter with the filter cleaner until the fluid completely saturates the pleated filter material.

4. Spray the dirty (outer) side of the air filter with the filter cleaner until the fluid completely saturates the pleated filter material.

5. Allow the cleaner to soak into the filter media for 10 minutes.

6. Rinse the air filter with a low-pressure stream of water applied to the inner side of the filter. Wash away any remaining dirt at this time.

7. Shake the filter to remove any excess water, and let it air dry. Do not use forced heat.

Oiling Process

8. Apply an even coat of oil along the outer side of the K&N filter, spraying the top of each pleat in the filter media.

9. Allow the oil to penetrate into the filter media for 20 minutes.

10. Turn the air filter over, and inspect the inner (clean) side of the filter for lighter colored areas, signifying areas that have not been oiled.

11. Touch up any missed spots by spraying the outer side with oil, concentrating again on the top of the filter's pleats. Once completed, the entire surface of the filter should display an even red color.

12. Inspect the filter for any signs of damage, such as tears or holes, before re-installing on the motorcycle.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a high-pressure water source to rinse the filter. A gentle stream of water from your kitchen sink is more than enough. Too much pressure will damage your filter. Do not use compressed air, hair dryers or heat guns to quicken the drying process as the filter media can be easily damaged by these methods. When touching up missed spots, do not oil the entire filter twice. Over oiling can restrict air flow and cause engine malfunctions. Only oil visible white spots. If you are not confident that you can complete this project, let a qualified technician do it.

References

• K&N Air Filter Cleaning Instructions; K&N Filters
• Clean and Re-Oil your K&N (or K&N style air filter)

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