Re: [ihc] Postal 800 Purchased + help with some questions

[John Hofstetter <hofs@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

on 2/16/04 10:09 PM, James Lidberg at jameslidberg@domain.elided wrote:

>> Air Handler - It has the original oil-bath filter.  I'd like to replace
>> it with a paper filter.
> 
> I *think* the oil bath cleans the air better than paper, not sure though.
> 
> - Jim in Mesa

I grew up with oil bath air filters and always marveled at the gunk that
collected in the bottom under the oil. Looked really efficient, so I assumed
it was. 

A number of our guys pointed out to me that the oil bath does not do as good
a job as a good paper filter. Gave me actual test data, among other things.
The oil bath relies on the dust "falling out of the air" and into the oil
for its filtration. If the dust doesn't fall out, then it goes down into the
carb. 

As I thought about it, I remembered that heavy equipment working in dusty
situations rely on pleated filters for their air filtration. I assumed that
they had a reason, actually a number of reasons.

So, my fancy went from oil bath to K&N filters, and then the guys convinced
me that the K&N's weren't all that good at filtration either, so in the case
of my Scout, I'm back, as Jim Grammer says, with paper filters and a foam
band around the outside.

The Amsoil filters are built with the oily foam on the outside of a K&N type
pleated filter. I have one in my Dodge truck and it looks awesomely
efficient. Nearly $50 but a good investment if it is as good as it looks.

John 


John Hofstetter
www.goldrush.com/~hofs