cleaning the air filter (questions questions)

**noonespecial** · 1-2-05, 17:54

yes, i know me AGAIN!

sorry, but i've searched but not found a definitive answer,

'Mazduh' garage (as I will now be calling them) said that the airfilter needed cleaning or replacing as it was running rich...

i've seen that the K&N ones have a special kit, but i don't know if it suitable for mine?

its a just a CAI for an auto... with a grey foam cone...

can i just wash it?????

thanks,

you know who.

**martyg** · 1-3-05, 3:46

Yes you can, my method, wash it in warm soapy water, rinse well, then to dry, stick it onto your missuses hairdryer and let it run for a few mins on a gentle heat. You need to buy a spray on oil also that I believe helps to collect dirt. I got some with my flter but halfruads should sell summit similar.

**Postal Dude** · 1-3-05, 4:39

Strange that because a blocked air filter on an injection car will not cause it to run rich. The fuel is metered in proportion to the airflow so less air=less fuel.

Gerry

**mx6-uk** · 1-3-05, 4:50

Agreed. If the O2's and VAF are working right the ECU will adjust the ammount of fuel to the correct mixture. Have you pulled your codes?

**noonespecial** · 1-3-05, 5:20

no i havn't just repeating what 'mazduh' told me.... ah well i'll give it a clean, i asked them about codes and they 'said' she came up fine....

ta marty.. will wash and dry etc.

???

**kenholland** · 1-3-05, 10:52

Reading this reminded me that I hadn't cleaned my air filter for a long time too.
I bought a K&N filter cleaning pack for £10 (bottle of cleaning fluid and a spray can of oil).

So I've been out in the cold all day - engine flush (with 2 cans) and oil and filter change, topped up the gearbox again (it's still leaking a bit), and thoroughly cleaned, dried and oiled the air filter.

Roll on Spring, when working outside on the car becomes a joy instead of a chore...

Ken

**Ian F Chequer** · 1-3-05, 14:39

noon,

I would advise STRONGLY from what you've posted thus far that you take your car to another garage.

This particular Mazda dealership sounds like a bunch of crooks.

If the air filter is dirty a new one from Halfords is £20.00 and it is an easy enough DIY fitment.

ifc

**kenholland** · 1-3-05, 17:13

Ian, Noon's filter is an aftermarket CAI and is washable.

I do agree on your sentiments about the Mazduh garage though.

**martyg** · 1-3-05, 17:49

I agree too, that dealer team sounds like a bunch of Wankels

**noonespecial** · 1-3-05, 18:30

the mazda dealer in question was TW White and Sons in Orpington..

I will NOT be going back... didn't even sort out the discount

Will get some cleandf... ta muchly...

noone.

**kenholland** · 1-4-05, 1:31

WHAT???

Not a good recommendation for a discount supplier at all. Maybe we should just use them for parts then...

**noonespecial** · 1-4-05, 7:31

maybe its just 'orptington' ?