HOW TO CLEAN A DIRT BIKE AIR FILTER

The air filter is critical for maintaining a healthy engine, allowing clean air to enter the engine, combine with fuel, combust and generate power to the vehicle. Over time, dirt, dust, pebbles and other contaminants can build up in the filter and restrict airflow. If your air filter is dirty, your engine will need to work harder to draw in air and regulate temperature. Eventually, these unwanted materials may be pulled into the engine through the air intake, potentially damaging the pistons or clogging the carburetor.

There are two different types of air filters: oiled and dry. Most dry dirt bike air filters are made of foam, which traps more particles than the standard paper filters. However, as they accumulate more dirt and get dirty, the dense material can restrict airflow. Oiled air filters are fairly common as well and are made of cotton gauze treated with oil to help capture contaminants.

A thorough cleaning of these air filters is only required when portions of the filter screen are no longer visible, or roughly every 50,000 miles for casual riders. If you ride sand dunes or are in lots of dirt or gravel-heavy conditions, it's best to clean the filter after each ride. Competitive dirt bike racers should clean the air filter regularly to avoid damaging the piston or clogging the carburetor.

When cleaning the air filter, it's important to use a cleaner that does not contain any petroleum-based chemicals, as they can damage or dissolve the filter materials. For this reason, avoid using solvents or kerosene.

Simple Green Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner is formulated to tackle grease and heavy soils yet gentle enough to clean air filters without damaging filter materials. It removes dirt and debris in order to maintain proper airflow and performance. Pro HD is also suitable for cleaning your entire bike. It is safe on aluminum, chrome, titanium and other high-tech alloys, as well as painted and gel-coated surfaces, anodized and electroplated parts, carbon fiber, metals, plastics, rubber and much more.

Directions for Cleaning a Dirt Bike Air Filter

Tip: Check the owner's manual before cleaning the air filter. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Make sure the engine is cool to the touch before cleaning.

1. Remove the air filter. Carefully remove the air filter, making sure no dirt or debris falls into the air box or intake. Place a clean rag over the intake opening while you clean the filter. If the filter has a housing or cover, remove the housing and loosen the wing nut to detach the outer filter element.
2. Dilute cleaner. In a clean empty dilution bottle or spray bottle, dilute Simple Green Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner at a ratio of 1 part cleaner to 3 parts water (1:3) and gently shake to mix the solution.
3. Spray cleaner. Spray the entire surface of the filter with the diluted Simple Green Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner, allowing the cleaner to soak into the filter.
4. Rinse. Using a faucet or garden hose, rinse the filter from the inside out to prevent pushing dirt further into the fibers of the filter. Avoid wringing or stretching the filter as they tear easily. Rinse until the water runs clean. Repeat the process if necessary.
5. Dry. Gently shake the filter to get rid of excess water. Then place it on a clean towel or microfiber cloth and allow it to air dry completely.
6. Reinstall. If you have an oiled filter, use fresh filter oil to saturate the entire filter, including the sealing flange and lip. Spray the oil evenly along the crown of each pleat on the filter and allow the oil to wick for 20 minutes. Then squeeze out the excess and reinstall the filter. If you have a dry filter, reinstall the filter once it is completely dry. Return the filter to its housing and secure it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
   • Tip: Modern vehicles that use a Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor require special care when re-oiling. Avoid over-oiling as it can affect the sensitive wires of the MAF, which can cause it to incorrectly measure air consumption, resulting in a false "check engine" light.