Cleaning air filter element

[Joe Flanagan]

In the manual it says to remove the element and soak it in kerosene. I assume this means soaking the entire lid in kerosene, correct? It doesn't look to me like the lid disassembles. Is there any further disassembly of the air filter possible besides removing the lid?

[Plymouthy Adams]

not without cutting the metal case..if memory serves me correct the item is put together with a rolled lip..

[Joe Flanagan]

That's what it looks like to me, too. So I guess you're supposed to submerge the whole lid in kerosene to clean the filter inside.

[Jim Yergin]

That's what it looks like to me, too. So I guess you're supposed to submerge the whole lid in kerosene to clean the filter inside.

I guess that's why the air filter decal goes on the side of the base rather than the lid.

Jim Yergin

[Joe Flanagan]

Where does one even get kerosene anymore? Is there any substitute that works as well?

[Jim Yergin]

Joe,

Out here in Warrenton, they sell kerosene at convenience stores that also sell gasoline. They have pumps dedicated to kerosene.

Jim Yergin

[Captain Neon]

Gasoline works well too, but just make sure that you allow lots of extra time for all the gasoline to evaporate before reinstalling.

[JBNeal]

Diesel is a decent alternative...I think they specified kerosene because it was commonly used as heating oil back in the day. Parts cleaner will strip the paint off if ya soak it in a parts washer.

[aero3113]

Parts cleaner solvent works good also.

[Joe Flanagan]

What's the brand name of the parts cleaner you're talking about? Would Gunk or Easy Off work?

[aero3113]

I am used to safety kleen, It is used in my parts washer at work. I think Gunk or easy off should work fine. Before you add the oil blow it dry with compressed air.

[Joe Flanagan]

I'll drop it in something and soak it for a while and see what happens.

[Joe Flanagan]

Shel, is that thing one piece? Does the top come off? Kind of looks like one piece in the picture. Or maybe that IS the top?

[JBNeal]

The top half of the air filter is the part pictured; it has the cellulose filter element and drops into the bowl with the oil. There are several modifications on this site that show how to remove the cellulose & replace it with a disposable paper element.

A variation on this modification that I'm kinda wonderin' about is using a K&N filtercharger in lieu of a paper element. It'll give ya the cleanliness of a paper element & the reusability of the cellulose element. I still have to do some more research on that one.

Edited February 8, 2010 by JBNeal

[LuckyDevil]

You guys are awesome. I went ahead and cut my breather today and it turned out pretty decent. Now that I have it cut, what element did you use? I used the numbers off of Rollie's page. Are those good numbers? Does it just rest on the tapered bottom of the oil bath?

I probably should have asked all that before I cut it though, huh?

AC #A432C

FRAM #CA6370

HASTINGS #AF903

MOTORCRAFT #FA1080

NAPA #6184

PUROLATOR #A14380

WIX #46184

[Joe Flanagan]

Wow, Lucky, you sure take things into your own hands, don't you? Looks like neat work.

[Joe Flanagan]

That is nifty. I am tempted to do the same.

[Johnny S]

Here's the link to Norm's website on this ..... I'm pretty sure he would be pleased that his work and ideas live on and continue to put more Plymouths back on the road or keep them there.

http://www.indfloorcoating-repair.com/1948plymouthenginerestoration.html

[4852dodge]

Home Depot and Lowes sell Kerosene for the heaters. I clean mine in diesel fuel and rinse with a spray of brake clean through the openings to the media. Let dry, pour out the old oil in the bath, wipe clean, refill to the line and put it back together.