Your ATV air filter is critically important, but you already know that. The correct oil is important, too though a filter can’t trap
WD40 doesn’t have the correct characteristics to act as an air filter oil substitute. Air filter oil needs to coat the filter evenly and remain sticky. This helps trap dust, dirt and repel moisture.
In this post, You’ll learn about an air filter oil alternative, how to oil your filter, and cleaning your filter.
WD40
WD40 is a fantastic product. I couldn’t run my shop without it. But it won’t be of any use as an air filter oil. WD is excellent at cleaning and penetrating, but it drys out and won’t help trap much dirt.
And you already know how important keeping your ATV or dirt bike air filter clean is. A dirty filter can cause your engine to feel sluggish and cause black smoke, which is a real sign she’s running rich.
A rich running engine is washing the bore with raw gas, which will kill the motor eventually. Running without a proper functioning filter will kill your motor too. Fine dust particles will sandblast the insides of your engine, eating it from the inside.
Engine oil isn’t ideal, and I don’t recommend using it long-term, but if you are stuck, you can use clean engine oil. Synthetic oil works best as it’s lighter and coats more evenly.
Using engine oil will cause the oil to drip off and pool in the bottom of your airbox. It simply doesn’t have the right properties for air filter oil. It will, however, trap fine dirt and dust particles and help repel moisture in the short term.
But I would recommend getting air filter oil as quickly as, because you know running your engine in dusty conditions increases the chances of problems.
Air Filter Oil
Air filter oil is special. It may seem like it’s just oil, but it contains additives that make it:
- Sticky – Which trap even microscopic grit and prevents it from eating your carburettor and valves.
- Repels moisture – Oil and water don’t mix, they’ll avoid each other when they can.
- Easy to apply – The oil is thin when applied and so makes the job of evenly coating the filter easy.
- Fire retardant – A backfiring motor can send flame to the air-box, it’s obviously important the air-filter doesn’t catch fire, but it would make great story.
Some manufacturers have come out with an Eco-friendly biodegradable oil, but petroleum and synthetics are available too.
How To Clean Your Filter
Go ahead and remove the filter from the ATV or bike. Be careful when removing the filter from the airbox. That’s when crap from the filter can drop into the carburetor intake rubber duct.
Examine the mouth of the duct. It shouldn’t be dusty. If it is, your filter wasn’t seated properly or is damaged. Check the rest of the ducting for tears.
- Go ahead and remove the filter from its cage and inspect for tears, holes, or busted seams. If it’s damaged, it’s useless and not worth cleaning.
- To clean the filter, then I use an air filter cleaning solution which does a really good job but does require rinsing and drying afterward before oiling.
- I know lots of guys use gas to clean their filters, and that’s OK, but some filters may split at the seams when soaked in gas.
- After a thorough cleaning, wash in detergent and rinse in warm water, allowing it to air dry.
- Stuff a clean shop rag into the carb duct mouth and use compressed air if possible blow out the airbox.
- Clean the filter cage, air box, and airbox lid using carb cleaner or gas and a clean rag.
Oil The Filter
To oil the filter, I keep fresh filter oil in a clean, sealed container. Alternatively, pour some filter oil into a clean plastic bag and submerge the filter in the oil and work it in by squeezing (not twisting). Allow it to sit for ten minutes and repeat.
The filter now needs to sit and dry until the oil turns sticky for 2-3 hours, depending on temperatures.
The final step before assembly is to apply a ring of regular axle grease or whatever type you have to the sealing ring of the filter. This is guaranteed to stop crap sneaking in under the filter seal.
You may also find the following posts helpful:
ATV leaking oil from the oil drain plug
ATV fuel filter not filling up
- About the Author
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John Cunningham is a technical writer here at ATVfixed.com. He’s a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience. He’s worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars and trucks to ATVs and Dirt bikes.