I have to credit HF for the photos here. He posted these on ADVrider and I washed my filter before I took any photos so I have used his as example because mine was identical. This is the filter out of the Terra. The dirty side is away from the filter cover, the clean side is towards the filter cover. Due to the air coming in from the angle, only half of the filter is in the stream of air and gets dirty. So here is my question. Say I was away from home and had no means to clean the filter, and it was getting quite dirty on the side in the direct airstream, but still mostly clean on the other side... Should I put the filter back in the same way. The air rushing in will hit the dirty side, not so much of it will get forced through that side of the filter and over time less and less, but the other side of the filter is unobstructed allowing clean air through, but it is not forced through by the airflow .. or turn the filter around, face the clean side into the direct airflow, so that I am getting more clean air forced through, but as the time progresses, I will eventually have both sides of the filter obstructed dirty and obstructing airflow.. opinions ?
My opinion would be that rotating the filter would introduce a chance of screwing up the seal arounnd the filter. I think this chance would be a bigger deal to me than worrying about the air path through the filter. So, I'd say leave well enough alone.
Hey Nev, I'm only guessing here, but the way our bikes funnel the air in is unique. The bigger particles will have more inertia and thus land in a similar spot. The micro dust will be suspended more and will hit all the sides of the filter as air is drawn in from the engine. I personally would put it back in the same way, as the large particles will just accumulate in one spot, and not restrict the whole filter element. The cleaner side will still draw air. I would like to think of it like a trap in the sink drain. I could be wrong, as the ram air effect might add to the performance and leaving one spot blocked with the heavier particulate, might slow the flow slightly, but if the whole thing is plugged evenly, I would think that would be worse. And the bigger particles will still be stopped in the trap so to speak. Just one thought, I know on my cars I used to turn the filter as the crank vent would clog that part, but now think that may not have really helped at all. It would be nice to have the flow diagrams etc for the intake. It would be interesting to hear others experience.
I think I would just find a way to clean it. Knowing I was going to be traveling in a dusty area I would bring along a small amount of Dawn and clean it in the sink at a gas station or Hardees. Then dry it out and reoil it. I've also had good luck with filter socks and carry 3 or 4 of them in a small ziplock bag. Then you can trade out the socks as needed and keep the filter itself clean. I know that doesn't exactly answer your question but just want to present this as an option.
I would leave as the perimeter seal would have formed to the existing size when it is compressed. Even though it is symmetrical, there may be a slight imperfection.
Is there a chance that the change in air flow when you turn it around could dislodge any of the larger dirt particles on the dirty side and cause damage?
aww crap did I miss a mod about a foam filter? I'm still using paper like a savage, someone please fill me in
If I was on a long trip knowing my air filter was going to be an issue... I would have my second filter pro-oiled in a sealed plastic bag and change it when I felt it needed changing. Edit ebrake Here's a link to where to get the filters. http://www.uniflow.com.au/contents/en-us/p5804_TR650_2012-13.html
Actually I probably didn't describe what I mean well. I don't mean turning the filter around, I mean rotating it 180° in the holder, but of course keeping the dirty side facing the air intake.
