How to Clean/Oil/Replace an Air Filter - For Beginners and Vets Too | Episode 288

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In today’s video, I’m showing you how I clean my dirt bike air filters. It’s a good idea to keep more than one filter for your dirt bike so that you can keep a clean one in the bike and always have another clean one back in the shop/garage for quick filter changes.
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[@joshburch4959]

I have been using diesel and dish soap to clean filters for 25 years. NEVER EVER had an issue with filter durability. I like the PJ1 oil.

[@prasoonsherchan3583]

Out here we use petrol man, gonna start using dish soap , gotta save fuel

[@taylorhessel6656]

Same

[@jondoe4667]

I use dish soap on mine and never had a problem.

[@arshpreetdhindsa7561]

Nice

[@mmaaddict78]

I use gasoline then dawn dish soap and spray it with k&n oil.

[@dirtbikesicehockey4788]

I always have the second filter oiled and ready to go. I put it in a Ziploc for later. If you have a long weekend of riding and it's been dusty you're ready to go. I also lightly grease the airbox. You would be amazed how much dirt gets stuck to the airbox walls. Thanks for the video.

[@kevinherndon6963]

Kyle... Nicely done. Two other steps that are great to practice... 1... Cover the intake with a boot and wash the air box after you remove the filter. Especially in areas where you encounter some mud, it keeps you from getting dirt in the intake during the process of putting the filter back on. On those bikes you mentioned that have filters with a tricky fit, it's very beneficial. 2... After the solvent, use Dawn dishwashing liquid to help remove even more dirt. The solvent breaks down the oil and removes a lot, but the dawn get them even cleaner and does a better job of removing remaining solvent. Cheers.

[@ManAndMachine23]

yea the solvent alone doesn't get the filter 100% clean,You can toss the filter in the washer with old rags to get it good as new, then air dry or ...n a 5 gallon bucket with some warm water and dawn dishwashing liquid and you're good to go!

[@deborahclemons4782]

Steve Neal bitch

[@deborahclemons4782]

2nd ijjj

[@johnchafin3817]

Been doing the Dawn step for years. Also I have always kept at least two filters per bike. Usually a clean one in a ziplock.

[@piesah]

Try out the sand cover for the airfilter, that keeps the filter cleaner and makes the cleaning process much easier. And you keep much of the dirt away form the bin of solvent.

[@rexdadpapa]

Also I wash with dawn dish soap and water after the solvent , allow to dry then I oil it and allow the solvent in the oil to dry then store it in a ziplock bag and it's ready to go when I do bike maintenance

[@simon2625]

yeah hes just telling bs

[@chadwheeler854]

Sure every rider has preferences but I'm pretty sold on the No Toil, would be great if you could review it. Great for the environment and easy to use so you are more likely to clean the filter more often! I also clean the air filter frame and airbox if they start picking up a bit too much dirt. If you clean the airbox be sure to stick a clean rag down the intake because the airbox cleaning covers don't seal 100%. That bucket with the grate on the bottom is a great idea, will be sure to get one of those. Great videos, best dirt bike channel on KZbin...keep up the good work!

[@cosmokenney]

On my older bikes I used to use the powdered notoil cleaners and spray on filter oil. But with my '17 husky, which has the same filter as your KTM, I'm using the liquid oil (I use the green twin air stuff that seems thinner than the blue). And I have to say I really like the process of being able to completely submerge the filter then wring it out. Done!

[@crabbiboi5528]

I have used the spray oil and I don't reccomend it. I get a nice piece of mind from fully submerging the filter.

[@lumpy6]

Best dirt biking maintenance thing I've ever done was to switch from solvent based oil to alcohol based No Toil. I'd argue that the ease of cleaning helps you keep the filters cleaner, so that overall it works better. than solvent based. I'll never go back to solvent based oil again.

[@enduro-parts-aus]

just a tip , i use a 20mm paint brush and paint a thin layer of grease on the air box lip, you use alot less grease and its much easier as the filter doesnt absorb it while applying.

[@lukasilec1987]

i use warm water and dishsoap and let it dry then spray with motul air filter spray (every 10 hours) Works very well for years

[@HKPartsStore]

Thanks, for sharing some how to videos on upkeep and maintenance as some of us are novices in these departments for sure! Great content thank you!

[@vinnieortega]

dish soap works great too. breaks down the old oil and dirt very easily

[@olddirtbiker5088]

The Steg Pegz seem like a good way to reduce arm pump. I've heard good things about them so they should be worth the trouble of unscrewing them when needed. Glad to hear you are testing them out. Wish they made them for my old Yamaha.

[@56redjets]

I ride in the desert. I use a filter dust cover. When its time for filter maintenance I unscrew the filter wing nut slightly to be able to remove just the dust cover first which is covered in dirt. Now im looking at a somewhat clean filter so when I remove it I have much less chance of dumping dirt down the intake tract. I also can extend the main filter cleaning intervals using the dust cover.

[@theimaginarygarage]

Cheers Kyle. I had this playing and mirrored your steps at home - only my second time cleaning an air filter so still looking to get a process bedded in. Job done!

[@2burning2turning]

Kyle what makes applying the oil a little easier is pouring the oil into an old dish soap bottle with a drip free pop top. Also I oil my spare filter and keep it in a large zip lock bag ready to go for those 2 day camping rides. Top videos by the way.

[@inthesPhila]

Friend that keeps tractor trailer engines running hundreds of thousands of miles said the big reason they get that longevity is because of really clean air. If he loosens a truck filter, a good new one goes on. Air filter hygiene as stressed in this video is the way to go: Add: Try to have a clean bike so dust crumbs don't fall in. Damp towel to pick any dirt on clean side of filter before you put filter in. Store next "ready" filter in a big zip lock bag so it doesn't get dirty waiting to go in. When solvent goes back in 1 gal can, leave the last 1/2 cup and the dirt in the bucket for disposal.

[@davidlutz7094]

Thanks for a great dirt bike channel. I use Twin Air but started using No Toil. No Toil works great and is way easier to clean. I use an old school ketchup or honey dispenser to apply the oil.

[@Dr.KennethNoisewater]

Thanks for the applicator idea

[@davenawahine6934]

I used diesel fuel for years as well, but Now I just use regular gas because I always have it on hand for the mower. Then a good scrub with dawn for dishes.

[@theguymaxqc]

yea and gas dry fast as fuck

[@marklowe7431]

Helped me a lot. Big thumbs up. Don't forget the wash after the solvent! Warm water and dishwashing liquid....

[@Shoorit]

The one thing I’m very particular about. When I was racing I replaced the filter every race. Got sick of cleaning then and had filters everywhere. Now I just have two and replace half way through the day if it’s really dusty.

[@jentedewitt9590]

best carpet I've ever seen

[@zackk695]

I have used all types of filters for the work I do such as air particle systems so I know a bit about filters. Air and dirt particles are measured in what’s called microns and even a dry filter with no oil would not let sand or dust get through the filter. We don’t want dust getting into the motor of course because it would shorten the life of the piston and cylinder but also oiling the filter heavy shortens the life of the motor due to air restriction. Air restriction is very harmful to an engine of any kind. If you were to wash an oily filter with soap and water and let it dry out grab a paper towel and squeeze it into your oil oil filter. You will see there is still oil in that filter. This amount of oil is enough to help remove dust however if using a solvent such as what he’s using it could remove all oil so lightly coat the filter with oil. Dirt and dust will not get past that filter enough that it would harm the engine but restricting air flow can cause it to run hot and will cause the engine to run hot as well as shorten the life of everything in that engine including the clutch. Also he used grease around the edges and that’s a good idea because that’s the only way dust is going to get by that filter. Locking and air filter in place securely is the most important part of an air filter cleaning or replacement. Cat dander is 3 microns and dust is much larger so I’m telling you that there is no way dust can get through that filter. It’s a shame that in 2023 they don’t make these air filters lock in place like they should because how they connect to your box is extremely important

[@Jory623]

I like the no toil evolution oil, I use oxy clean to clean the filter and it can all be dumped down the drain.

[@lippser]

I use PC Racing Pro Seal instead of grease. Been installed for years and works great.

[@lokijames1624]

Just bought my first bike 07 450ktm sx thanks for the tips on cleaning the filter.....crazy first bike!!

[@delinquense]

Your watch came out looking real shiny!

[@dadge2500]

nice vidio and great products to. for a long time v been using a 5 gal. bucket with about 1/8 filled with water and mineral spirits. they keep them selves separate for the dirt and a 5 gal. container of mineral springs will last a great deal of time. then I use an air filter oil that dries very sticky to the point it is stringy like. with that it makes a great sealing surface.

[@tomnekuda3818]

Kyle: Everytime I see you riding in the Dez it breaks my heart. I spent 25 years in Rock Springs, WY riding/racing Husky's, and Yams with recreational riding on XR's. I'm now in Kansas with no real place to ride......I'm 72 years old and need to get back to my roots. I'd guess you're down in Utah by the looks of the terrain.....I used to sneak down and ride some down there....really great country. I'm a KTM fan but would really like to try a Sherco before I die. How do you like it? Keep the Faith, Tom P.S. Wonder how many filters I've cleaned in my lifetime.....

[@AnZa05]

Tom Nekuda I live in rock springs!!!

[@tomnekuda3818]

@@AnZa05 Good riding up on White Mountain......lot's of fast trails with plenty of rocks if that's what you want. My fave ride used to take me down the canyon, past all the cliffs and on down to Green River. I'd give anything to ride that again. Good riding to you Andrea.

[@brettcu7650]

Aye more rock springs people

[@jarradmaate7883]

Hey tom! Shercos are good bikes mate. I live in south austraila and there getting really popular here. I love mine. Hard to say what i like more compared to my yz450f

[@garywinkworth3380]

great video. i didnt know yous over there werent allowed to ride your 2 stroke anywhere in the forest. here in australia we can ride anywhere in the forest.

[@jacquesblackburn7329]

very good to know about the kit you use. Reusable is good instead of trowing it in the sewer.

[@stihlms]

go get two gallons of diesel fuel and put it in that bucket....same shit as twin air. been using diesel for years to clean filters. works like a charm!

[@colten6996]

I know it’s been over a year but how many cleanings do you get out of your diesel before you get more?

[@jimmyjumper6613]

@@colten6996 its cheap

[@ihaveyourkeyes]

@@jimmyjumper6613 where do you recycle it after?

[@jimmyjumper6613]

@@ihaveyourkeyes the weeds in the driveway 😂

[@Jin-Ro]

@@ihaveyourkeyes Under a bush.

[@distilledfreedom1840]

Do you guys recommend a filter netting cover? It seems like it doesn't seal as well. Maybe I should put the grease on top of where the net wants to wrap around. ? Just started riding.

[@rexdadpapa]

I'm with Kyle on the grease, Always grease the mating surface of that filter , it offers extra sealing where air could be pulled between the filter and the air box at wide open throttle. It certainly isn't hurting anything.

[@Aspired329]

I prefer to run a PC pro seal but yes otherwise grease her up, more in this case better than less. Feel it would take a major excess to be a issue getting down the boot into a carb or TB on another bike.

[@walkerskii]

Put a piece of masking tape on the side of the solvent bucket, so you can write on it with a pen, to keep track of how many times you've used it (# of air filters) before the solvent needs to be replaced.

[@andrewhardin6844]

can you do a video on over all maintaining a dirt bike i have had a crf125 and just got a crf150rb. and have fond out that it needs a lot more maintenance but i am not sure how to maintain it properly. thank you

[@ricardoramos565]

Awesome video very detailed to how to clean your air filter thank you keep up the awesome videos

[@adi1233]

I used bucket with oil but then I realised that I'm waisting a lot of oil after squeeze all extra oil. I did the same like you later on but now I'm using plastic bag. I put filter there oil and working. It's much cleaner method. Just FYI. What about dust cover? Are you using it?

[@MX-127]

I just use gas it's super easy and seems fine to me.

[@chadcromer428]

Good stuff, I will be trying the grease approach next time on my '17 KTM 500 :)

[@2wheels4life27]

Chad Cromer dont put as much as he does lol thats excesive ...all u need is a thin layer but yes u should be putting grease on cause its not a screw on filter like the other ones so it dosent get much even pressure all the way around.

[@motaman2541]

Yeah gas is quite harsh, I use it for when I get a bike and don’t know what oils the previous guy used so I can use my preferred brand on the filter which have a gentle non toxic cleaner that is oil specific

[@linus5699]

the sand/particles does not go away when cleaning with solvent. You just massage them in to the filter. The only way to proper clean the filter is to wash it the washing machine after solvent and soap.

[@TAllyn-qr3io]

Quick question… at about $30 per can for the Twin Air filter cleaner…do you filter the ‘just used’ oil, putting it back in the can or ???. With the plastic piece in the wash tub, all of the sediment would be in the bottom and allow straining/filtering the cleaner. Curious… I know that if we own high end bikes…we can afford the upkeep/maintenance. Big point due to hazmat liabilities 😎

[@eriknash8783]

I've tried using that Maxima Waterproof grease, but it is so thick that it just strings everywhere and I can't spread it at all. Maybe because it's been really cold here. I need to find a different grease

[@dylannchapman1302]

Please review the Husqvarna FE250 next, please Kyle!

[@markostarr4062]

I have a 17 FE250!!! yeaaa buddy!

[@ShaneTuckerDesignAndPhoto]

Do you have to let the filter dry after you take it out of the cleaner (before you oil/grease it up)?

[@Djurre28]

Do you need to wait for the oil to dry or can you just put it back on?

[@STP-bc5cy]

How long does it take for air filter to dry after you apply new oil?

[@Cactus73]

Kyle, if you don't get all of the old oil/dye off of the filter, how do you know if the new oil is completely covering the foam?

[@ethansmith244]

Your chain looks great! How do you take care of your chain and how do you wash your bike?

[@masterbeta343]

Yay u got steg pegz on there😊 we r the local dealer on oahu in hawaii and i actually just mounted that same model on my friends bike and bc of the way the 2017 ktms are it was kinda hard to do

[@kirkwd8829]

What do you do for disposal of the cleaner? Take it to your local parts store to dispose in their tank?

[@kirkwd8829]

Ronan, historically growing up where I did, that is exactly what we would do. However, I am trying to change from these ways. Just a personal thing. Not knocking any other way.

[@CannonBlackhurst]

I have a 2003 Xr100r that has a pretty dirty air filter and i need to clean it. How long do you think i should leave it in the bucket of cleaner for?

[@cloudsandcorrado]

How often should you replace a air filter on a 2020 ktm 125sx?

[@rileylamarre8986]

If I went to a track for a few hours or on a long trail ride I would do it after every ride but if you just go for one or two hours u could maybe get 2 or 3 rides out of one filter

[@nomadnomad8571]

Think he means replace in buying a new one. How long do they last before falling apart.

[@martyray7040]

How do you dispose of the solvent?

[@astorytotell5019]

How long do you have to wait after cleaning n re-oil before you ride again?

[@songs-pg1mf]

kyle if you could only ride one bike for the year what bike would it be n why . thankyou

[@frenchaccent540]

Glad this is for beginner but what solvant and oil brand/product do you use ?

[@aspendodd]

can you re-use the salvant

[@Jaws-3]

Twin Air charges a lot for Simple Green.

[@joebarczak1448]

You mentioned that u used to dip the clean filter in the oil and now u don’t. What problem did u discover from dipping them? Is it safe to assume it resulted in too much oil in/on the filter?

[@leoherrera4049]

Very good thanks 😊 🏍

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

rim grease works great

[@jacobaugustin8420]

whats your guys opinions on filter skins?

[@garyaustin7254]

Cheers pal thanks for your knowledge 👍

[@cadwarrior]

verry informative! great video! Did you do the open modification to your airbox by drilling holes in the subframe like in the Slaven video? Im wondering if i let my airbox alone or if i should do the mod, bike is still brand new, 0.1h on the hour meter

[@andrewrussell1238]

How many rides do you do befour cleaning the filter on the two strokes? And also how many times can you clean one filter and reuse it before it starts to tear or rip

[@johnathanyinger]

I clean the filter every 10 hours, and replace it at 50 hours. If I were to ride in harsh condition all the time, cut the time in half.

[@perezm714]

Can put in a large ziplock bag to help oil too.

[@mattlaidlaw8521]

this might dound crazy but can i use wahing up liquid as oil 😅

[@mattlaidlaw8521]

washing*

[@Bunno1177]

The benefits of Stegs and the time they are used on the bike far outway 1 minute of tools to remove the filter

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I have a video coming out on that in 2 days. I review the Steg Pegz.

[@beauclose2235]

@@DirtBikeChannel you dont need to losen the u-bolts on mine just undo the subframe bolt and swing it out the way the u-bolt doesn't need to be so tight

[@mmaaddict78]

I find that the grease makes a hell of a mess to clean up inside of the air box.

[@SrzMMC]

Howdy do, I love your vidoes!! I know I’m a few years late, but if you do find this comment, help please! 🤣 So instead of the regular cleaner for the air filter Iv been using warm water and dawn dishsoap, is that okay? I obviously still oil it and whatnot, just making sure it’s okay to clean it with that dishsoap, thanks! 😁

[@johnathanyinger]

How many filters could you oil from 1 quart of twin air? I can get 15 from Bel-ray, which is my favorite.

[@eliworks8549]

I just ran out of pit possi filter oil and ordered some Bel-ray. I just came on here to see how much oil people use. My friends swear by Bel-ray

[@timm1807]

What do you think of NoToil products?

[@louisroy66]

What do you do with your solvent when discard?

[@waynekerr8003]

Tip it in the nearest waterway

[@octaneaddiction1405]

I use mineral spirits to clean them it works just as well

[@ricardoramos565]

Sweet you have a husqvarna bike mat

[@zanders3454]

Hi I have a 2009 kx 250f and I think it mite be loosing compression how would I now for shour that it is pls help me I am a 15 year old in need of help

[@cristixd27]

Why do you need to oil the filters? What if i dont oil them

[@Nuno.Alcaide]

Another good video. What is the Stegpegz for?

[@2wheels4life27]

Nuno Alcaide lets u grip ur bike better with the sides of ur legs, im not crazy about them but some ppl love them.

[@beauclose2235]

There really good for whoops and deasert style but there a bit restrictive in very technical stuff

[@bradwylie9732]

Question I use Diesel to clean which works great (in my opinion) however I don't use oil or the grease is this bad? (2017 KTM 500 6 days)

[@caseyanderson9169]

The grease around the skirt isn’t necessary. But you should always oil your filter. Especially on a bike as nice as yours. Without oil, the filter is almost useless. I recommend just getting a spray on oil. Whatever you can get will work though

[@alfred7136]

Can you store oiled filters aswell? or do they need to be dry

[@johnathanyinger]

Yes, but put them in a plastic bag.

[@sargil100]

Alfred storing oiled is best man! Get a bunch done and you will have such an easy season!

[@alfred7136]

Thanks evryone, i'm going to keep them stored after oiling them all.

[@KooLaidblue]

I need to clean mine but the manual talks about a screw in the upper left corner??? I can't find it and I don't want to yank on the cover any possibly break it. Is there a screw that needs to be removed first?? 18 450 sxf

[@beauclose2235]

On my one you have to be pretty rough with it

[@adventureriders4515]

good clear info. and love it how i sneak a few short drone vids in

[@josephprucha9823]

Thanks for your great videos!

[@Jeges25]

How big is that fuel tank??

[@kirkwd8829]

Have you tried their bio cleaning kit yet?

[@calebnewton4347]

The no toil air filter kit is very effective and seems to be more efficient than that I recommend you try it that's what I use

[@priestof1]

Beautiful table - looks like stained butcher block

[@chasecarmody9876]

why don't you run one of the loudmouth intake systems?

[@kemarreece5065]

thanks for the video bro 👊

[@jessierodriguez8524]

I bought a new filter do I have to put any oil on or can I just ride it like that

[@j-mx8021]

You should not have a bike if you don't know the answer

[@teemigo6921]

@@j-mx8021 stfu if you can't answer a simple question. There's a reason the have instructional videos

[@ruidiasbraga]

would WD40 be fine for spraying after cleaning or its needed a special filter oil?

[@duramax2079]

special filter oil only

[@commandmodule6278]

heard mineral oil mixed with bit of silicone effective cheap DIY way

[@sipe254]

I just replaced my airfilter with brand new one oiled it and now my bike doesn’t start and sometimes pops when kicking it

[@taylorhessel6656]

Maybe you got dirty in the airbox or carburetor

[@northwestmotoadventures999]

I have two air filters for my bike and I'm not sure how but I always end up with two dirty ones.

[@michaelmckamey155]

Like most of us you like to ride more than you like to clean.

[@Shadyarva]

Buy 20 of them and wash them wen are too many with dirt on it.

[@jakeallen7905]

Hi I'm brand new to dirt biking I have just bought a ktm enduro 125, what do I need to know? Important maintenance etc thanks

[@2wheels4life27]

Jake allen read the manual it tells u everything u need to know about ur bike , ur going to end up reading comments anyways so whats the difference , plus not everyone here knows what their talking about ...just read ur manual moral of the story.

[@joshc5376]

you so need to review the husqvarna!

[@baileygreenlee8608]

Do you have to oil the air filter and if so what happens to it of you don’t oil it

[@tjlovesrachel]

Lolll try it out .... I don’t think you will like what eventually happens

[@baileygreenlee8608]

I have never oiled it before and I have rode for a few years

[@commandmodule6278]

@@tjlovesrachel transmission fluid?

[@scottchittock7898]

Why do you have to clean your air filter so often with 4 stroke bikes? Also, I thought that it would be worse for a 2 stroke engine to have dirt or dust get past the air filter into the engine because the mixture goes into the crankcase and dirt could ruin the crank.

[@joaoandrecoelho8779]

Because of valves wear

[@michaelinman3501]

notoil oil, warm water with dish soap and vaseline.