LC200 | DUSTING Pt. 2 | Testing the UNIFILTER | Oil Filter | Toyota Landcruiser 200 series air box

[@jamescampbell4334]

Just ordered the Uni Filter for my 2023 Ducati DesertX. Saw a vid where one of the first DDX owners in Australia rode over 8k miles (east to west with several detours) without servicing the Uni Filter the entire trip. Lots of miles on fine talcum dust roads with truck caravans. Ducati ran great and not a speck of dusting in the airbox downstream the filter. I've run ITG Foam on a few cars with great results. Vipers, BMW Ms, MB AMGs. I never accepted the "MAF" sensor fouling stories that keep many from using foam. When oiled correctly they don't cause MAF sensor issues.

[@snoordman04]

That's why I like your videos, no sponsorship so as honest as can be. Also thorough in your info and experience! Thanks again Nathan.. cheers mate 🤙

[@XploringOz]

Cheers, thanks mate.

[@zoezoe610]

I have had a uni filter for two years and they seem to be the best fix for the dust and like you tried everything first but found that even with a better seal the factory panel still let dust through the panel itself. I started using Penrite oil and cleaner in the filter that you can get at Supercheap. It is much easier to work with and does not dry out and works perfectly. Both Penrite oil and cleaner are foam filter friendly and not harsh on the foam. Thanks it is a good honest review and an engine saver.

[@XploringOz]

They definitely seem like of the best value for money fixes for this issue so far. There seems to be a lot of positive news surrounding these filters, apart from the few popular and controversial YT reviews. I’ll definitely keep running this filter to see it’s long term results 👍 I’ll keep the oil trick in mind as well. Cheers, Nathan.

[@epiphany7573]

New Unifilters always come drenched in oil. A little oil goes a long way. I found it best to service the Unifilter about every 5,000 kms. I used it with great success over the last 12 years on a Discovery 2.5 tdi. It really does work surprisingly well, especially with a snorkel prefilter when on dusty tracks. Great video mate.

[@1Coolbanana]

Hey mate, great video as usual. The pooling of oil in the corners is purely an indication of too much oil. Ive been using them on bikes and cars for years and this is always the case. The Unifilter instructions clearly state that when fully and correctly oiled, it should barely wet your fingers when handled , any more is just too much and makes a mess.

[@iandibley8032]

Hi Nathan LC200 air filter on going, Donaldson have developed a product called Powercore.Jamie on Project 200 has done two a fairly comprehensive videos 99.99% of dust captured appears very positive not cheap $1,250 cheaper than a 25k engine. Due for release mid December.

[@overlandphotography]

Yep, great review Nath. Well done again .

[@XploringOz]

Cheers Jim 👍

[@danjones2913]

Love the review, clear and thorough. Top job 👌🏻

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate 👍 glad you enjoyed it 🤙

[@cheapsmoke4096]

this guy does really really good videos, and the editing is great aswell

[@XploringOz]

@@cheapsmoke4096 Thanks mate, appreciate that! Cheers, Nathan.

[@mrengineering101]

Run a uni filter snorkel sock as well. I use them until I can’t see the writing. Wash them in turps and re oil. Get about 10 uses out of them. Not a spec on the panel filter (also uni filter).

[@XploringOz]

Another great idea. I use the Donaldson cyclonic pre-filter to help reduce dust even making it to the filter panel. I have a couple of videos on this and they work quite well 👍

[@johntighe1772]

Thanks for sharing, very helpful, especially as I just installed a UNI filter in my 2020 Prado - before I had seen your review !

[@XploringOz]

No problems, glad you enjoyed the video. All the best with your vehicle, I'm sure it will turn out well as has my one! Cheers, Nathan.

[@overlandingand4WD]

Another top video - I'm up to ~12,000km with a Unifilter, definitely a big improvement after having lost a previous engine (previous Cruiser) due to dusting. I carry a small can of MAF cleaner in the rear drawers all the time in case of a problem on the track. An additional point worth noting with respect to increased inspection and cleaning frequency, the Unifilter has a lot less surface area than a pleated paper filter, making it quicker to get blinded by congealed oil and dust.

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate. Glad to hear you have had some positive results, especially after loosing a previous engine 😱 Carrying the MAF sensor is definitely a good idea 👍 For sure, they pleats don’t exist on the uni filter like they do on the stock filter and have a greatly reduced surface area. Definitely another reason to stay on top of regular and frequent maintenance.

[@williambennett6526]

The 4WD Scientist strikes again. Love your work.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate it.

[@scottred6313]

Great vid mate. I’ll will be purchasing a uni filter for my 07 3.2l Triton. So does the filters come pre oiled or did u have to add oil from new? I noticed the extra filters oiled in the plastic not sure if it was oiled with the frame?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, so yes the filters I ordered came pre-filtered 👍 They are ready to go, but its always handy to have some oil on hand when changing/cleaning the elements. Cheers, Nathan.

[@mjhmech4903]

I did a similar independent review on my FB page some time ago. Results speak for themselves. I think I may have commented on one of your previous vids re 200 Series air filters and dusting issues whereby many filters were tested by a lab and they did not (in my opinion) test the UNI product in a transparent manner thus skewing results? They work plain and simple! People who run cheap filter kits ( or any other air filter apart from UNI or at least Genuine Toyota ) can expect their precious 1VD to have low compression readings sooner or later , a failed pair of turbo's requiring engine removal and a $32,000+ repair bill! Yet another great vid !!

[@XploringOz]

For sure, as much as I like to leave my vehicle Toyota built where possible, I just can’t watch this dust continue to pass through. This filter has definitely provided the best results to date and I think with quality and frequent maintenance, it should continue to perform. Cheers 👍

[@mjhmech4903]

@@XploringOz Absolutely agree! As you will see on my fb page the OEM vs UNI comparo is pretty conclusive also. 17:30 100% agree. I have deliberately left mine in much longer than usual just to see if anything got through and was happy to report despite contaminant making it's way into the finer secondary element ( which would not usually happen) nothing appeared to get beyond the filter itself. All the best Nathan. Regards Matt

[@XploringOz]

@@mjhmech4903 Yeah, I saw that post! Crazy how much these things actually pick up. I'm sure it can handle a lot, but I'll be sticking to regular maintenance just to satisfy my OCD. Cheers.

[@mdbacolod]

Will the air filter seal require replacement? It looks compressed and could possibly affect the sealing properties once reinstalled. Also, what seals the foam filter element to the sides of its metal frame retainer?

[@XploringOz]

So far, I’m under the impression it wouldn’t need frequent replacement. Even with the compression it appears to be holding up well. Further the panels are a tight fit again the metal frame and there is a fair bit of compression between the gauze and the metal frame, eliminating any gap between the filter panels. Hope that makes sense 👍

[@chadlantry8570]

Nice review mate.Iam a big fan of these in our dirtbikes and find with regular maintenance only outer filter requires cleaning. Yes the oil will run to lowest point.But it isn't an alcohol based filter oil which are prone to dry out and eat the foam over time.Never had dust entry on my bikes and will be fitting one to our new 200 series.Great Aussie product

[@XploringOz]

I agree mate, so far so good from the Unifilter for me. I'll keep using it and see how it goes long term. Cheers, Nathan.

[@TerryManitoba]

Such a thorough well thought out analysis. Did you measure if there was any change in power/performance? - before and after. Maybe midway between cleaning - just turn the filter 180 to let the oil flow the other way.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate the comments. So I did not measure any performance gain/loss as I simply don't have the facilities or equipment to create a fair and equitable test. However, from a driver's perspective, I didn't notice any significant change. Yes, this could be an option for easy and regular maintenance. Cheers, Nathan.

[@kiqnkf]

"After I installed the UniFilter, I noticed the noise from the turbo was significantly increased" Shares in UniFilter rose by 17.3% within 14 days of this statement being made.

[@XploringOz]

Haha, definitely sounds great now!!

[@davecurry8300]

My 120 Prado sounded better when I fitted a K&N Filter. I'm still not convinced this filter is the answer though, Uni Filter might be different.

[@Mick_4591]

Another great video Nathan. Are Uni Filter aware of your concerns or have you contacted Uni Filter about the oil issue? Cheers

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, no I haven’t contacted them at this stage. To be honest I’ve been holding out for the new Donaldson air box which is now fitted and has replaced this unit 👍

[@chickmagpunk]

Hey Nate, how is this holding up for you long term? I'm currently testing the uni filter in my 200 but have a metal airbox on order (which uses a 6.6 duramax filter element). Not sure if you've seen the numbers on the Duramax ISO 5011 Test but the unifilter ranked very low. The 200's are probably a lot more tolerant to dust than most would imagine, but in the ISO testing the (Duramax) OEM paper element stopped over 2 times more dust than an unifilter (and surpassed it on almost every metric/test). I guess to be fair a leaking 200 plastic airbox with a paper element would let a lot more dust in than an unifilter with it's thicker seals. I guess 'long term' is really the decider with these things as it's hard to make conclusions just by looking at numbers, would be keen to hear your thoughts.

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, so far, so good. Given that I haven't replaced the air box and it probably is a leaking seal, the UniFilter has appeared to fix this thus far. Although I haven't done official testing measuring ISO ratings etc, visually there is definitely a lot less dust on the intake pipes. There are theories that the paper filters create static electricity and therefore the dust sticks to the side of the intake pipes, however I can't confirm this. Given my observations and results, I'll continue to use the UniFilter until Donaldson release their new filter. I'll just make sure to keep checking the filter element and change at regular intervals.

[@chickmagpunk]

@@XploringOz Nice, good to hear it's working well for you mate. I didn't realise Donaldson were still working on that product, have you heard anything recently about it? Just a shame a $100k Toyota that's intended for offroad use here in Oz can't get an airfilter right. Like you mentioned, I think the key to keep these rigs going forever is regular maintenance.

[@XploringOz]

@@chickmagpunk Yeah, Donaldson are still working on their final product and production. I spoke to a contact about 1 month ago and although there's still a bit of work prior to commercial release, we are looking at mid-late next year for an available product. Definitely mate, these engines are more than capable of some serious km's, regular maintenance definitely helps.

[@terryzhu6652]

@@XploringOz Nathan.can you do a Donaldson lc200 filter review. Please

[@XploringOz]

@@terryzhu6652 I'll have a look into it mate 👍 I have been waiting for Donaldson to release a new product for the 200 series, but this seems to be taking some time...

[@kisbushcraftdownunder]

Great review I have had the same filter in older four wheel drives with good results and had same issues with oil dripping out air box, I am concerned about how close the MAS sensor is to a oiled filter in the event of a partially clocked filter and a heavy load I am sure the sensor won't like even the hint of oil hopefully 5K filter changes it will never happen ,keep up the R&D regards mike

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate. Yes, I've heard a few people with reservations regarding the MAF sensor, however haven't seem to come across this issue yet... At least it is an easy clean even if it were to become dirty. Thanks

[@franklowe3798]

Yep I agree Nathan good job keep it up

[@XploringOz]

Cheers Frank

[@peterj5751]

Terrain Tamer makes a kit for the 200 series and 70 series with a stainless steel shim for the air box lid to stiffen it and provides a wider seal area and more clamping pressure. Just a thought if you want to try these.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, these are definitely on my list to try as well. I’m going to give this unifilter a little longer and see how we go. Thanks for letting me know 👍 Cheers, Nathan.

[@peterj5751]

@@XploringOz I fitted the terrain tamer stainless steel lid reinforcement ring to mine. I didn’t use the filter they supplied because it simply didn’t look as dense as the Toyota oem part. However, the modification to the lid does appear to have dramatically reduced the dust ingress. So, worth it so far.

[@XploringOz]

@@peterj5751 Awesome, I've heard good things. Glad to hear that it's working out for you. I hoping to hold out for a Donaldson replacement box, if and/or when they come...

[@dustyfarmer]

I've just fitted one of the Terrain Tamer stainless steel seal kit & supplied paper filter into the VDJ79R. The kit increases the sealing area to match the filters & slightly strengthens the upper air box lid & increases the clamping force on the filter seal. The stainless insert is laser cut & 0.7mm thick, it glues into the upper lid with the supplied Threebond gasket cement. Results look good so far. They do a kit for the 200 series too.

[@dustyfarmer]

@Tony Munro I'm going to give the sharp top edge of the stainless steel insert a light sand with wet & dry to give it a chamfer, it seems to grab the filter plastic body & bite in when I lift the air box lid. I'm still greasing that sealing surface with rubber grease too. Makes it easy to do now with a small paint brush. I didn't have a dusting problem with the stock air box + rubber grease but the Terrain Tamer kit is a good modification it appears so far, time will tell, I'll keep you updated.

[@XploringOz]

Definitely another option to explore down the track. I reckon I’ll keep this filter in for a little while longer to see some long term results. Depending on how this goes, I might try this option as well. Cheers, Nathan.

[@dustyfarmer]

@@XploringOz The only variation to the install instructions I made was to let the Threebond sealant cure with the air box lid off the car under no clip clamping pressure or possible distortion. I also laid two beads of Threebond from 2mm thick tapering to thin to nothing on the box so I could test to see when it had cured. I pressed down the stainless sealing ring with a 10cm spirit level/straight edge to get it bedded down nicely against the lid then wiped away any excess Threebond that squeezed out, then pressed it down again & let it fully cure which it did in about 4 hours. I'm going to change out those Toyota wire hose clamps for flat band clamps as I don't like the way they cut into the air intake hose.

[@TerraIndomitus]

Hey mate any long-term review of the terrain tamer option?

[@dustyfarmer]

@@TerraIndomitus It's very good. I highly recommend it. Great value for money & it works. Just be careful how you install the air filter & nest the upper lid down on the seal. I push the upper lid towards the MAF sensor so it goes down without rolling the seal over & if in doubt remove, check & replace the lid again.

[@madijohnson5192]

Hi Nathan, has your opinion changed over time on the Uni filter setup or are you still happy with it? I’m looking to order a kit as my 200 series with 18k on the clock has far to much dust passing through the stock filter. Thanks from Madi.

[@XploringOz]

G'Day Madi, so far I'm still using this Uni Filter system. It's definitely not perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than the stock system in my experience. I keep a close eye on the filter and make sure they don't dry out, but so far, so good. 👍

[@johnh2309]

Hey Nathan. It is my understanding that these filters work better the dirtier they get. 5K may be too soon to clean and change. Contact UniFilter they will probably tell you the same. Great video mate thanks.

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, something I'll look into. Thanks.

[@Shanes_Shed]

All filters work better as they load up - trapped particles close up and in essence create smaller gaps for particles to get through. The trick is getting the change out frequency right so your not pulling trapped particles through the filter media

[@TDubya811]

Just watched Jaffa Adventures video on the very same Uni filter. He washes them in petrol, drys, then reoils and reuses them with no problems.

[@XploringOz]

Some great information on that channel for sure 👍 Yes, I’ll be washing with kerosene and re-oiling with oil from unifilter. I’ll definitely be keeping these in for a long term review 👍

[@mjhmech4903]

@@XploringOz Mineral turps mate. Nothing else. Is in the Uni cleaning instructions . DEFINITELY NOT PETROL

[@TDubya811]

@@XploringOz Jaffa has a great set up, especially if you are moving every day or two and for 1 or 2 people, however maybe unworkable for you with two kids. I am looking at doing something similar to Jaffa's set up for a big lap with wife and one kid once things settle down. But I'd like to avoid getting a rear bar and LR tank if possible as I am more interested in remote touring than extreme offroad and it looks like a pain opening rear bar carriers everytime. But maybe if the carriers on the rear bar can be removed when in town or fairly local it'd be a good option. Did you ever find you had insufficient range and actually have to fill from your Jerry can during a trip or was it more of a contingency? Also did you ever time your camping set up and breaking camp time?

[@XploringOz]

Yeah, he sure does have a great setup. As much as I would want to forgo towing, it’s just too much gear for the vehicle with 2 kids. I have the same thought process with the rear bar, however with places I go, I usually require more fuel. I’m also considering my options for fuel and rear bar. I’m thinking a single wheel carrier (without bar) to keep the weight down, despite the hassle of opening the rear tailgate. So never actually timed the setup and pack down. This varies so much depending on where we are, how long we’re staying for etc. but it would take about 45min to setup and maybe an hour or so to pack away. Rough estimates. In terms of the fuel on the roof, the last trip we did this (Cliffs to Esperance trip) we did need to use this fuel, however we spent a bit of time mucking around on some off-road racks and beaches which sucked a fair bit of diesel.

[@mjhmech4903]

@@XploringOz RockOil air filter oil from BikeWorks Kal works well too. Pours thin so you can get even distribution then thickens up like the UNI oil . works well.

[@terryzhu6652]

Hi Mate. Do you still use uni filter or genuine filter? Much thanks

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, still using the Unifilter. It's not perfect, but its a lot better than my experience with the stock filtration system. I keep an eye on the element, make sure they don't dry out and are changed every 10,000km or so. Cheers,

[@MrTimstaaa]

Stick to original filters and use a little red rubber grease or silicone grease around the edges before installation and you won't have a problem. It has worked for me.

[@XploringOz]

Yeah, this is another option and one that I have tried previously (as per my previous video). Unfortunately this technique didn’t work for me. So far, Uni filter have had the best results to date in my circumstances. Cheers, Nathan.

[@emilrozkoszny3935]

Prado 1kd owner here, definitely work after the first 20k switching from genuine Toyota to a unifilter

[@XploringOz]

They sure seem to have a positive review from many users. Glad it's working out for your vehicle. Hopefully it works long term for mine. Cheers.

[@jh_au1340]

Just wondering if you think the cyclonic filter makes a difference given that the small amount of dust you have there is similar to other vehicles running the factory filter ... is the mushroom top worth it do you think?

[@XploringOz]

I guess this could be debated however, when driving is very dusty conditions (ie. convoys) there is doubt this pre-filter catches a significant amount of dust within the bowl, prior to reaching the air filter. My opinion on this is that any dust, dirt or debris that is caught within the pre-filter is not entering the air box and filling up or clogging the filter panel. This will always create a better result, with increase air flow and reduced risk of dust be pushed through the filter media. Further, regardless of how much dust the pre-filter catches (up until a point) the pre-filter maintains it efficiency and build up of material won't effect airflow. I guess its personal preference, but for me, reducing the amount of dust hitting the filter media in the air box will always be beneficial. Cheers, Nathan.

[@darrensice1550]

Does K&N filters make filters for the 200 series if so maybe you should try them because the best thing about them is you are able to wash them out if you have been in a dusty track and then you can re oil the filters I have put them in my street car for better air flow and can’t fault them don’t know if they are available for the 200 series but definitely something to have a look at.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, I'm am sure they are available for the 200 series and it might be something that I test in the future. I'll keep going to see how I go with this setup for now. Cheers, Nathan.

[@grantmount]

Someone didnt watch the whole video. Unifilter are washable .

[@terrymcdonnell9206]

Does the unfiltered has less air flow though or is restricted

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, this is something I haven't tested at this stage 👍

[@slowboat6021]

another great video, thanks mate.

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate.

[@damienbolton6761]

great review and comparison.

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate. 👍

[@johntighe1772]

Is the Dusting Part 3 video available as yet ?

[@XploringOz]

Not yet, but long term testing is still under way with the Unifilter and so far, so good! Cheers, Nathan.

[@blairjoyce3778]

Unifilter will bring more air in or use more fuel ? Please check and find out which best option normal Toyota air filter or unifilter ?

[@XploringOz]

The airline rate between the two filters is very comparable. There would very little different in power and fuel usage between these two filters.

[@Mr_Cruisin]

After using OEM filters since I got my 70 series and finding dust significant dust past fhe filter I have just purchased the unifilter kit. I think it worth a try. But I will not be reusing the filter and replacing every 5000. Dont like the whole reoil part.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, this is the same reason I decided to give the Unifilter option a try. I couldn't allow that much dust to continue to get past the factory setup. Hope it works well for your setup. Cheers, Nathan.

[@janfourie7590]

Cautionary note on the risk you are taking: This type of testing is like Russian roulette as a failure may have catastrophic consequences and it surely doesn't look if you have a clue if the chamber is loaded or not. There are engineering standards used by the industry leaders in filtration and labs accredited to test filter compliance, but then there is the filter manufacturers that only focus on marketing rather than engineering - too complex to sell the science except if it is pseudo-science. . .. Earth moving industry usually uses well-engineered filter solutions and if not, they see the results / failures.

[@adamnorton9701]

Have you done a follow-up vid.. and wouldn't you be better off with a ram head and a uni ram head cover when you know ya going to be in dusty conditions.. just stick in in ya door pocket ready do go..

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, negative on the follow up video as yet. I am still using and still impressed by the quality and efficiency of the UniFilter material though. Yes, you can also add a snorkel pre-filter, however I'm using the Donaldson cyclonic pre-filter which does an awesome job. I have done a couple of videos on this unit here as well. Not the prettiest thing, but works well. Cheers, Nathan.

[@Jimmy_Saf]

Aren’t they washable?

[@XploringOz]

They are 👍

[@glennlarnach5764]

Easily replaced on the tracks

[@boxheadmr]

I have had a lot of oil from the filter cover the inside of the air box in 10k klms. This was new from unifilter

[@zoezoe610]

I found the same and happens when the foam is compressed. I now use Penrite spray oil and cleaner for foam filters and is much easier to work with and works perfectly.

[@XploringOz]

Hmm, interesting. Do you think it was oil coming up from the sides of the filter, where contact was made on the filter, or the oil vapour in the passing air?

[@mjhmech4903]

@@XploringOz They will do this. Is not an issue. Over oiling may affect the MAF ( Particularly on Nissan Patrol / Navara ) but a little brake cleaner / MAF cleaner will soon sort that out. Much cheaper than a dusted 1VD and pr of turbo's !!

[@simonbarnes4308]

The lid with the dust on it before you cleaned it.. was that the same number number of kms and roads driven compared to after the clean and uni filter? 🤷‍♂️

[@XploringOz]

It was as close as I could try and get. Both had highway, gravel and light off-roading 👍

[@wizzylizzy69]

@@XploringOz mate if you had that much dust inside even just for 10,000kms, you can’t expect engine damage. I would move that rig on mate.

[@raybourne5781]

Personally.... if you have to service your car that regularly... you’d go broke or just imagine a long trip away... sorry honey time for a oil / filter change.....time for a change of vehicle and I did.

[@XploringOz]

Fair enough, each to their own. I'm happy with this vehicle and as you could imagine have made the decision to switch to the oil filter. This is not necessary and with a standard factory filter has the same services scheduled as most other vehicles on the market.

[@davidowencunningham2743]

Don't use uni filters. They break down and fall to dust. They need a used by date on them. Just through 3 in the Bin. The Heat Kills them! I sucked all of it through the Air intake. CRAP

[@mjhmech4903]

You may be cleaning them with the incorrect product ie petrol? Possibly not oiling them with the correct product etc. We have seen 10yrs+ lifespan easy on 4wd's.

[@rockoboys6416]

Good bye MAF sensor!

[@mjhmech4903]

B/S

[@XploringOz]

Hmm 🤔 haven’t had this issue so far. Further, even if some oil were to through a code, it’s just a matter of a quick sensor clean and you’ll be back on the road again. Worth it in my opinion.