Air filtration has come a long way in the last few decades. The air filter maintenance may seem simple, but the level of importance for the health and performance of your snowmobile is high.
Air filters are used to purify the air that is sent to the engine. Having said that, it is crucial to properly maintain your air filter to prevent bigger problems with your snowmachine’s engine.
Learning how to maintain an air filter for every rider is essential. Even with advancements in the foam manufacturing process, not a single air filter can stand up to the rigors of the outer world if neglected.
Now, let us know more about this.
What is the Use of Air Filter in Snowmobiles?
The air filter is your engine’s first line of defense, and the intake side gets dirty over time.
The dirty air filter restricts the flow, making the engine work harder. This leads to poor acceleration and reduced overall engine performance.
The material has folds to increase the surface area for maximum air filtration that is made of some paper, cotton, or foam material type.
The air filter plays a critical role in the engine that mainly has two jobs. The first job is to ensure that it prevents abrasive particle matter and other debris from entering the chambers.
The second job is to ensure that it allows a high volume of air to enter the chambers.
Thus increasing the combustion process’s efficiency and enabling the engine to operate at maximum power and acceleration.
The dirty air filter will cause the engine to run with too much fuel, also referred to as running too rich, caused due to the loss of power.
The most significant caveat out of all is if the air filter is neglected, then over time, the delicate particle matter will enter the chambers that can cause premature wear items in the engine.
This, in turn, will cause more oil loss by allowing the oil to enter the chamber. This will shorten the life of the engine too.
The best way to know if your air filter needs to be replaced is to take it out and look at it. It must be returned or cleaned if it is covered with dirt on the intake side.
This simple preventive maintenance will go a long way in making your engine last longer.
How to Clean Snowmobile Air Filter
Cleaning and oiling your snowmobile and snowmachine’s air filter is the most important thing done in regards to maintenance.
If it’s not done correctly, there will be dirt in your engine and further destroy your machine.
At first, to have access to the air filter, pull off the seat. The critical part while pulling out the air filter is to ensure not to drop any dirt off your dirty air filter and in the airbox into the air boot.
Use rubber gloves while you are working on your air filters. Now pull the air filter out. Check the air boot to see any dust or anything that may have gone on your last ride.
Spray the air boot with contact cleaner and wipe it out with a clean rag.
There are different types of solvents used to clean the air filters. Whatever cleaner you use, the best method is to submerge the filter in the cleaner so you can rinse the dirt and the oil out.
A few riders use an automotive solvent or kerosene to get the oil out of the filter.
To clean the air filter, fill the bucket with a cleaner of your choice. Put the dirty filter into the bucket and let it soak for a few minutes.
Once it is set in the solvent for some time, wash it out and squeeze it a little. If you have used the kerosene or the automotive solvent, was the filter with the dish soap first.
Once the filter is clean, inspect it by checking all the glued seams.
Make sure the filters are holding together, and it is also safe enough to put back in the snowmobile. Let the filter dry completely before you oil it.
Once you oil the filter, grease it, and you are ready to put it back on your snowmobile.
How to Purchase an Air Filter for Snowmobile?
Capacity to Remove Particle Pollution from the Air
While the rider plans to buy air filters, look for a product that can remove particle pollution.
Particle pollution, which is also known as particulate matter, is a mixture of particles or tiny pieces of solids or liquids found in the air.
An air filter specially made to remove particle pollution is the filter type called HEPA, which is short for high-efficiency particulate air filtration.
Capacity to Remove Odor or Chemicals from the Air
To determine if the air filter can remove the gaseous pollutants like odor and chemicals, check if the product has a carbon filter or a carbon canister.
Price
The cost of the air purifier should also meet the quality. Spending massive amounts on an air filter with no significant difference compared to the other standard filters does not make sense.
Hence, check for the best air filter for your snowmobile and buy them accordingly.
Quiet Operation
When you buy an air filter, look for a quiet product to the point that you won’t realize the equipment is in operation.
A wholly insulated air filter ensures noiseless operation. This insulation also lessens the heat loss and gain.
Conclusion
An air filter is designed to stop particles from passing through the intake system, but it does not last forever.
When you clean the air filter, check for tears in the foam and inspect the glue seams.
If any of these areas are suspect, it is suggested to replace the air filter.
Fit your snowmobile with an air filter you trust and follow the proper maintenance wherever necessary to protect your engine and bolster performance.
Maintenance of your snowmobile is essential to avoid problems like the snowmobile not starting or overheating in the middle of the ride.
So ensure you do regular checkups of your sled and, most importantly, invest in a good air filter that protects your engine in the long run.
