Topic: Uni filter cleaning/oiling fluids

[hymodyne]

hi all,

are there generic or basic oils and solvent/cleaners that can be used to maintain the Uni filter foam element?

hym

[KB02]

Since I have a K&N Filter in my other bike, I have the "Recharger Kit" that comes with the oil. I just use that.

[Chris Liston]

Uni makes a cleaner/oiler kit.  Check your local cycle shop, if they don't have it they should be able to order it for you.

[golden_child]

FYI

The cleaning kit shouldn't cost more than 12.00. Or at least that is what I pay at my local shop. I have a uni filter for my car, do you know what the model number is for a 72 cb750? I've already got one for my car I might as well get one for my bike.

[ohiocaferacer]

You can always do it the old fashion way....wash it out with warm water and dish soap(dont do this in the kitchen sink....wife will kill you), let it dry out......then take a ziplock sandwich baggie.....dump about 2-3oz of new motor oil in the baggie.....put your filter in with the oil.....ziplock it....then rotate the bag around working the oil into the filter. You want a light coating.....dont soak the filter. If you get too much oil on it....you can pat it down with some clean towels.

...at least thats the way I used to do it when racing.

Later,
Greg

[putnaja1]

I have a CB550 with stock air filter..  Are those supposed to be oiled at all?

Jason (sorry for the total newb question!)

[Bob Wessner]

If it is, as you say, stock, with a paper element, no. If not too bad, just gently tap it against something to get the crap off. If it real bad, you should consider replacing it.

[csendker]

I got the Uni cleaner/oil with my filter so I just use that.  I've been using the 10W-40 method for the lawn mower & snowblower forever, and it works with no problem.  And I hope the mower at least sees a lot more crap than my bike.  I have noticed that the Uni oil is really, really sticky when compared to 10W-40 though.

[ohiocaferacer]

I have noticed that the Uni oil is really, really sticky

That is why I always use new motor oil. Foam filter oil is way to sticky(almost one step from glue)...not to mention restricts air flow and collects just about every dust partical within a 10 foot area of the bike.

Greg

[Bob Wessner]

)...not to mention restricts air flow and collects just about every dust partical within a 10 foot area of the bike.

Isn't it supposed to? 

[ohiocaferacer]

....forgot to mention any neighborhood kid within 10 feet of the bike also.

[jbailey]

I wash with dishsoap and water, let it dry and oil with PJ1 filter oil.  However, I have run across a few people using bar and chain oil, which is sticky and red, just like the PJ1 only cheaper.  It will probably take a few years to use up the can of PJ1, so I will wait until then to experiment with Bar and chain oil.

[TwoTired]

I have noticed that the Uni oil is really, really sticky

Foam filter oil is way to sticky

Must dissagree with this. The foam is much more open and less restrictive than a paper filter.  It relies on the sticky oil to be effective at catching dirt headed for piston rings and cylinder walls.  Motor oil does a wimpy job at doing this. And since it stays runny, it is difficult to over oil with motor oil as it naturally runs with gravity towards the bottom of the filter.  You most certainly can over oil with the stickier stuff intended for the foam filters.  The cans are labeled with warnings and directions for proper application and use to which careful users can easily comply.

Certainly some oil is better than no oil in the filter.  But, the right oil works as intended and better than motor oil, in my opinion.
I still have a can of Uni spray filter oil I bought 10 years ago.  And, there is still some in it.  I feel it was an inexpensive purchase.

Cheers,