Topic: 77 CB550K Polyurethane Element 17352-374-003 Replacement?

[Maraakate]

I was cleaning out the airbox on my 77 CB550K and noticed that the element under the filter was basically soot.  Totally disintegrated.  This part has long been discontinued, there's even a thread on here from 2011 mentioning that someone tried using Uni Foam Filter but that it may have been somewhat coarser than they original element.  There seems to be no aftermarket version of this part.

Has anyone successfully fabbed up something?  I'm trying to keep things as stock as I can.

[bryanj]

Nylon pan scourer

[Maraakate]

Really?  Because the book says Polyurethane.  I'm not sure if the absence of this thing affects the air/fuel ratio in a meaningful way unless if it was plugged.  Any comments on riding it without it for a short time until I find something?

[FourUsTry]

I got some open cell polyurethane but it didn't seem to allow much air through so I got some lawnmower filter material cut a piece to size and oiled it. Not sure if this is ideal, though. Maybe someone else has a better idea.

[Bankerdanny]

You can buy replacement foam. Some people just use a piece of red scotch bright. The foam just serves to keep oil from coming up though the vent into the air filter.

[1976cb750f836]

Hardware stores sell a universal AC filter that's cut to fit, and under 5$