Re: [FWDLK] Air Cleaner Conversion

[jlsavard@xxxx]

In a message dated 11/10/02 1:33:04 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
dhomstad@xxxx writes:

> This is what I did to my 56 Dodge 4 barrel air cleaner. It looks totally
> stock on the outside. All 55/56 Mopar 4 barrel air cleaners are the same.
> 
> 

Dave,
I read this and want to commend you for the effort you put forth to research 
the project. I can't remember how the oil-bath cleaners were put together 
any more but that doesn't matter now. A low restriction paper filter with a 
stock look is neat!

What I DO want to mention is this:
I was working in the Chrysler Engineering Air Cleaner Lab as a test 
technician during the transition from oil-bath to paper filter elements, and 
was the one that conducted filter efficiency tests. We used "Calibrated" 
dirt supplied by a division of Generous Motors. It was about the consistency 
of flour, and had certified percentages of various particle sizes.

Oil-bath cleaners will eat a ton of dirt without appreciable increase in 
restriction. The dirt gets trapped by the oil film, then drains back into 
the sump at shutdown. As I recall, efficiency averaged about 84-87%. Paper 
filters operate at 0ver 98% efficiency new and get slightly better as they 
get dirty with a corresponding increase in restriction until they get 
unusable.

The absolute worse air cleaner elements I ever tested were the ones made from 
a thin layer of oiled foam. They didn't filter very well to begin with, 
clogged soon because of the dirt collecting on the surface layer, and if you 
waited a little too long to service them, they would suddenly collapse and 
deliver a large handful of gritty, oily dirt to your engine, usually at wide 
open throttle.

Joe Savard
Lake Orion, MI


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