Cleaning Fuel Customs Filter: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to clean fuel customs filter

Fuel Customs offers high-flow intake systems for various vehicles, including the YFZ450R/X and KTM ATVs. These systems feature a custom-molded intake tube, an oversized fabric air filter, and an optional airbox. The filters used in these systems are typically cleaned and oiled using products from K&N, such as their cleaner soap and oil, or similar products from other brands like Klotz, Motorex, and Motul. FCI filters, which are custom-made for Fuel Customs by S&B, can also be cleaned and oiled using products from No Toil, such as their biodegradable cleaner and oil kit.

shunfuel

Using the K&N kit to clean a Fuel Customs filter

K&N is an industry leader in automotive filtration and technology, offering products to increase performance, protection, and longevity. K&N offers a range of performance products, including air intake systems, oil filters, and cabin air filters. K&N's air intake filters are designed to increase the efficiency of your engine's combustion process, resulting in both power increase and fuel savings.

K&N provides specific cleaning products for each type of filter. The K&N Recharger® kit can be used to clean and re-oil K&N High-Flow Air Filters™. It is important to note that K&N does not recommend using other detergents or solvents to clean your air filter, and only K&N oil should be used.

  • Remove the air filter from its housing, which could be the intake pipe, OE airbox, or custom assembly.
  • Carefully tap off all loose dirt and debris from the filter.
  • Spray K&N Synthetic Air Filter Cleaner or Power Kleen® filter cleaner onto both sides of the filter, focusing on the dirty side.
  • Allow the cleaner to soak for about 10 minutes. Do not let it dry on the air filter.
  • Rinse the filter with cool or warm (not hot) low-pressure water from the clean side out to flush out the dirt. You may need to use your fingers on the hose to apply light water pressure.
  • Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the water flowing through the filter is completely clear.
  • Gently shake off any excess water and let the filter dry naturally. Alternatively, you can use compressed air to speed up the drying process, but be cautious as compressed air may damage the filter fibers.
  • Before reinstalling, ensure the filter is dry or only slightly damp.
  • Follow the instructions in the K&N kit for re-oiling the filter.

By following these steps and using the K&N kit, you can effectively clean and maintain your Fuel Customs filter, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

shunfuel

Using Motorex Filter Cleaner and Motul Filter Oil

To clean your fuel customs filter, you can use the Motorex Filter Cleaner and Motul Filter Oil. This process involves a few steps to ensure your filter is clean and ready for use.

Firstly, remove the filter from your vehicle. It is important to ensure that the area you are working in is well-ventilated and that you are wearing appropriate protective gear, including gloves and eye protection. Place the filter in a well-ventilated area and, using a soft brush or cloth, remove any large pieces of dirt or debris.

Next, you will need to apply the Motorex Filter Cleaner. This product is designed to deep clean the filter and remove any built-up grime and contaminants. Follow the instructions on the product and ensure you are aware of any safety precautions. Spray the cleaner onto the filter, ensuring even coverage. Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended time, which will give it a chance to break down the dirt and oil.

Once the cleaner has been given time to work, you will need to rinse the filter. Use clean, warm water and ensure that all the cleaner and contaminants are removed. Gently squeeze the filter to remove excess water, and then leave it to air dry completely. It is important to ensure the filter is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Finally, you will need to re-oil the filter using the Motul Filter Oil. This oil is designed to enhance the performance of the filter and protect it from dirt. Follow the instructions on the product, ensuring you apply the correct amount. Once the filter is oiled, it is ready to be reinstalled in your vehicle.

shunfuel

Using No Toil biodegradable cleaner/oil kit

No-Toil is a popular choice for cleaning fuel customs filters. It is a biodegradable cleaner that is easy to use and effective. Users have noted that it is preferable to other methods that use toxic chemicals such as diesel fuel, paint thinner, gas, mineral spirits, or kerosene.

To clean a fuel customs filter with No-Toil, start by mixing a 1/4 cup of No-Toil filter cleaner with 1 gallon of warm water. Place the filter in the mixture and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, agitate the filter. You can also swish it around for 30 seconds. After this, take the filter out and rinse it with clean water.

Some users prefer to use Oxy-clean, which is available at Walmart, instead of No-Toil cleaner as it is cheaper and works just as well. The process is similar: fill a 2-gallon bucket with lukewarm water, add a scoop of Oxy-clean, and mix. Then, place the filter in the mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes. Repeat the process two more times, with the second repeat using a little Oxy-clean to ensure all the dirt is out. Finally, rinse the filter with water and dry it.

No-Toil is also a popular choice for oiling filters. To oil a filter with No-Toil, pour a couple of bottles of No-Toil oil into a large plastic bowl with a lid. Submerge a clean, dry filter in the oil, then squeeze out the excess oil back into the bowl. Put the lid on the bowl, and the excess oil can be used again.

shunfuel

Using standard cleaning products

Before you start, make sure you have the right protective gear, including gloves and safety goggles, to shield your skin and eyes from any harmful chemicals and debris. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any dangerous fumes from the fuel.

First, locate the fuel filter. This will differ depending on the make and model of your vehicle, so check your owner's manual. A common spot is under the car, just past the fuel pump, or in the engine bay. Place a bucket or jar under the filter to catch any spills and residual fuel. Next, remove the fuel filter from its housing or mounting.

Now, you can begin cleaning the filter. Pour out any remaining gas in the filter and gently tap both the fuel-in and fuel-out nozzles into the container to remove any loose debris. Then, spray the filter with a standard fuel system cleaner, such as B-12 Chemtool spray, or a similar product. These cleaners are designed to break down and dissolve oil stains and particles, restoring the filter's performance. After spraying the cleaner, use a compressed air spray gun to blow the fuel filter with high-pressure air, ensuring the complete removal of dirt and particles.

Finally, allow the fuel filter to air dry for at least an hour. Observe the condition of the filter surface to ensure there are no residual dirt and particles, confirming that the filter is thoroughly clean. Reinstall the filter and start the engine to test the cleaning effect.

shunfuel

Using K&N cleaning soap

To clean a fuel customs filter using K&N cleaning soap, start by removing the filter from its housing. Carefully tap off all loose dirt and debris. Then, spray the K&N® Synthetic Air Filter Cleaner onto both sides of the filter, focusing more on the dirtier side. Allow the cleaner to soak for about 10 minutes. Avoid letting the cleaner dry on the filter.

Next, rinse the filter with cool or warm (not hot) water, flushing from the clean side out to remove the dirt. If needed, apply light water pressure with your fingers on the hose. Repeat the rinsing step until the water runs clear, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. After rinsing, gently shake off any excess water.

Allow the filter to dry naturally, or use compressed air to speed up the drying process. Ensure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling it. If desired, you can also use a soft brush for light scrubbing during the cleaning process, followed by a double rinse with clean water.

Frequently asked questions

You can use the K&N cleaner and oil kit, the No Toil biodegradable cleaner/oil kit, or the Klotz filter cleaning solvent.

Spray the filter with the cleaning soap and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, rinse it out from the inside, let it dry, and oil it.

No, you can use standard cleaning stuff to clean and oil the filter.

You can use Motorex Filter Oil or Motul Filter Oil.

The FCI filter is a good filter that you can clean and re-oil. You can use the K&N recharger kit to clean it.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment