Rick and Hilda were at the house and we were comparing coaches. We were talking about air filter restriction indicator on the engine. I finally convinced Rick to open up his filter housing and take a peek at his filter. Glad we did. 15k asphalt miles since service. Also his vacuator valve was stuck closed. As I have found in the past the splintered bronze filter in the indicator line fittings was plugged in the air filter housing. The second one on the nipple was okay. Removed the one and reassembled. Filter sure do last longer with little restriction indications. Installed a new NAPA 2610 gold air filter and replacement vacuator valve I carry. Disappointingly didn't find a dead squirrel like last time.
Thanks Scott for checking things out with me and all the advice thinks for everything in the last couple of days
Rick and Hilda
No question, doesn't take many miles of dusty conditions to clog a filter.
And, irrespective of restriction, they degrade with time-- paper and glue don't have infinite life. 3 years is a reasonable life expectancy.
Said another way, you can replace a LOT of filters for the cost of replacing the engine because it got dusted!
So the point I was trying to make was people check to see that the restriction gauge works by sucking on the gauge hose, but you need to put a hose on the air filter housing to make sure the splintered brass screen are not completely restricted like these and others I have found in the past. If you dont recall the last time you changed the vacuator valve in the bottom of you air filter housing, its time to change it. They allow dust and water to exit the housing. They are very soft/supple and very active with the engine idling when new.
The squirrel was the find of the day Scott! lol.