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Topic: Air filter change  (Read 1049 times) previous topic - next topic

Air filter change

Not to open the " what's the right filter discussion", how many rely on the filter minder gauge to replace the filter. Mine is reading 12", at what reading do you change it.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Air filter change

Reply #1 –
I look at ours when I check the oil. Each engine manufacturer has a different restriction limit. Damp conditions may cause it to read higher. Especially true on U300/U280 with the air filter inlet behind the rear wheels. Here it is:

Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Air filter change

Reply #2 –
Pierce.
 The air filter inlet is behind the rear tires ??  Seems as though ours is up above by the camera.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Air filter change

Reply #3 –
Bob,

I think your '95 GV has the same rear cap arrangement (with high-up air intake) as the Unicoach models that followed it.  That, plus the larger front hatch opening and the retarder, are but a few of the design advantages to your unique "crossover" model.  Be happy that you got a rare one!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Air filter change

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Bob,

I think your '95 GV has the same rear cap arrangement (with high-up air intake) as the Unicoach models that followed it.  That, plus the larger front hatch opening and the retarder, are a few of the design advantages to your unique "crossover" model.  Be happy that you got a rare one!


We are!!!!    :D


Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Air filter change

Reply #5 –
As important as is the current reading, I like to record the initial restriction after replacing the air filter.  Then I monitor how it increases.

Also, be aware that these are made of paper and glue.  So replacing every 3 years or so is a VERY good idea.

Remember, if there is a tear in a pleat the air filter minder will NOT show it, as the tear lowers restriction.  Replacing on a timely basis is sure less expensive than repairing a "dusted" engine.

And, has been covered in another thread, but bears repeating, direction of air flow is critical in choosing the correct filter.  Filters can have exactly the same dimensions, but be designed for either "outside to inside" or "inside to outside" air flow.  Yes, some are bi-directional. 
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Air filter change

Reply #6 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –

Also, be aware that these are made of paper and glue.  So replacing every 3 years or so is a VERY good idea.
 

Brett,

Your opinion on the "Donaldson Blue" filters?
Are they worth the extra $$$?

Justin
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Air filter change

Reply #7 –
Not sure about Brett,worth it to me.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Air filter change

Reply #8 –
Not Brett, but here's a thread where the subject of air filters was discussed in depth...some would say "to death".

Quite a bit of chat about the Blue filters.  Don't remember if there was ever a consensus on value versus cost...I fell asleep half way through.

Possible water in air filter?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Air filter change

Reply #9 –
The air filter intake location on many GVs could not be possibly worse. Check to see where your air cleaner gets it's air from. If it's down behind the rear wheels, consider a modification like Foretravel did to their later GVs. With the behind the wheel location, moist air from wet roads will be sucked in along with leaves, twigs, etc and may cause the glue to deteriorate. Never install a K&N filter.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Air filter change

Reply #10 –
Our intake (95) is up at the rear camera
location. EXCEPT for a slight mod by a PO, see photo below.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Air filter change

Reply #11 –
Quote from: FourTravelers –
Our intake (95) is up at the rear camera
location. EXCEPT for a slight mod by a PO, see photo below.
Is the mod for general engine compartment cooling or something else?
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: Air filter change

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Mark Duckworth –
Is the mod for general engine compartment cooling or something else?

No, it's actually the air intake for the turbo. It's cut into the air box that is used to "offset" the air duct from the outside corner of the coach above the tail lights to a more inward position to line up with the vertical air separator before going to the horizontal filter housing.
I have some pics posted somewhere here on the forum from last year. I had to modify the PO's version because he had no provisions to keep out water and debris.
It's all good now!  :)
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Air filter change

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
Pierce.
 The air filter inlet is behind the rear tires ??  Seems as though ours is up above by the camera.
Yours may be as there were a lot of changes to the 1995 model. 1994 also had the good modification (but not up by the camera) as well as some 1993 models. You have the slick monster engine door as well as the large opening on the front end. Really nice coach.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Air filter change

Reply #14 –
I am not sure I am a fan of the side air scoop feeding the engine air intake system.

Can just picture driving in a rain storm and amount of water working its way along the whole side of the coach and into that scoop.  Can see it overwhelming the small "duckbill valve".
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Air filter change

Reply #15 –
I have modified it so water cant flow down the intake, intake pipe is raised several inches above the floor of the box. Also the bottom of the cutout for the box is higher than the bottom of the intake scoop. You are correct though...... the way it was before my modification, any water that could enter the box, could get down to the air separator.

Not sure if this intake helps the turbo or not but in my opinion the air going in is cleaner than it would be from the original location because of the backdraft created by the coach lifting up dust and debris.

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota