LEFTY: "high-quality foam air filter oil"

pilsburypie
pilsburypie Posts: 891
edited February 2010 in MTB workshop & tech
What is this? Thinking of giving my lefty a bit of TLC - nothing too major, just like removing the protective boot, cleaning off the old grease and putting new teflon grease on and washing the air filter.

In the manual it talks of cleaning the foam air filter and then applying "high-quality foam air filter oil". I don't know where the "high-quality foam air filter oil" shop is..... can someone guide me? :wink:

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    it has an air filter!

    the only stuff I know of is the "oil" as used on the Foam car air filters like ITG

    so maybe have a chat with a car/bike workshop as i dont think it would be worth buying a can.

    or Call your Dale dealer and check.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • mmacavity
    mmacavity Posts: 781
    Silkolene, Castrol etc
  • pilsburypie
    pilsburypie Posts: 891
    Air filter located in bulge on upper boot..... Think it lets air in and out of the boot whilst not letting crap in..... See, these "amazing new" lefties employ "amazing new" technology! :?

    A snippet from the manual:
    "The air filter assembly is located over two holes in the outer tube. Air passes in and out of the ports as the fork moves.
    The air filter assembly stops the passage of dirt and water which would damage the internal fork components.
    The small holes (a) at the base of the air filter cover should remain open.
    The foam filter element (1) should be cleaned and re-oiled frequently.
    The small holes at the base of the filter cover should be positioned to the sides of the and not to the front or back of the bicycle to minimize the chance dirt thrown by the wheels will plug the holes.
    Clean the foam air filter element with warm soapy water, allow to dry completely, and reapply a high-quality foam air filter oil before reinstallation. Be sure to massage the oil into the foam. A foam element without the oil is ineffective."
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    pilsburypie
    sounds the same as treating the foam air filters on the race car. have a chat to motor sports supplier (garage).

    but I am sure that someone with a lefty will advise.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • mmacavity
    mmacavity Posts: 781
    http://www.castrol.com/castrol/generica ... Id=7010994
  • Sloper
    Sloper Posts: 141
    "high-quality foam air filter oil"

    Hmm. Motorcycle manufacturers always state you should use this on their air-filters, but in reality, I think most bikers know you can use any new clean engine oil. I don't see why it would be any different for the filter in your forks.

    You can also clean sponge air-filters in petrol, you don't need 'air-filter cleaner'. Swish it about, squeeze it out and let it dry thoroughly. Then dip it in oil, squeeze it a few times, take it out, and squeeze out all the excess oil.

    I've been doing that for years.
  • biff55
    biff55 Posts: 1,404
    i would imagine its similar to K & N filter spray oil , available from halfords etc.
    just a thought.
  • mmacavity
    mmacavity Posts: 781
    pilsburypie wrote:
    I don't know where the "high-quality foam air filter oil" shop is..... can someone guide me? :wink:

    Google: foam air filter oil

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