K&N airfilters body destroyed!

[Yoshi]

have a little problem and maybe one of you can help, usually im put on the right track! I have a '95 S3 and the box the air filter sits in just behind the carbs (from front wheel back) is cracked along the hinge edge. It doesnt seem to be drawing air through the crack but I need to replace it. Does anyone know of a dealer who may supply a replacement as im a bit stuck...and im in the UK (so thanks to the US people but would prefer a local supplier). So anyone with any ideas? I e-mailed K&N and got no response.......

[Yoshi]

have a little problem and maybe one of you can help, usually im put on the right track! I have a '95 S3 and the box the air filter sits in just behind the carbs (from front wheel back) is cracked along the hinge edge. It doesnt seem to be drawing air through the crack but I need to replace it. Does anyone know of a dealer who may supply a replacement as im a bit stuck...and im in the UK (so thanks to the US people but would prefer a local supplier). So anyone with any ideas? I e-mailed K&N and got no response.......

[crashmasterd]

I do not understand what you mean by "hinge side." The 95 Speed Triple should have a plastic airbox with a row of screws surrounding it. On the carburetor side it should have three rubber boots, and on the rear side it should have two airways leading backwards.

These early airboxes were notoriously prone to cracking, particularly around the screw holes. This is worse if the box has been opened for the installation of a K&N airfilter.

It is possible that you have some kind of aftermarket doohickey, or it's also possible that I don't know what I'm talking about. My experience is only with 96 and newer triumphs.

If it is the factory airbox you probably can still order a new one from a reliable dealer (for instance, Jack Lilly). Failing that, your options are a bit limited. K&N does make a kit that includes 3 separate cone style air filters. This looks great, but will probably cause a bit of a flat spot on your torque curve. Working with a good tuner may be able to solve this.

If all else fails remember that Epoxy is your friend. :hammer: :hammer:

[nyspeedtriple]

I replaced my factory element on my 95 Trophy 3 and found out that the only way to replace it with a K&N was to remove the factory box and carefully open it and replace the stock filter. They were definately known for cracking since they're a pain in the arse to remove since there is no room to do so, even gnomes might have a hard time. The factory box is quite expensive so I would check to see if anyone has one lying around or even e-bay.

Scott

[Yoshi]

thanks guys and it is the a modified part, someone has been tinkering and now its cracked all the way across. The bike was raced in the triple challenge so a few bits have been changed but for the better in the whole. I have managed to source an original airbox assembly and will be fitting it this weekend but a bit concerned what else I might have to do to fix other bodge fixes. Jack Lilley not only are supplying the parts but sent me a technical drawing of how it should be put together. They are just sooooo helpful!
Now just need to find a gnome to get in there and fix it!!!!

[crashmasterd]

One thing that I did to make the air box much easier to remove and install was to cut a slot down the back half so that it comes off in two pieces. This way the two air snorkels come off (by removing all the screws around the edge) and the airbox proper can be slid backwards significantly further.

You might try this if you have a spare. Just take a saw or rotary tool and make a vertical cut down the exact center of the back half of the airbox (between the snorkels) Then, get some weather stripping and make a gasket that will cover the slot. As long as the slot is more or less sealed it won't effect the harmonics of the air box to change the performance.

My Trident is running with this modification to this day and runs very well.

Just be very careful when removing and installing the screws that hold the box together!