Triumphrat

witecap4u · 01-04-2005

Can I use the K&N filter oil on my stock foam filter for my trophy 1200, or is that oil only for gauze filters.

tango · 01-04-2005

witecap4u,

The factory manual states.

The air cleaner can only be replaced as a complete assembly. No separate air filter is available for any Triumph model. Consequently, the airbox cannot be dismantled and the element cannot be removed or cleaned.

Now, of course the airbox can be split and the element removed for cleaning, but because it is foam it breaks up easilly.
Also the Haynes manual doesn't mention oiling the element.

Does anyone know if it is pre-oiled before assembly in the factory.

witecap4u · 01-04-2005

Before I tore everything apart, I was told to use 30wt. to oil it, which I will do if I cannot use the K&N stuff. I would would prefer to use K&N oil if it will work, but would like to hear that someone has used it before on one of these foam filters without any problems.

stevent · 01-04-2005

If you mean the red K & N filter oil, I imagine it would work fine, all it is is thin base oil and the oil on the filter just helps the dirt to stick to the foam.

I used the same oil for the filter as the engine, IE Mobil One 10w40. The stock filter does appear to be oiled from the factory, and I believe it's always been standard practice to oil foam filters.

I took mine out of the airbox, swished it around in a pan of gas, GENTLY worked the oil into it, let it drip dry for an hour or so and put it back in. You have to be careful with handling the filter element as the foam will pull away from the expanded metal base with rough treatment. I plan on cleaning mine every 20k or so as long as I can before I have to replace it. :-D

01-09-2005

Hi Whitecap

Been reusing these foam filters for a while now. I understand originally you could buy elements but Triumph stopped supplying as they were not being fitted properly.

You may need to use sealant or mastic around the element to make sure no air bypasses the filter.

These multilayer foam filters I think are motocross technology and were meant to be cleaned and then reoiled after every meeting

Not sure if it's a special oil that is needed.

I have been using "Green" cotton air fliter oil in a pump action aerosol. The oil sprays on real thin and then I leave it a while to allow any excess to come out.

I started doing this every 12k miles but am moving onto 24k miles.

I clean the filter by pouring turps or petrol through from from the carb side only. Blowing carefully with an iraline also helps. You need to be real careful not to get grit on the carb side of the filter.

Maybe manufactures of foam filters such as Pipercross will sell a special oil??

witecap4u · 01-10-2005

I just went ahead and used the K&N stuff, and all is well. The filter was very clean to begin with, as the bike only has 1000miles on it, but since I had the airbox apart, I thought I should clean it anyways.

Thanks for all the replies.

cs