Oil Bath Air Filter

[bpossel]

When I opened my air filter canister, I noticed that it was dry and has a K&N filter installed.  The filter looks very clean.

The K&N website says to only use their special oil to oil the filter element and not regular motor oil.

What is the proper procedure for oiling this filter?  If I use their oil then what oil goes in the canister?

Also, how much oil should be in the canister itself?

Thanks!
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[rwmastel]

I don't think it's an oil bath air filter, I think it's a normal air filter that you clean using the K&N cleaning oil.  This keeps the filter element sticky so air pollutants will stick to the filter element better.  This is needed because it's a high flow filter, which means it lets more air through, which means it lets more dirt through.

Can you refer us to the web page at K&N which describes your specific filter?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[bpossel]

Hi Rodd!

I just went to the K&N website and read in the general questions and answers area about how to reoil the filter element.

This K&N in my car was installed by the previous owner.

Should I just toss it, and buy the oil bath element that is supposed to go in the 280sl?

Comments, recommendations?
Thanks!
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by bpossel

Should I just toss it, and buy the oil bath element that is supposed to go in the 280sl?

Not unless your particular car is supposed to have an oil bath filter.  The "normal" filter and oil bath filter housings are completely different - ask our Australia friends.  Was your car originally a USA-delivery car?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[bpossel]

Rodd,

My car was a USA delivery car.  Originally delivered to a dealer in Los Angeles.

See attached pic

Is this just a standard, dry, air filter?

Thanks,
Bob

Download Attachment: airfilter.jpg
30.31 KB

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[rwmastel]

I would assume it is just by the fact that it's a USA car.  I think the oil bath was only for rural areas of the World.  Lots of dirt roads in Australia in the '60s and '70s, so they had them.  Maybe an Aussie could chip in here with an oil bath filter housing part number?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Naj ✝︎]

Bob,
Both the paper element and oil bath filter cannisters look the same from the outside.
Some paper element type bottom bowls have a hole in the base to hold a rubber buffer.
The oil bath ones have a dome and its painted red or orange to show how high the oil level needs to be. Then, they have a stack of three elements filled with wire mesh.
As Rod says, you probably have the paper element type and a new element should just drop in perfect. There should be a rubber seal ring on the outer upper edge of bowl and cannister cover.
Hope this helps.
naj

p.s: Could you post or email me a picture of the K&N filter and how it fits in the cannister?

[bpossel]

Thanks for the replys and info.

I will take some pics of the K&N filter in the bowl this evening and post.

Regards,
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320