Do the foam filters need oiling?

[oscar_m]

HI,

I was checking my spark plugs after a ride recently and it seems the bike runs a little lean. I did replace old foam on the air filters through the winter and I wonder if I need to oil them. Before the change the bike ran rather rich, but old filters where really in bad shape. Now it seems somehow ok without oil - so do "to oil or not to oil" - that is the question...

thanks

Oskar

[Airhead]

I always though foam filters had to be oiled to work correctly

[Preload]

They do need oiling..

[Cynic]

Cheap and nasties will need oiling. Genuine ones come ready done in my exp.

I always though you oiled foam filters regardless.

[NEV]

_{Yes they do need oiling, K&N actually sell an oil just for that purpose, but any light oil will do the job, also a point to note, is that when cleaning the foam filter, never use petrol, always use a warm soapy water, as petrol will rot the foam, and it will disintigrate over time, dropping rotted foam particles into the carb.}