[Apex Motorsports]

How To Properly Recharge An Oiled Filter

Another frequently asked question is how to properly clean and re-oil an oiled filter (this process is often referred to as “recharging” your filter). The answer is typically a lot simpler than most consumers expect to hear! By recharging the filter you can reduce air flow restriction caused by debris build up on the filter, as well as bring the filter closer to its original appearance. Recharging the filter prolongs the longevity of the filter, allowing you to re-use it rather than discarding it, thus making your oiled filter a lifetime use filter.

Most oiled filters use the same recharge process and many times the same type of filter oil. The process described below is the shamelessly highjacked directions for the Cold Air Inductions Inc. high performance oiled air filter, and is not intended to be followed or implied as proper recharge instructions for all other brand filters. Although most of the oiled filters on the market follow the same basic recharge steps, it is always recommended to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your oiled filter. Here are the steps to recharge a CAI Inc. oiled filter:

**Before starting ensure to use the proper safety precautions such as gloves and safety glasses**

Step 1. Remove - Remove the filter from your vehicle and ensure that no dirt or other debris enters the intake tube while the filter is off.

Step 2. Pre-Clean - Using your hand and/or compressed air (no more than 100 psi using a standard air nozzle) remove the larger visible debris from the outside of the filter. When using compressed air keep the nozzle at least 6” from the filter media.

Step 3. Clean - Spray the outside of the filter with the supplied CAI Inc. cleaning solution until the entire outer filter media is evenly saturated. Allow the filter to rest so the solution can soak in for 15 minutes.

Step 4. Rinse - Rinse the Filter with warm water by running the water from the clean side of the filter thru to the dirty side of the filter, so that the water can flush the dirt out and off of the filter.

Step 5. Dry - Allow the filter to air dry naturally. (DO NOT use heat sources in attempt to dry the filter faster as this may damage the filter media fibers and/or shrink them.)

Step 6. Oil – Once dry, apply the supplied CAI Inc. oil solution to the outside of the filter media using 1 spray for every 2 square inches of filter media. DO NOT OVER OIL

Step 7. Dry – Allow oiled filter to dry for 30 minutes so that oil can soak into and “recharge” the filter media. You should be able to handle the filter without the oil coming off on your hands, once this is the case your filter is ready to be reinstalled.

Step 8. Reinstall – Properly reinstall your recharged filter and make sure all connections are tight.

Step 9. Drink A Beer - Figure that one out on your own.