oil bath filter

[Jack Long]

I believe my air filter is of the "oil bath" type. That seems a big title for "sponge soaked in oil" which is what it appears to be. Can I just put in a dry filter or is there some dark juju at work that would make that a bad idea?

[delmarrey]

Boats basically just need a screen w/ or w/o a foam cover to keep out any air born materials that might be floating around in the engine room. They are not like cars where there is road dust, bugs and such.

Although, on gasoline engines there should be a spark arrestor.

[scotty]

nope an oil bath filter would be really bad in a boat. they are literally a puddle of oil that gets spread around the walls of the filter housing by the air flow. they collect dust just by it sticking the oil surface, and in a boat they would allow oil to flow in to the intake when the boat heals or goes up and down waves.

what you have is called and oil soaked filter, and they do work very well, you just need to clean them and reoil. a paper filter could be installed but when it gets dirty you throw it away, also they might get holes if it gets wet ( maybe the paper is water resistant i dont know )

[Jack Long]

anyone using a K&N style automotive filter?

[Ex-Calif]

Not sure why you would want to change.

When you change the engine oil you remove the air filter. You wash it in dishsoap and water and squeeze it out like a sponge.

You use the last drainings from the new oil to "wet" the foam filter, you squeeze out the excess and install.

Wash your hands and have a well deserved beer. By the way the foam filter will last for a long time. You will have to carry a supply of paper filters if you switch.

[Jack Long]

I am not sure I have a good answer for that Ex. And you make it sound so easy... Maybe I will give it a try and see.

[fcsob]

A real oil bath is like the old vw bugs had. You can still buy the foam filters & they work ok. K & N filters are great, I've used them for years, a little expensive but I think worth the price.

[David M]

I use K&N's. No need to throw away air filters any longer. Using them, I am still covored under Cummins warranty.