Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

[Bob S.]

What is the proper/best way to clean the sealed type air cleaner on my '59/230?
Sully

[Bill I.]

Re: Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

Hey Irish, noticed you have not got any hits on your ?. But tell me, what is a sealed type air cleaner? Thanks, Bill Irwin (also Irish).

[Roy B.]

Re: Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

Put it in solvent for some time , shake it then air blow it clean

[Stuart F.]

Re: Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

I believe they are like what was common back in the day, i.e. some form of captive media such as hogs hair more commonly used in smaller filters such as the oil filler/breather caps or single/dual throat carb filters of the day. The "Stelling Hellings" chrome bonnets come to mind. All of us with three duces on our early Chevy V8's had them as they looked so cool. Many 4-barrel air cleaners also used the same type stuff, both OEM and after market. They sometimes were sealed, while others were 3 piece (top, bottom, and an element made up of an inner and outer Stainless perforated ring with the hog hair media inthe middle).

Stu Fox

[Bill I.]

Re: Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

Thanks Stu, NOW I remember. Also remember oil breather caps on the valve covers also like that. Bill.

[Bob S.]

Re: Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

Thanks Roy. I thought is would be that simple but wanted to be sure.
Sully

[Steven B.]

Re: Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

As Roy stated, put in solvent and air dry. I always soak mine up to the side and try not to immerse the top flame arresting material, then use compressed air then air dry. A little polishing and then back on the car. I believe one of the old manuals says to soak in gasoline. I don't do that anymore and I don't lean over the carbs while adjusting anymore either.

[Roy B.]

Re: Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

As Roy stated, put in solvent and air dry. I always soak mine up to the side and try not to immerse the top flame arresting material, then use compressed air then air dry. A little polishing and then back on the car. I believe one of the old manuals says to soak in gasoline. I don't do that anymore and I don't lean over the carbs while adjusting anymore either.

You take the fun out of it

[Steven B.]

Re: Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

You take the fun out of it

I leaned over toooooooo far---just once. It takes awhile to regrow eyebrows! My new "sun burn" hurt for a week! As for the gasoline--- you hear a pop from the back fire and see white smoke come out of the air cleaner louvers

[Stuart F.]

Re: Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

Steve;

You have to be ready put your hand over the carb. Remember when we used to choke to start that way?

Stu Fox

[Steven B.]

Re: Cleaning sealed type air cleaners

Steve;

You have to be ready put your hand over the carb. Remember when we used to choke to start that way?

Stu Fox

Yeah! The good old days! I used to choke like that! I used to take a Saturday, when not working, and adjust valves, set carbs and timing, clean or replace plugs and points, change oil and filter, lube and go to bed---Then Sunday, wash, polish and wax. That makes me tired just thinking about it now.