Cleaning L185 air filter, washable air filter

[Russell King]

I was going to clean my air filter and recalled that the operator’s manual said it was washable. So I was going to do that just as a cost savings but the directions (shown below) are a bit confusing and reference two products that seem to be obsolete (Kubota Filter Cleaner or Donaldson ND-1500).


So my questions are:
1) Are the washable filters to be washed to remove dry dust (after blowing it out) or to remove oily and sooty dust (only)? In other words, wash the filter if it is not oily just to clean the filter of dust?

2) I looked on the internet and cannot locate any information about the products (soap?) that were recommended so have no idea what they were exactly. I would probably use some type of laundry detergent like Dreft or a Dr. Bonner soap in water but am curious if anyone knows of an actual alternative product for the Donaldson ND-1500?

3) Is Kubota saying that the filter must be replaced annually even if you are washing it up to six times? I do not get 100 hours on the tractor in one year so I don’t replace the filter annually (and probably forget to clean it as often as needed).

 

[Sawdust&Shavings]

I was going to clean my air filter and recalled that the operator’s manual said it was washable. So I was going to do that just as a cost savings but the directions (shown below) are a bit confusing and reference two products that seem to be obsolete (Kubota Filter Cleaner or Donaldson ND-1500).

View attachment 172085
So my questions are:
1) Are the washable filters to be washed to remove dry dust (after blowing it out) or to remove oily and sooty dust (only)? In other words, wash the filter if it is not oily just to clean the filter of dust?

2) I looked on the internet and cannot locate any information about the products (soap?) that were recommended so have no idea what they were exactly. I would probably use some type of laundry detergent like Dreft or a Dr. Bonner soap in water but am curious if anyone knows of an actual alternative product for the Donaldson ND-1500?

3) Is Kubota saying that the filter must be replaced annually even if you are washing it up to six times? I do not get 100 hours on the tractor in one year so I don’t replace the filter annually (and probably forget to clean it as often as needed).

My BX1870 just says to blow off the dust (inside to outside using 30psi or less) and use detergent to clean, let dry and reuse.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

The only reason to wash with a degreaser and water is for oily soot.
Air is best for most dusty filters.

 

[GeoHorn]

Blow it out with air from the inside…. then wash in warm water and common dish detergent. (I use Dawn.) Gently blow or ”sling” out excess water and dry in sunlight or gentle hair dryer if in-a-hurry.)

 

[007kubotaguy]

Russell. You're getting this information from a 45-year-old owners manual. Years ago there were companies that did this for fleets. Usually cost about half of what a new filter did. They were inspected and boxed up and returned. I don't think today many people wash filters anymore. The Napa 6270 filter that fits your tractor cost me under $15. Your tractor does not have an inner filter. So if you damage the outer filter you won't know you have an issue until it's too late. My son and I do a lot of service work. Air filters are the most neglected thing that we find on the equipment. Over serviced, under serviced , installed wrong, wing nut lose. I can go on. Many people believe an air filter needs to be taken out every day and blown out. My experience has been the more you handle the filter the more chance you have of getting dirt into the intake system. Many people don't believe but a dirty filter to a point actually filters better than a clean filter. If this was my machine I would throw the air filter away every year regardless of hours and replace it with new. Your tractor has lasted 40 plus years let's make it last another 40. Just my two cents worth.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Not sure if this helps, but it’s what I use for my trucks AFE filter.

(I have no affiliation with them besides using their filter in my truck)

https://blog.afepower.com/how-to-clean-your-oiled-or-dry-afe-air-filter/

 

[GeoHorn]

….. Many people don't believe but a dirty filter to a point actually filters better than a clean filter. ….

Yep. True.

Within Reason…..

The more important considerations when selecting an air filter is Fitment and Construction Quality.

Some filters are made so carelessly they do not actually FIT the airbox well… Or their construction was so hastily-performed the gaskets and elements mating surfaces are sloppy.

 

[imarobot]

Blow it out with air from the inside…. then wash in warm water and common dish detergent. (I use Dawn.) Gently blow or ”sling” out excess water and dry in sunlight or gentle hair dryer if in-a-hurry.)

This is how I do it and the detergent I use. I figure if Dawn works on ducks, it should work fine on an air filter.

 

[Russell King]

Thank you all for the replies.

I have almost always just replaced the air filter with a new one and will probably con to do that. I did not even think of getting it from anywhere but Kubota since it seemed somewhat of an odd shaped filter but it seems that it is actually more common than I had imagined.

My question was based on trying to save a bit of money if the washing was better than blowing out and then reading the manual again I was confused by their instructions on washing the filter. I have a couple of older filters just sitting around so was thinking about washing them just to see how that works but then couldn’t find the recommended products (which is not uncommon on older equipment).

I will proceed with the yearly changes using a new filter and blowing it out if needed during that time.

I will probably wash one or two old ones just to see how the process goes. Sometimes being retired just makes you do odd things you just want to do!

 

[GeoHorn]

….
. Sometimes being retired just makes you do odd things you just want to do!
…..

When that happens to me…. my wife just tells me to go away and find something else to do.

 

[imarobot]

When that happens to me…. my wife just tells me to go away and find something else to do.

I try to not let my wife see me do odd things.