air filter, & dash switch questions

helen&tony · Post by **helen&tony** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:55 pm

Hi
I’m just doing a service, and the question of the air filter arises. In the “glovebox” handbook it states that the air filter needs changing at 5000Km. Surely that can’t be right. I’ve never had a vehicle with such a large air filter that needs such service intervals. I usually replace it annually, or more often if it’s grubby. Another query is that when I switch the dashboard switch to turn on the rear aircon, the little light in the switch no longer functions….is it possible to take the switch apart, or is it a case of the “hot- knife” and some glue? I haven’t approached the job yet, so I was seeking a bit of prior knowledge.
Many thanks in anticipation
Helen

brorabongo · Post by **brorabongo** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 4:22 pm

You might find that turning the filter around a little helps. I noticed on mine a dark black circle at the intake. As far as I know diesels intake massive amounts of air, compared to a petrol engine. Thus gets dirty quicker?

I have now changed to a K & N

now just needs cleaned and oiled now and again.

smartmonkey · Post by **smartmonkey** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 10:48 am

Turning it around is a bad idea. The bit gets blocked up because it is first in line for all the sticky muck to land on. This bit is effectively useless for passing air through but great for allowing all the sticky muck to accumulate on without doing further harm. By turning the airfilter you are presenting a clean and useful bit of filter to be blocked up thus reducing the filter area further. Always put it back in the same place or replace the filter.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 2:17 pm

My sentiments (sediments?) exactly smartmonkey... That dirty bit is effectiveley a better filter, not as good at letting air through granted,but the smaller the opening,the less particulates can pass through

I see peeps are catching on to K&N's a bit now... I generally got a "how many manufacturers filters could you buy for £40?" when i first posted about fitting one...

helen&tony · Post by **helen&tony** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 3:09 pm

Hi
Thanks for the comments, and I shall try an LED rather than a bulb, but a bulb was my first thought as I haven’t seen any electronics vendors over here. It looks like making internet orders from abroad. I’m never too sure about turning air filters around, as by the time dirt figures on the inside of the filter by the air inlet, the filter is no longer functional. I was just confused about the mileage quoted in the handbook, and on the Bongo factsheet it says 50000Km. I don’t know what to think about aftermarket air filters on a standard vehicle as a replacement for the factory original, as , if the claims for increased airflow and performance are to be believed, then other original factory settings, for example fuel settings, must be changed to accommodate this.
Cheers
Helen