When it`s been cleaned....do I oil the top or the bottom of the filter?

 

The side exposed to where the outside air comes into the airbox - which is effectively the topside

 

That`s what I thought but it was the underside which was a bit mucky.

 

Suggest you check which side you think is the incoming air side.

Oil should be applied to incoming air ie normally dirty side.

 

Yeah, just make sure it's defo the side where the outside air comes into the box... That side of the filter should be dirty... while the 'MAF/intake/turbo' side will be all but new-looking.

 

Ahhh right ok. The top was spotless and the bottom was a bit soiled I thought it was that way but best to make sure, cheers peeps.

 

Yes, oil the bottom ;o)

 

Yeah sorry OP, I confused you with saying "the topside" - I couldn't recall properly.

 

Don't over oil.

 

I didn't, cheers

 

Rather than just oil it , if you look properly you can normally rotate the filter 180 degrees as when the air enters into the airbox you should find that you have a near vertical line going across the filter where one side is still clean, whilst the other is dirty.Simply rotate the filter and wait until that side is dirty as well, then clean the complete unit. If your talking about a k & n filter then you oil BOTH sides, and when you clean it you run water through the top to dislodge any particles.(water will be black), allow it to dry naturally the re oil each pleat.

 

For the benefit of others Simota have a web page which showing how to clean their filters http://www.simota.com/instruction.php. I'm the principles must be the same for others.

Midnight's tip of rotating the filter half way through the service interval helps maintain air flow and performance.

Granny Sucking Eggs MODE ON

I'm sure you all know this but, just in case, when rotating the filter DO NOT turn it over to present the clean side or all the crap that has been caught previously will go straight into the engine!!

GSE MODE OFF

 

I did notice that the dirty bit was in like an arc so as you say, could have just rotated it really and saved soe money. TBH, at £17 delivered, I thought it was an expensive cleaning kit really

 

I dont know where you bought it from but a K & N cleaning kit cost less than £10.00 delivered. I bought the oil in a aerosol can as well,just for good measure. At least you know now for next time.Here is a guide ,dead easy once it is done ,your filter is like brand new.

http://www.knfilters.com/instructions/18627B_inst.pdf

 

i bought the green cleaning solution and oil for 11 quid if i remember right. Should be enough for 3 or 4 cleans so not too bad value i think.