Air Filters: Keeping Your Powersport Machines Running Smoothly in Utah's Dusty Conditions

Dirt and Your Intake Do Not Mix

Living in the beautiful state of Utah offers us breathtaking scenery for riding. However, the dirt here can be quite damaging. It is fine and gritty, easily getting into everything. Plus, it has a high clay content. When it rains, the dirt turns into a messy situation. While I adore our state, I’m not a fan of how this dirt can affect our machines.

The Impact of Dirt on Powersport Engines

In the world of powersports, dirt plays a significant role, except for personal watercraft (PWCs) and snowmobiles. All air-aspirated engines need air to function. Specifically, they require CLEAN air for optimal performance. Manufacturers have gone to great lengths to design effective systems that keep air entering your machine’s intake clean. These systems rely on being fully sealed.

What does this mean for you? It means that all those hose clamps, box clips, and cable ties serve a crucial purpose. The filtration system needs to be sealed tightly to function properly.

Problems Arising from Poor Sealing

So, what happens if the system isn’t sealed correctly? We had a customer come in for a full service recently. Upon inspecting the air filter, we noticed something unusual: the clean air side of the filter was covered with oil and dirt. This indicated an improperly installed air filter, leading to an open air gap. This gap compromises the entire primary air filter's effectiveness.

During our investigation, we had to disassemble and clean several components, including the airbox lid, base, filter, intake hose, throttle body, and intake manifold. A small gap may seem trivial, but it can lead to significant issues.

Here is what we found while cleaning the affected parts:

The Importance of Cleaning Air Filters

Ray Kroc once said, "If you have time to lean, you have time to clean." And clean we did! We spent about two hours disassembling the system and cleaning it thoroughly. For plastic parts, we used parts degreaser, water, and a lot of elbow grease. For the throttle body and intake manifold, we utilized mineral spirits-based cleaner in our parts washer.

Upon inspection, we looked at the tops of the combustion chambers and were relieved to find no dirt or grime. It seems that most of the debris got trapped before reaching the ports.

Here is what it should always look like when maintained well:

Keeping Your Machine in Top Shape

1. Communication is Key: When you have your machine serviced, make sure to ask the technician to explain their work. They should be open to discussing everything they did. Never assume that the job was done perfectly, as technicians can miss things, just like anyone else.

   
   

2. Routine Checks Matter: Before hitting the trails, check your ride thoroughly. Inspect the oil levels, coolant, tires, and CV axles. If you have a jack, check the wheel bearings and bushings.

   
   

3. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or you find an issue, don’t hesitate to contact your mechanic. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your machine and safety.

   
   

With proper care and attention, your powersport vehicles can give you the thrill of a lifetime while navigating the dusty Utah landscape.