Air Cleaner Restoration

[frank drakman]

I am going to be installing the air cleaner on the TC and wanted the List's "wisdom" with respect to this item. I believe traditionally the way to clean the filter was to soak it in Kerosene. With all the developments over the years is kerosene still the way to go?

Secondly, I have heard that others over the years have managed to somehow put a more modern filter element inside the old body. This would do a better job at bringing in cleaner air to the motor. While this type of modification would, of course, not be necessary..do you all think it is worth the trouble?

Lastly I would appreciate it if anyone who has done this type of modification would advise how you did it. I assume the "new" element could thereafter be changed as required?

Thanks in advance,

Rob Greaves

[sculptart@aol.com]

Rob, I am running my TC with an air filter inside a reproduction air cleaner from Abingdon Spares. This reproduction does not have the internal baffleing found in an original filter can and has enough space inside to fit a filter from a US spec.1980 MGB (my other car). A minor modification was made to the aluminum base and the result is an easy to replace filter, which is readily available from suppliers and outwardly appears to be original. If you are fortunate to have an original air cleaner, the method you described is the way to "refresh" the air filter. BTW, if you have access to a source of compressed air, "backblow" a paper element filter every few thousand miles or so and you can easily double or triple the life of an air filter as long as it is not oily and you drive few dirt roads. My best, Ben Cordsen, TC 4260

[brian bax]

Hello everyone, Modern foam air filter elements can also be fitted inside the reproduction casings. In the UK the Peugeot 205/Citroen Visa element is easily obtained and inexpensive. Must be better than a handful of oily wire wool! Regards, Brian Bax TC3550.