Caution on BHAF installation!

[HC]

I was installing my BHAF today, and in the process of cramming it into my available space, noticed a place where something was denting in the screen slightly. I took the filter out again for a closer look, and discovered that one pleat had split open along the fold. It was hard to spot without really good lighting, but it was definately an opening in my filter that could have let in dust and dirt. I recommend folks check their installations carefully to be sure you don't have the same problem, and consider having oil analysis from time to time to be sure you're getting the filtration you deserve.

 

[Big White Beast]

Old air box bolts....

Did you put something on the old air box bolts to flatten them out some? That's the only thing I can think of that would even get close to penetrating the filter. I've had mine for months now with no problem.



Take some 5/8" heater hose and put it over your A/C line though. It's thin aluminum and the rubbing could damage it.



Garrett

 

[DOWG]

I went to Lowe's and bought three rubber stoppers (in the specialty fastner drawers). I removed the plastic piece from the stock box bolts and drilled a hole (couldn't really make a hole, kind of just removed some material) half the size of the bolt in the rubber stoppers, I then just "screwed" the stoppers down on the bolts. The stoppers were about the size of a half dollar piece on one end and a "quarter" on the other; I put the small end down. This gave the filter three flat and relatively soft supports for the filter. I then got some of the perforated metal strips they sell over in the aluminum stock section. I bent it into a "U" over the filter and screwed it to the fender well on each side with self- tapping sheet metal screws. The stoppers are about 1-1/4 inches tall so the filter does not rub on the air conditioning line. Seems to work; time will tell.

 

[HC]

Re: Old air box bolts....

Did you put something on the old air box bolts to flatten them out some? That's the only thing I can think of that would even get close to penetrating the filter...

The filter was not "penetrated" - it was more of a blunt trauma caused by much less deflection (denting) than you might expect. That's why it suprized me - the filter was only pushed in about 1/8" by a very blunt interference, but one of the pleats split open.



My situation is at least partially unique, because I have another accessory that takes up a small portion of the space where the airbox used to be (ARB air compressor), so my space is a little more cramped than most. That said, I still felt like what happened to me might be "possible" with others. I'm not trying to scare anyone away from a good mod; I'm just saying "take your time and do it right. " The suggestions on hoses, rubber stoppers, etc. are all good and I recommend everyone pay attention to these details when installing the BHAF. For example, the split that happened to mine could also happen if someone closed the hood pushing the filter down onto a rubber-stopper covered screw.

 

[xbubblehead]

I noticed a small hole along one pleat in my BHAF yesterday. It is not in a location that would have been touched by any bolt or screw. I am wondering about the quality of these filters (mine was from NAPA). I would recommend everyone periodically inspect their BHAF (also inspect it before you leave the shop where you bought it; I really believe this small tear already existed when I installed it).

 

[Briar Hopper]

It happened to me too, the "dent" may be caused by shutting the hood on it, I think. It's hard to tell. The dent bulges outward, rather than in, and is at the firewall end of the air filter, nearly on top of the passenger side of filter... .

 

[jawbreaker]

okay, so does anyone have something around/over their bhaf to protect it? i just ordered mine today, and now y'all got me all nervous! also, i thought i remembered reading on here somewhere about someone who adapted their stock box filterminder so that it would mind their new moparguy filter.

 

[Big White Beast]

That was me.....

I used a piece of 4" abs and drill a ¾" hole for the filter minder. The gromat from the stock box works fine. The stock hose will clamp to one side. I then bought a dual hose clamp coupling with rubber insert. It's used for plumbing. Home depot has all the stuff. Once you get the 4" pipe check out their clamps for one that fits. 4" ABS in one side and filter on the other.



As far as problems with the filter I think quite a few people are running it now. If problems were significant I believe we would have heard more by now.



Garrett