Change the air filter regardless?

[BKunic]

I was changing the oil and noticed that the filter minder is still indicating a rather clean air filter. I checked the air filter and while it is dirty, it is a dry dirt. It does not have the oily goo that others here have reported. But, the truck has 26k on the ticker and this is still the original air filter. I guess that DC would say to follow the filter minder and don't change it. But with 26k miles on it, should I just go ahead and change it anyways? What is the longest anyone has gone between air filter changes anyways?



Bryan

 

[MCornwell]

Change

Change it and feel better. Mine was plenty dirty at 9,000 and



then agin at 20,000, couldnt see light through it. . blow-by coked





-Mitch

 

[roperteacher]

I rodeo and live in high dust environments. I change mine every 3,000 regardless with the oil. Filter costs less than 20. 00 so I don't ever trust the little indicator. . It's never been accurate on any of my trucks. .

 

[Ron Bissett]

The filter minder works on loss of P. S. I from clogging of the media as the filter gets dirty, less, and less area is available to filter the air letting it in to the system . The dirty filter will, to a point, clean the air better, than a new filter, as the holes are 100%open . A reset is on the top of the minder, push it and start the motor, see if it returns back to where it was before, you pushed the reset . You can spend money. and it will make you feel like you are getting a filter, that will better protect the motor and if this is so, do it . Or save your money and put it to better use. Your call, Your cash . Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY:-{} P. S forgot ,40,000 miles same filter , I do tap it, and clean the bottom of the box ,return it, and push the reset. Ron

 

[bighammer]

Neither my 94 nor 03 minders have ever shown anything. I know the filters have gotten pretty nasty though. If I can't see the tiniest bit of sun thru them, I replace 'em.

 

[C Schomer]

If you change it and notice better responsiveness... it was money well spent! Craig

 

[JLovas]

With our large ag tractors and combines... mechanics tell us not to touch the air filter until the indicator warns of excessive vacuum, then just throw the old one away and replace with new, rather than trying to clean the old filter. The reason for this is to eliminate the chance that dust/dirt will enter the air intake during an inspection. Air filters on our combines are subjected to a ton of chaff, and still last a surprisingly long time (about 100 hrs). And when I change filters, I make sure to do it when I have a shop vac available, because pulling the air filter out causes dust/chaff to fall off, and will make its way down the intake. So I then use the vacuum to clean the filter holder and what I can reach of the intake tube. Then put the new filter in, tighten up the cover and forget about it until the indicator goes off again.

 

[BKunic]

Thanks for the replies, I think I'll just replace it as I feel I've gotten my $'s worth out of it by now.



Later,



Bryan

 

[RAMINSPEED]

I got 1 MPG better after cleaning my filter after only 11000 miles. I'd change it or better yet buy a reusable filter.