Snorkel Pre Cleaners

[mightymouse]

Have been using an oiled foam precleaner in my snorkel since it was fitted.
After a few discussions, it seems not everyone knows about these

Mine consists of a foam "sock" that drops into the snorkel top and is held in place by the snorkel head.

The precleaner is oiled with the usual motorbike foam air filter oil ( requires very little ).

To say they are effective is a major understatement, after around 500km's of dusty driving my main filter is still like new.
The sock is simply washed in petrol, re-oiled and reused - the amount of dirt that it traps is mindblowing.

This pays for itself in no time, keeps the snorkel innards clean and can be washed out in the bush for multi day trips.

Can't recommend them too highly.

P.S. - air filter maintenance has been demonstrated to be "weakness" for some. You know who you are.

[andrew_wale]

These things are only about $20.00 and available in Melbourne.

They are available in 2 types.

1. Snorkel Sock (Called a Droopy).
- Fits inside the snorkel

2. Ram Head pre filter
- fits over the top of the Snorkel Head.. Take 2 seconds to take on/off

Brown Davis Automotive
* 47 Holloway Drv Bayswater 3153
* (03) 9762 8722

[gwagensteve]

I don't like them. I had one in my hilux and I think they are power restrictive and high maintenance, especially once leaves/twigs etc get in the ram.

A donaldson top spin is a far better option. Still costs some power but a very effective pre cleaner, and almost maintenance free. At speed they even pull rainwater out of the inlet air.

Steve.

[mightymouse]

I think we are just going to have to agree to disagree on this one Steve.

Manometer shows no difference in intake depression - but as its virtually zero its a little difficult to tell exactly.
Over oiling of oiled foam filters can cause restriction, very little oil is needed in practice, something people often struggle with

Given the design of the spin top, I would think it would introduce some pressure drop but I havn't measured it, so its speculation, but I certainly agree that they do work well and are low maintenence. There's certainly good reasons for them being fitted to heavy duty machinery working in dirty environments.

The issue of relative aerodynamics of "ram" vs spintop is also an open question.

This is a personal opinion, but to me spin tops are ugly and dont look the place on a road(ish) vehicle.
The plasitic going yellow with UV also isn't a great look - but perhaps they were very old units.
I'm not sure many would fit them to anything but a "off road only" vehicle, whereas the sock is completely invisible.

Yes the sock is a maintenance item, but its quick, cheap and easy and they are highly effective in collecting dirt.

Effective air filtration for a hard working 4WD is a very important factor in engine life. As things get dustier the situation will worsen.

P.S. I think the "hoods" have too little surface area to be effective over a reasonable period.

[andrew_wale]

I purchased a Ram Head pre cleaner.

The guy did say that it was not for everyday use as it is affected by UV etc.
I did not have an issue with that as I just intend to use it when out on dusty tracks and out 4WDing.

It seems pretty easy to make. all I need to do is go to Clarke Rubber, buy some of the appropriate foam and oil. There you have it.

I will try and get some camo foam..

[andrew_wale]

The oiled part of pre cleaner is 7mm Air Conditioner foam available from Clarke Rubber.

All I need to do is source the foam that slips over the Snorkel Head.

Can't get camo colour though.. Comes in Black or Black.