Which is the better filter?

[formariz 12,051]

Wondering on everyone's opinion on which is the better air filter; regular pleated filter perhaps with oil soaked foam surround , or an oil bath air filter?

The easy maintenance on a modern pleated air filter is convenient, however there is a certain appeal/cool factor to the oil bath cleaner.

[Digger 66 3,488]

My humble opinion is as follows .

 

Paper filters are convenient but they can only be " blown out " a couple times before they are ruined .

I like the old style oiled foam filters ( so much so I even have one on my pickup ) .

I believe they trap more dirt & let an engine breathe better than paper , but I have no proof to back this up . 

[Lars 526]

Hmm why not just get a K&N filter??

[Desko 624]

Oil bath filters are no good they only clean 30% of the air ran through the engine while paper cleans 99% of the air 100% if you have the pre cleaner and everything is good we have one on a old 1961 John Deere 3010 and it builds up some slime in there.

[pacer 3,177]

I dont know the figures desko quoted but over the last many years I've read several topics around this and --- well... thats why the oil bath filtration types were discontinued long ago. Aside from the inconvenience - and expense of manufacturing - they just dont work as well as paper filters.

[squonk 43,971]

Filters aren't that expensive.  Buy a paper one, spend the 2 bucks more and get the foam pre-cleaner. In 2 yrs. spend another 2 bucks on another pre-cleaner.   

[JustinW.73 224]

I personally have never liked oil bath filters. I think someone has tested both and the oil bath filter gets WAY less than 50% of dirt. Paper filters with oiled pre filter is a lot better.