formariz 12,051 #1 Posted November 2, 2014 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Digger 66 3,488 #2 Posted November 2, 2014 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 . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lars 526 #3 Posted November 2, 2014 Hmm why not just get a K&N filter?? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Desko 624 #4 Posted November 2, 2014 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. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,177 #5 Posted November 3, 2014 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,971 #6 Posted November 3, 2014 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. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JustinW.73 224 #7 Posted November 4, 2014 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites