How to Clean a Screaming Eagle Air Filter
by Thomas West
Harley-Davidson has been making motorcycles for more than 100 years, and racing has been part of that heritage since 1905. Harley-Davidson’s line of Screamin’ Eagle (or Screaming Eagle) engine parts can help propel a motorcycle to 200 miles per hour. A high-flow Screamin’ Eagle air filter kit offers improved engine performance over the stock air cleaner. Because the air filter element is exposed, it will need regular cleaning for maximum performance.
Step 1
Locate the air filter on the right side of the motorcycle just below the fuel tank. Loosen the clamp holding the filter with a Philips screwdriver in a counter-clockwise direction. Pull the air filter out of the air tube by hand.
Step 2
Rap the air filter on a hard surface to loosen dirt particles. Brush the filter with a soft brush to remove any remaining dirt.
Step 3
Spray the filter pleats generously with air filter cleaner (available at a Harley-Davidson dealer) and allow it to soak it for 10 minutes before continuing.
Step 4
Rinse the filter with a low-pressure garden hose from the inside out. Shake the excess water out of the filter by hand and allow it to air dry completely before continuing.
Step 5
Spray each air filter pleat with air filter oil (available at your Harley-Davidson dealer). Hold the sprayer 3 inches from the filter while spraying. Let the oil soak in for 20 minutes before continuing.
Step 6
Inspect the filter and apply air filter oil to any spaces that were missed with a squeeze bottle (identified by white spots on the pleats). Allow the oil to absorb for several minutes.
Step 7
Push the air filter -- with the logo facing up -- onto the air tube approximately 5/8 of an inch. Tighten the clamp with a Philips screwdriver in a clockwise direction. Use a torque wrench with a Philips head attachment and make sure the clamp screw is tightened to 30-40 inch pounds.
References
Tips
- The air filter can be cleaned by filling a shallow pan with air filter cleaner and rolling the air filter element through the cleaning solution. Remove the air filter and allow to soak for 10 minutes.
- Instead of spraying the oil, use a plastic squeeze bottle to apply air filter oil to each pleat on the element.
Things You'll Need
- Philips screw driver
- Soft brush
- Air filter cleaner
- Garden hose
- Air filter oil
- Plastic squeeze bottle
- Torque wrench with Philips head attachment
