What do you guys use to clean your Unifilters?

Started by RedZ1K, July 24, 2019, 07:22:57 PM

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RedZ1K

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Or, what shouldn't you use?  I pulled mine off today to clean it, thinking I could just use dishsoap and hot water like I have with filters in the past, but that Maxima Fab-1 oil is some crazy stuff!  Goes on slick and FREEZES on the foam for a bit, before turning into some of the stickiest shit I've seen.  No amount of working it with soap and water would loosen it up and I just made a mess of my hands (and kitchen sink, sorry babe).  I have K&N cleaner somewhere but couldn't find it and I feel like it wouldn't have done much anyway.  I ended up using brake cleaner, which worked perfectly (I fuckin love brake cleaner!), and only used it on the outer foam, but just curious what you guys use.
2018 ZForce 1000
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NMKawierider

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#1
Have to use their cleaner. Otherwise you can not get it all out. I buy the spray kits. I get about 10 services out of one kit. This one:

https://www.amazon.com/Maxima-70-799202-2PK-Filter-Maintenance-Aerosol/dp/B00FFZU0P0/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Maxima+FAB-1&qid=1564015010&s=gateway&sr=8-2


If you have lots of oil left you can just get the cleaner:
https://www.amazon.com/Maxima-Racing-79920S-Filter-Cleaner/dp/B07564PLDC/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Maxima+FAB-1+Cleaner&qid=1564015164&s=gateway&sr=8-1

 
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Sockman

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^^^  What he said.  Use the UNI cleaning/oil kit for your UNI filter. 
2017 Zforce 800 EX
UNI filter, SuperATV high clearance a-arms, half windshield, nerf bars, Windjammer rear window, overhead storage, Bighorns, Bandit suspension Gen3 shocks, rear camera

RedZ1K

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Ok maybe that's what I'll do.  I ordered the filter and oil from fortnine.ca (waay cheaper than Amazon) and I see they have a 64oz jug for a decent price so I'll probably just get that.  Thanks guys
2018 ZForce 1000
Elka Stage 3/4 shocks
3" lift
Front and rear bumpers
Light bar
UniFilter
Custom built overhead stereo console

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Quote from: RedZ1K on July 24, 2019, 11:38:43 PM
Ok maybe that's what I'll do.  I ordered the filter and oil from fortnine.ca (waay cheaper than Amazon) and I see they have a 64oz jug for a decent price so I'll probably just get that.  Thanks guys
Just what ever oil or foam treatment you use, if they have a cleaner, use it. Something else I'll share with you is this: I used to buy the No-Toil foam filter oil in the big jug but found a problem...well two problems. The first problem was that all these foam filter oils have a "transporter" which is mostly alcohol that helps move the the oil in and coat all the cells all the way through the media then drys so it becomes sticky. I found that over time the transporter left the jug or dried and as a result the oil didn't coat the cells as well or dried well or stayed in place as well. So, now I buy it in the spray can and it's always good. The other thing I found was that the No-Toil even new, as well as the Unifilter oil, would over time get pulled into the inside of the filter, atomize in the air stream and be pulled into the intake track, coating the air temp sensor/mass airflow sensor. And that would then send faults readings to the ECM. It then would have to be pulled and cleaned with special spray cleaner. When applied correctly and any extra removed by rolling it up in a paper towel before it dries, The spray Maxima Fab-1 does not do this. Just food for thought. :)

     
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Quote from: NMKawierider on July 25, 2019, 08:24:49 AM
Quote from: RedZ1K on July 24, 2019, 11:38:43 PM
Ok maybe that's what I'll do.  I ordered the filter and oil from fortnine.ca (waay cheaper than Amazon) and I see they have a 64oz jug for a decent price so I'll probably just get that.  Thanks guys
Just what ever oil or foam treatment you use, if they have a cleaner, use it. Something else I'll share with you is this: I used to buy the No-Toil foam filter oil in the big jug but found a problem...well two problems. The first problem was that all these foam filter oils have a "transporter" which is mostly alcohol that helps move the the oil in and coat all the cells all the way through the media then drys so it becomes sticky. I found that over time the transporter left the jug or dried and as a result the oil didn't coat the cells as well or dried well or stayed in place as well. So, now I buy it in the spray can and it's always good. The other thing I found was that the No-Toil even new, as well as the Unifilter oil, would over time get pulled into the inside of the filter, atomize in the air stream and be pulled into the intake track, coating the air temp sensor/mass airflow sensor. And that would then send faults readings to the ECM. It then would have to be pulled and cleaned with special spray cleaner. When applied correctly and any extra removed by rolling it up in a paper towel before it dries, The spray Maxima Fab-1 does not do this. Just food for thought. :)

   
NMK while we are talking about oiling the unifilter what is the proper way to apply the fab 1 spray?  I have cleaned mine twice and each time I sprayed both layers of the filter inside and out. It's kinda hard to spray inside the primary part of the filter and then work into the foam. Should I be spraying the inside since what you  said about atomizing with the air? Also I cleaned my filter with mineral spirits then in warm dawn soapy water, that ok? Thanks!
2021 Cforce 500S,  2016 Zforce 500 HO Trail (sold).

luv2fly4fun

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Guys,
I installed the pre -filter set up like most on this site and the 2 stage UNI all before the first ride.
I clean the pre filter & oil every couple of rides depending on dust and the UNI in the air box stays clean!
I use a little av gas in a plastic bowl oil & dirt just just fall away, dip & squeeze lightly a few times, filter looks brand new, evaporates quickly, oil, done!
I use as a parts cleaner and can use several times.

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Quote from: Davydo on July 26, 2019, 03:06:26 AM
Quote from: NMKawierider on July 25, 2019, 08:24:49 AM
Quote from: RedZ1K on July 24, 2019, 11:38:43 PM
Ok maybe that's what I'll do.  I ordered the filter and oil from fortnine.ca (waay cheaper than Amazon) and I see they have a 64oz jug for a decent price so I'll probably just get that.  Thanks guys
Just what ever oil or foam treatment you use, if they have a cleaner, use it. Something else I'll share with you is this: I used to buy the No-Toil foam filter oil in the big jug but found a problem...well two problems. The first problem was that all these foam filter oils have a "transporter" which is mostly alcohol that helps move the the oil in and coat all the cells all the way through the media then drys so it becomes sticky. I found that over time the transporter left the jug or dried and as a result the oil didn't coat the cells as well or dried well or stayed in place as well. So, now I buy it in the spray can and it's always good. The other thing I found was that the No-Toil even new, as well as the Unifilter oil, would over time get pulled into the inside of the filter, atomize in the air stream and be pulled into the intake track, coating the air temp sensor/mass airflow sensor. And that would then send faults readings to the ECM. It then would have to be pulled and cleaned with special spray cleaner. When applied correctly and any extra removed by rolling it up in a paper towel before it dries, The spray Maxima Fab-1 does not do this. Just food for thought. :)

   
NMK while we are talking about oiling the unifilter what is the proper way to apply the fab 1 spray?  I have cleaned mine twice and each time I sprayed both layers of the filter inside and out. It's kinda hard to spray inside the primary part of the filter and then work into the foam. Should I be spraying the inside since what you  said about atomizing with the air? Also I cleaned my filter with mineral spirits then in warm dawn soapy water, that ok? Thanks!
I spray it a little heavy on the outside parts and the outside of the black part and a little lighter inside, then gently work it all the way through squeezing and massaging it well. Then a take a couple of clean paper towels and slip them inside and roll it gently up and squeeze to get any extra out. Slip the red part over the black part and set on the bench for an hour to let dry...then install it. If I'm in a hurry I set it in the sun for a but or install it but you should know you shouldn't run it until all the transporter has evaporated....and that does take an hour or so in open air so..keep that in mind.
2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS
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Quote from: luv2fly4fun on July 26, 2019, 09:12:02 AM
Guys,
I installed the pre -filter set up like most on this site and the 2 stage UNI all before the first ride.
I clean the pre filter & oil every couple of rides depending on dust and the UNI in the air box stays clean!
I use a little av gas in a plastic bowl oil & dirt just just fall away, dip & squeeze lightly a few times, filter looks brand new, evaporates quickly, oil, done!
I use as a parts cleaner and can use several times.
Using gasoline..or many other chemicals, on these foam filters can effects the cell surfaces and in time breaks them down so the air has direct paths to the inside effectively ending it's ability to filter. By the time you notice the hardening and break down of the foam itself, much damage will have already been done. I urge everyone to use only what your oil manufacturer or what Unifilter recommends for filter cleaning. Clean air and a healthy filter is so critical for these...and all engines.
2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS
Custom Air Intakes | Custom Exhaust Mod | SuperATV Harness | Custom Fenders | Custom Skid/Rock Sliders | 27" GBC Grim Reapers | Seizmik Mirrors |Конструктор Doors | Dr Pulley Sliders | 1.5" Wheel Spacers | BENZ Silencer (as needed) | SATV Flip Windshield W\ Rear Shield | Dual Light Bars | Diamond Plate Storage |7- 9.7" GPS Systems | Bandit Springs Rear & Gen-3 Shocks Front | Cage Chop Mod

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luv2fly4fun

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I disagree (with Av gas anyway)
never use pump gas
been using av gas for years
I ben using old Bel Ray stock on pre filter (sticky stuff) clean the pre filter often, 25-30+ times and inspect, still like new soft & supple no break down, backside ,intake and Uni always stays clean.
I also fly a PPG, few hundred hrs over years and carb spits a little into filters, no issues.
works for me

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Quote from: luv2fly4fun on July 26, 2019, 09:12:02 AM
Guys,
I installed the pre -filter set up like most on this site and the 2 stage UNI all before the first ride.
I clean the pre filter & oil every couple of rides depending on dust and the UNI in the air box stays clean!
I use a little av gas in a plastic bowl oil & dirt just just fall away, dip & squeeze lightly a few times, filter looks brand new, evaporates quickly, oil, done!
I use as a parts cleaner and can use several times.

I'd like to see a pic of your pre-filter set up.  I haven't done that, yet, and strongly considering it.  I don't like the idea of using storage space in the back, and really, really don't want to lose my rear view, so I'm always looking at how everybody else has done theirs.
2017 Zforce 800 EX
UNI filter, SuperATV high clearance a-arms, half windshield, nerf bars, Windjammer rear window, overhead storage, Bighorns, Bandit suspension Gen3 shocks, rear camera

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I agree with the belief that gasoline of any sort is eventual bad news on foam products of which the makers do not specifically endorse that 'cleaner's use.
Yes I too have found that dish soap, laundry soap and other common cleaners don't touch the sticky foam air cleaner oil. (I'm almost out of the laundry soap looking powder I got with my Twin Air cleaner kit. Yes, I use the cleaner, just not the filter)

Another thing I've found with bottled foam filter oil is that it's bad news to squeeze excess oil back into the bottle. Damn my thrifty Scots heritage! Doing so I must have contaminated all the remaining oil in my bottle with the residue of foam filter cleaner, and the oil no longer made the long stringy mozzarella cheese tendrils when handling the drying filter element.
I too now find the spray can a good method of oiling the element.  8)
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What in the sweet eff is going on around here?  It's really simple.  If you have the UNI filter, buy the $20 cleaning/oiling kit that UNI sells.  Cleaning and oiling is a breeze.  All this using other stuff, different oils, caking it on, wringing it out, different soaps, solutions, etc, etc is unnecessary.  If you can't afford a $20 kit, then how did ya'll afford to buy one of these machines in the first place?

Rant over.   ;D

PS, I did like the idea of using the shop vac to dry out the filter after cleaning.  That's the worst part of the job, waiting for the filter to dry.
2017 Zforce 800 EX
UNI filter, SuperATV high clearance a-arms, half windshield, nerf bars, Windjammer rear window, overhead storage, Bighorns, Bandit suspension Gen3 shocks, rear camera

Ga800Joe

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My 2019 Cforce 800 came with a foam filter. It's blue but is similar to the unifilter that I just bought. I wonder if I should change it or leave it.
Cforce 800 Black 2019

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Quote from: Ga800Joe on July 29, 2019, 04:40:02 PM
My 2019 Cforce 800 came with a foam filter. It's blue but is similar to the unifilter that I just bought. I wonder if I should change it or leave it.
That's the new CFM blue foam filter. Much better then the old paper one with a foam prefilter but we have proven it still lets some partials through so..get your Uni on it. Save the CFM for a spare in a baggie if you want.
2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS
Custom Air Intakes | Custom Exhaust Mod | SuperATV Harness | Custom Fenders | Custom Skid/Rock Sliders | 27" GBC Grim Reapers | Seizmik Mirrors |Конструктор Doors | Dr Pulley Sliders | 1.5" Wheel Spacers | BENZ Silencer (as needed) | SATV Flip Windshield W\ Rear Shield | Dual Light Bars | Diamond Plate Storage |7- 9.7" GPS Systems | Bandit Springs Rear & Gen-3 Shocks Front | Cage Chop Mod

My Videos On YouTube