open air clearner
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Kent USA
open air clearner
I put an open air cleaner on mine, and it has helped the mpg considerably. I went up 1.5 mpg around town, and just got back from a trip where I got 16.5. My truck is an '81 flareside, with the 4spd. At a local auto parts store, I found an adapter that reduces the size of the opening at the bottom of the air cleaner to fit the 1bbl carb. There is a slight interference with this piece and the choke mechanism, but I fabricated a spacer of some large pvc pipe I had, which elevates the air cleaner enough to clear the choke housing. I also found that the 1" air filter element didn't look cool enough for me, so I sorted through the air filters at NAPA, and found one with the same diameter that was 4" tall. Another side benefit is that I can now get to all the adjustment screws on the carb without removing the air cleaner.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Castine, ME
open air clearner
hi there...I know this is a basic question...but what exactly is a "open" air cleaner? The MPG gains seem worth it. Also, about how much can I expect to pay for this?
thanks,
captntim
'86 F150 4x4 300I6 NP205 SWB 4 speed
thanks,
captntim
'86 F150 4x4 300I6 NP205 SWB 4 speed
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 2
From: Poway, CA
open air clearner
An open air cleaner is when the air cleaner leaves the air filter exposed on the sides. This is opposed to the stock cleaner which entirely encloses the filter. Of course, these are only found on carburated trucks, so if you have EFI, it really doesn't apply.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Kent USA
open air clearner
In regards to what you'd have to pay, my whole conversion was about $30-40. I ran the cost up more than I needed to by buying a much taller filter element, and installing a longer carb stud.
'81 F-150 Flareside
300/4spd
Stock for now, with upgrades coming.
Previously known as Baitboy, then Flareside guy, now Flrsdgy.
(It's a long story.)
'81 F-150 Flareside
300/4spd
Stock for now, with upgrades coming.
Previously known as Baitboy, then Flareside guy, now Flrsdgy.
(It's a long story.)
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,208
Likes: 13
open air clearner
It does apply to Efi Motors Ford is notourious for putting to small an air cleaner on there trucks. K&N makes a filter for the Fuelies that will add 1-2 mpg and definitely helps performance. It replaces the box over on the fender well and is totally (filter exposed on all sides) open filter.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Mesa
open air clearner
Something you might want to think about is, when I went to this set up the first time I went out 4 wheeling in the mud, it completely caked the filter. So then I would just swap on the orignal closed one anytime I went out in the mud.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
open air clearner
Hi, I am planning to change to an open air filter also on my 1982 f150 4.9l, My question is, what should I do with the breather hose from the oil fill in the valve cover to the Air Filter? Thank Art
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