Ist air filter

[Bradley G]

Just went to change my air filter ist time.took the old one out,I noticed it looked a little deformed.the short edge closest to driver was bowed and it appears air has bypassed filter through this small crack.Also below the filter there was a small chunck of plastic laying in the bottom of the housing(probably from the deer hit in april) do u think I should be concerned with this? the air tube didn't look overly dirty.

[BillyGman]

do u think I should be concerned with this? No, I don't. The reason being that there's nothing you can do about it now if there's a lot of dirt in your engine as a result, other than to change the oil and filter. And I assume that you've just done that since that's when a lot of people change the air filter too. There are things that they sell to add to the oil which has solvents to flush it clean, but I wouldn't trust stuff like that. Just change the oil if you haven't just done so. After you snap the air filter housing back together w/the new filter in it, take it apart again to look at the same place of the new filter to see if there's any evidence of it being pinched or deformed in any way. if so, then you might need a new filter housing. If not, then drive the car for a few days, and check the filter again. If it looks good, then I wouldn't worry about it. Maybe the first one was crunched already BEFORE it went into the car. Ya never know.

[Bradley G]

Thanks just looking for a little reassurance.
No, I don't. The reason being that there's nothing you can do about it now if there's a lot of dirt in your engine as a result, other than to change the oil and filter. And I assume that you've just done that since that's when a lot of people change the air filter too. There are things that they sell to add to the oil which has solvents to flush it clean, but I wouldn't trust stuff like that. Just change the oil if you haven't just done so. After you snap the air filter housing back together w/the new filter in it, take it apart again to look at the same place of the new filter to see if there's any evidence of it being pinched or deformed in any way. if so, then you might need a new filter housing. If not, then drive the car for a few days, and check the filter again. If it looks good, then I wouldn't worry about it. Maybe the first one was crunched already BEFORE it went into the car. Ya never know.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what Billy said^^^

One thing I'd like to add is that many of the aftermarket filter manufacturers list the same filter for the MM as for the CV/GM. Wrong. They are not the same. Here are the specs for the respective filters (courtesy of Purolator):

MM: W=7.60, L=11.40, H=1.98
CV/GM: W=7.56, L=11.25, H=1.45

I recommend using the Motorcraft FA-1745...it's made by Mann, a highly-regarded German filter manufacturer, and is even labeled "For Marauder Only".

[rayjay]

You could put a PHP high flow air box on. Noticeable gains, simple install. I will be reverting to the stock box/filter for winter. I found that the sensors think the engine is cold, even when its warmed up in the winter with a high flow intake. My Focus would stay on high idle with my IceMan/Focus Sport hybrid intake. I just ran the IceMan in the winter. No need for the extra power around here. Really can't use it with our yearly average of 200+ inches of snow.

[jstevens]

You could put a PHP high flow air box on. Noticeable gains, simple install. I will be reverting to the stock box/filter for winter. I found that the sensors think the engine is cold, even when its warmed up in the winter with a high flow intake. My Focus would stay on high idle with my IceMan/Focus Sport hybrid intake. I just ran the IceMan in the winter. No need for the extra power around here. Really can't use it with our yearly average of 200+ inches of snow.

What are the gains? Are they seat of the pants gain?
Where do you buy this?

Thanks,

[rayjay]

Follow this link http://secure-order-area.net/paulshp/cgi-bin/webstorecgi/webstore.cgi?page=700005&type=&frame=&cart_id=91940_19666

[Bradley G]

Thanks rayjay, I just dont like the look of PHP high flow air box sorry I was waiting to see what other choices if any come available.I thought Metco had a carbon fiber setup.and I've seen K&N's option too. (that did'nt thrill me either.):nono:
You could put a PHP high flow air box on. Noticeable gains, simple install. I will be reverting to the stock box/filter for winter. I found that the sensors think the engine is cold, even when its warmed up in the winter with a high flow intake. My Focus would stay on high idle with my IceMan/Focus Sport hybrid intake. I just ran the IceMan in the winter. No need for the extra power around here. Really can't use it with our yearly average of 200+ inches of snow.

[Krytin]

(probably from the deer hit in april)
Maybe the housing got tweeked during the collision? Or incorectly reassembled at the body shop?
Billy's right - not much you can do now but keep it clean from now on.

Many years ago I used to run a velocity stack on the Holley 4v on top of my '68 Cougar/302 ci w/ an oiled foam filter (window A/C filter media sandwiched between two expanded metal disks) NOT good for keeping dirt out! After 93k miles I went for a rebuild (to increase HP - cam, porting, bigger valves, etc) and found a fairly deep ridge @ the top of the bore. It was nothing a 0.030" overbore couldn't cure. Was that normal wear for 93k miles - who could say?

What I'm trying to say is unless you ran it that way for 93k miles - I don't think you hurt it too bad!

[Bradley G]

Thanks Krytin, I thought the same thing but the air box has no visible signs of damage and the filter was deformed away from the impact side.I deduce that the filter was defective or damaged prior to install at the factory. I followed all your advice , cleaned out the air box & dropped the new filter (Fram)in.Maybe My Imagination,the car seems quieter (engine)I get the feeling that no one ever (including me) looked inside the air box.(remove the chunk of plastic)
Maybe the housing got tweeked during the collision? Or incorectly reassembled at the body shop?
Billy's right - not much you can do now but keep it clean from now on.

Many years ago I used to run a velocity stack on the Holley 4v on top of my '68 Cougar/302 ci w/ an oiled foam filter (window A/C filter media sandwiched between two expanded metal disks) NOT good for keeping dirt out! After 93k miles I went for a rebuild (to increase HP - cam, porting, bigger valves, etc) and found a fairly deep ridge @ the top of the bore. It was nothing a 0.030" overbore couldn't cure. Was that normal wear for 93k miles - who could say?

What I'm trying to say is unless you ran it that way for 93k miles - I don't think you hurt it too bad!

[RF Overlord]

Bradley G: check your PMs...

[metroplex]

WARNING:

There are TWO "Mann, Made for Marauder" air filters... one is made in Mexico, one is made in Germany.

The German Mann filters have a metal mesh screen that has a weird wave/curved/dimpled effect (like a noise suppressor?) while the Mexican filters look like any ordinary Motorcraft filter (without a mesh screen).

And no, the German mesh screen isn't the same as the usual Fram/Purolator replacement screens... it's black, has large holes, and has a wavy surface:

http://www.redpulsar.us/~coldfusion/film13/filter2.jpg

[Bradley G]

The filter I took out looks Identical to the one u Photographed(less the Distortion on one side) Do both filters have the same part #?did u get the Mann filters from the dealer ? sounds like u prefer the German style?
WARNING:

There are TWO "Mann, Made for Marauder" air filters... one is made in Mexico, one is made in Germany.

The German Mann filters have a metal mesh screen that has a weird wave/curved/dimpled effect (like a noise suppressor?) while the Mexican filters look like any ordinary Motorcraft filter (without a mesh screen).

And no, the German mesh screen isn't the same as the usual Fram/Purolator replacement screens... it's black, has large holes, and has a wavy surface:

http://www.redpulsar.us/~coldfusion/film13/filter2.jpg

[metroplex]

I got the filter as part of the airbox/MAF package. I did a retrofit for my 2000 Crown Vic.

Here's the part # listing on the side of the filter:
http://www.redpulsar.us/~coldfusion/film13/filter1.jpg

I do not know which filter is best, but the metal mesh is there to make the filter "stiffer". I'm not sure if its really needed, but you should be fine with either Mexican or German filter.

The filter edging is a soft silicone material, not the usual polyurethane/rubber you get with Fram/Purolator or most Motorcraft filters.

If you can find the motorcraft replacement filter, open the box and take a peek, it might be from a different supplier or it could be the German Mann filter. :bunny2:

[MitchB]

Just went to change my air filter ist time.took the old one out,I noticed it looked a little deformed.the short edge closest to driver was bowed and it appears air has bypassed filter through this small crack.Also below the filter there was a small chunck of plastic laying in the bottom of the housing(probably from the deer hit in april) do u think I should be concerned with this? the air tube didn't look overly dirty.

FYI: this is just the kind of thing I see everyday on the routine oil analysis of our fleet of over 250 diesel powered municipal vehicles. Air induction leaks that result in unfiltered air entering the engine show immediately. Detroit Diesel will void warranty coverage on a 'dirt out'. I doubt Ford would be willing to do much for you either - even it was clearly due to a manufacturing defect.

Mitch

[Bradley G]

It was the mexican built version no metal screen I just bought from the dealer.
I got the filter as part of the airbox/MAF package. I did a retrofit for my 2000 Crown Vic.

Here's the part # listing on the side of the filter:
http://www.redpulsar.us/~coldfusion/film13/filter1.jpg

I do not know which filter is best, but the metal mesh is there to make the filter "stiffer". I'm not sure if its really needed, but you should be fine with either Mexican or German filter.

The filter edging is a soft silicone material, not the usual polyurethane/rubber you get with Fram/Purolator or most Motorcraft filters.

If you can find the motorcraft replacement filter, open the box and take a peek, it might be from a different supplier or it could be the German Mann filter. :bunny2:

[jobrien8]

In regards to the air filter, the Aviator box is the same as the Marauder.

[Bradley G]

That's y i thought it be best to show the dealer so they can tell ford they screwed up putting this crap in the car instead of the trash.
FYI: this is just the kind of thing I see everyday on the routine oil analysis of our fleet of over 250 diesel powered municipal vehicles. Air induction leaks that result in unfiltered air entering the engine show immediately. Detroit Diesel will void warranty coverage on a 'dirt out'. I doubt Ford would be willing to do much for you either - even it was clearly due to a manufacturing defect.

Mitch

[metroplex]

FYI: this is just the kind of thing I see everyday on the routine oil analysis of our fleet of over 250 diesel powered municipal vehicles. Air induction leaks that result in unfiltered air entering the engine show immediately. Detroit Diesel will void warranty coverage on a 'dirt out'. I doubt Ford would be willing to do much for you either - even it was clearly due to a manufacturing defect.

Mitch

Mitch, standard operating procedure for Detroit Diesel engines is to blow out the air filter with compressed air to get rid of sand and etc...

That is the NUMBER 1 thing NOT to do to prevent "dirt out".... blowing compressed air through paper media "opens up" the pores and will allow more and more dirt to go through. The Donaldson "meters" in the dash are kind of neat though.

While I may not work on a fleet of 250 diesel vehicles, I do work on vehicles that have diesel engines the size of a VW Beetle. :D