oil-bath is messy, For 1.7L: is there a better air cleaner than messy oil bath air cleaner? Options

[Tking327]

For the 1970 1.7L oil-bath air cleaner, how deep should the oil be? It is so messy; and i am also concerned the oil soaked metal mesh is restricting air flow and also i have seen signs of some oil uncomfortably close to the throttle body entry point. I will keep the old oil based one in storage for history sake, but what do you recommend for a paper based system? Ideally, I would rather be rid of the large metal air cleaner apparatus thats there now and go streamlined/smaller.

[Literati914]

You can get the later model 1.7 filter housings, they are a plastic affair that take a round paper filter.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226859024753?_skw=...NqdZg&pfm=1

[Ishley]

I converted mine to a filter. Below is a post on how to do it. I actually bought a backup off eBay… in case I didn’t like it… but it awesome. I had to try several Filters to get one I liked. It works well!

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=32932

[Jamie]

For the 1970 1.7L oil-bath air cleaner, how deep should the oil be? It is so messy; and i am also concerned the oil soaked metal mesh is restricting air flow and also i have seen signs of some oil uncomfortably close to the throttle body entry point. I will keep the old oil based one in storage for history sake, but what do you recommend for a paper based system? Ideally, I would rather be rid of the large metal air cleaner apparatus thats there now and go streamlined/smaller.

I believe the round paper filter and housing are unique to 1973 1.7L model year, I know I had a hard time finding replacement filters several years ago. Many other years used larger rectangular filters. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

[BillC]

For the 1970 1.7L oil-bath air cleaner, how deep should the oil be? It is so messy; and i am also concerned the oil soaked metal mesh is restricting air flow and also i have seen signs of some oil uncomfortably close to the throttle body entry point. I will keep the old oil based one in storage for history sake, but what do you recommend for a paper based system? Ideally, I would rather be rid of the large metal air cleaner apparatus thats there now and go streamlined/smaller.

I believe the round paper filter and housing are unique to 1973 1.7L model year, I know I had a hard time finding replacement filters several years ago. Many other years used larger rectangular filters. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

I used to have a '73 1.7 with the now-unavailable paper filter. I found a new filter that was close and made an adapter to make it work in the housing. Thread with the part number and adapter here: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=305094

[windforfun]

Plug & play.

[Literati914]

Seriously, if lack of available filters is gonna be a problem I'd just stick with the oil bath - never search for a filter again. Just make sure not to over fill it and be careful when removing it - I know it's a pain.

[fiacra]

The air filter is available, just not widely available.

https://www.autoatlanta.com/Porsche-Replace...R022129620.html

I personally don't have a problem with the oil bath air cleaner that I have on my VW, but I do understand that it is messy and after decades of service I have wondered if it restricts air flow. The paper filter is easier to deal with for sure. If I had the welding skills I would consider doing the modification that Ishley did. That seems like a nice solution.

@Tking327 If you are interested I do have the plastic filter housing used on the 1973 1.7 that I have been meaning to post in the classifieds. PM me if you are interested. Planning on putting some extra parts up for sale in the next week or two so it will be up soon. Don't pay the $200+ it will cost you after shipping and taxes for the one on eBay. That just seems ridiculous, but maybe I'm out of touch on current prices (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[BillC]

The air filter is available, just not widely available.

https://www.autoatlanta.com/Porsche-Replace...R022129620.html

That filter at AutoAtlanta is not the correct filter. While it will fit inside the housing, it will not seal to the housing, letting air flow around it, and won't actually filter anything. You can't safely use this filter without an adapter like the one I made.

If you look in my old thread (link above), you'll see a pic of the AA filter next to the correct filter, which has a much-smaller internal radius and is slightly taller.

[wonkipop]

the oil baths are very very good as a filter medium.
possibly better than a paper one.
though not like a paper one gets really tested in most environments a 914 gets daily driven in.

i remember my old type 3 still had the oil bath.
esp good in dusty environments or dirt roads as VW engines being in the back travelled in their own dust and copped a fierce loading of dirt in the intake air.

i'd just leave it as it is.
sure its old fashioned and WW2 tech, but it works well.

and the housing is metal. its not going to fail due to getting brittle.
i look at my L jet air cleaner housing and always wonder.
how much longer is that plastic going to stay........plastic.
its half a century old. eventually it does stop being plastic.
the 73 is a plastic housing i believe.

[krazykonrad]

What set up is this? This is exactly what I'm looking for.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-8476-1756396037_thumb.jpg)

[windforfun]

http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-parts/a...sec=AIR-INTAKES

[krazykonrad]

Thanks! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Maltese Falcon]

Plug & play.

Even Porsche aG Discovered through the aftermarket: benefits of the Cotton gauze/ SS mesh cone air filters (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/marty914.jpg)

[Literati914]

http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-parts/a...sec=AIR-INTAKES

Yes I'd use that one too, if keeping my 1.7L (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)