Unifilter ??????????
Submitted: Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 at 19:27
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Hi all, has anybody used these and what are their thoughts ?? Air filter for my prado 1kz genuine toyota $51, unifilter $100 and can be used over and over with a wash and a reoil. Do they seal up properly or have they been known to let in dust etc ?? I always use genuine parts always have, BUT these unifilters seem to make it a good investment. Thankyou Regards Steve
Reply By: Member - Nick (TAS) - Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 at 19:49
Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 at 19:49
If used properly, I think they are good.But you do need to keep them clean which may mean cleaning and oiling them everyday in extreme dusty conditions, which turns into a pain.
Also, some vehicles air flow sensors play up as oil is sucked out of the filter and on the sensor.
Dirt bikes use foam filters in extreme conditions all day every day and when looked after suffer no long term damage so I dont see why vehicles would.But you need to keep them clean and oiled.
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Follow Up By: Off-track - Sunday, Feb 14, 2010 at 01:01
Sunday, Feb 14, 2010 at 01:01
I think you've just nailed it on the head Nick. Dirtbikes obviously do as you say use oiled-foam airfilters which are cleaned at short intervals - probably about every 500km on average, depending on the type of conditions and the type of riding. Many riders change air filters after every MX race which would equate to approx 25km and often the filter is dirty as hell. Plus engine oil is changed at very short intervals as
well to keep that side clean.
So, yeah to do this on a car would be a major PITA.
A paper air filter will prevent particles getting past the element (just as the oiled-foam type will) but a lot of the dirt will fall to the bottom of the bowl. The oil-foam type traps the dirt in the oil and foam pores which will clog the filter much quicker. In extreme cases this will cause the filter to be sucked into the engine.
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Reply By: Madfisher - Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 at 20:57
Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 at 20:57
Good day Steve,
I have used them on my old diesel Rocky , and the runner where it helped it breath better. I never ever found any dust on the inlet tract. On average I use to clean
mine about every 6 months(90% sealed road use). I never found it necessary to even clean the inner element, just the outside one. But if I am on a dirt road following someone I tend to hang back out of the dust if possible.
Their was a very good post on Lcool a while a go where they compared inlet tracts cleaness between stardard filters and Unifilters. They used a white cloth and found the vehicles fitted with Unifiler where cleaner.
The only thing stopping me putting one on the Jack is I have a concern of maf contamation. Although Brad on the aust 4wd
forum has run them on every Jack he has owned.
Knowing how maintance minded you are I dont think you will have a problem, just get an extra sleeve.
Let us know how it goes if you decide to go ahead.
Cheers Pete
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Reply By: stevesub - Sunday, Feb 14, 2010 at 20:15
Sunday, Feb 14, 2010 at 20:15
I sold UniFilters in NZ for 7 years about 20 years ago. If they are serviced correctly, you should have no problems. If you need a custom made filter which is what I specialised in, they are the best and cheapest around. My market was race/rally cars, speedway and offroad vehicles and I did not sell many filters for diesel applications.
If they are serviced with the correct technique and oil, they are good, if not, they will damage the engine. The UniFilters are very messy to service.
What do I use on my own vehicles now, the standard paper element that does not need servicing on a regular basis which could be as little as several 100km in dusty conditions.
Stevesub
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