A clogged air filter is a clogged air filter. The dirtier it is, the more it restricts airflow, which DOES affect MPG and performance. Try putting an oily sock dipped in dirt over the throat of your ATV and see how well it runs. Better yet, put your hand over the throat and try to fire it up. Maybe filters last much longer where you live. I don't know. If you want to leave your air filter in for years in at a time, that's your business. I, on the other hand will continue to change/clean mine when they look dirty. I can, on some occasions, detect a difference with a new/clean filter. I can always tell a difference when I change my oil, or do a tune up.

SL

 

Dear snappylips I never heard of anybody having a clogged air filter, and it throwing fault codes, ur just going to extremes, making an excuse, its ok it you like spending money on something you don't need, its ok, I don't care. I have changed air filters that looked dirty, and the new filter made no difference in the way my truck runs.

 

yes sir that was me that used the "Dawn Dishwashing Liquid" down the spark plug holes. IT WORKS but ONLY use "Dawn" thats the only kind that cuts the grease. Your friendly neigborhood used car dealer does that all the time, "Have I Got A Deal For You" " Look At This Beauty" Local Trade" "How Much Can You Afford Per Month"

 

How much is a new air filter? $10? I think you're taking penny-pinching to the extreme.

 

Me? How is changing filters when they're dirty penny-pinching?

SL

 

True enough. I've never heard of any thrown codes due to a dirty filter either. Next time I clean mine, I'll post a pic of it before doing so. When you see how much crud my filter accumulates over a short amount of time, you may understand why I could never leave it in for a few years. Like I said earlier, filters may last much longer where you live. Maybe the air is a lot cleaner up there. Trust me, I have absolutely no interest in spending money needlessly-except on beer.

SL

 

I think he meant to quote MotoF150

 

Yeah, I was replying to moto's 'never change them until they're falling apart and getting sucked into my engine' maintenaince routine. Dunno why I quoted that

 

Wow I had no Idea that an air filter could last over 60,000 mi. (unless it's K&N)!? LOL I drive in some pretty dusty job sites and @ a little over 16K my air filter is black. So, I figured it's about time. I was finally able to order a K&N over the internet. Thanks for the help!