No air filter . . .

DannL · Sep 15, 2019

My Model A has an air filter on the carburetor. I just went to Craigslist and found four different Model A's, of which 100% did not have an air filter. Is that the norm? Just curious . . . as usual.

Aok · Sep 15, 2019

I think some people run without air filters. I had a air maze filter, Changed filter when needed and never had a problem. I feel that the filter helps keep carb clean.

ModelAMike1930 · Sep 15, 2019

To my knowledge the air filter was an after market add on.

40 Deluxe · Sep 15, 2019

DannL said:
My Model A has an air filter on the carburetor. I just went to Craigslist and found four different Model A's, of which 100% did not have an air filter. Is that the norm? Just curious . . . as usual.

Yes, without air cleaner is normal. Model A's did not have an air cleaner as original equipment.

Charlie Stephens · Sep 15, 2019

Be sure to read the archives about the problems people have with the engine running too rich when an air filter is added.

Charlie Stephens

ETAModel · Sep 15, 2019

The '30 Fordor I'm driving didn't come with one; i asked the guys in the local club, was told it could soak up fuel and catch ablaze if she backfires...so she still has no air filter. I dont drive many dirt roads anymore, so i guess it'll be ok.

Ruth · Sep 16, 2019

Since Ford saw the need for an air filter on the '32 up V-8 didn't the Model B 4 cylinder get one as well?

Bill G · Sep 16, 2019

The folks at Renner's Corner say that an air filter will run the carb too rich and the result would be more damaging than a small amount of dust and dirt to begin with. The air filter was definitely not original to the A. For the less than 2,000 miles a year I drive, the use of an air filter does not seem warranted.

marty in Ohio · Sep 16, 2019

Consider how dirty the roads were "back then" and how they are now. I don't use an air filter.
Marty

WHN · Sep 16, 2019

We have always used an air filter. Never a problem with gas soaking or running to rich.

My feeling is, if air filters weren’t needed, manufacturers would not have them.

Why take the chance of sucking anything into your expensive to rebuild engine?

Even our sailboats engine has an air filter. Is dust or dirt a problem in Long Island Sound?

Better safe than sorry. Enjoy,

eagle · Sep 16, 2019

I have an original aftermarket Airmaze on mine. I also run a fiber filter over that. Its amazing how dirty it gets. Doesnt affect the mixture at all that I can detect. When I clean it I think about all the grit and grime it kept out of the engine.

Railcarmover · Sep 16, 2019

It didn't come with an oil filter either.

burner31 · Sep 16, 2019

Hold air filter firmly in hand, throw as far as possible, done...now doesn't that feel better.

ryanheacox · Sep 16, 2019

Ruth said:
Since Ford saw the need for an air filter on the '32 up V-8 didn't the Model B 4 cylinder get one as well?

Were those air filters or just silencers? The 1932 promotional video calls it a silencer.

My grandfather used a paper filter on my car. One day it wouldn't start after sitting for about a month and we couldn't figure out why. Well it had been humid and the paper filter had gotten so damp and restrictive that it was flooding the engine. Took off the filter and it fired right up. Haven't had one on since.

Purdy Swoft · Sep 16, 2019

I don't run air filters on my model A's . Model A's were not designed to use an air filter . The problems that can be caused by oil dilution when running TOO rich is worse than the small amount of dust that could pass through the carburetor . If running a downdraft carburetor or carburetors , an air filter would be more helpful . For all of the model A's that have survived over the years without an air filter should tell you something . A lot more roads were dirt back in the day .

Purdy Swoft · Sep 16, 2019

burner31 said:
Hold air filter firmly in hand, throw as far as possible, done...now doesn't that feel better.

Not only does it feel better it looks a lot better as well !!! As for a silencer , the times that I tried the Air Maze filter , the carburetor made more noise , really . The silencer that Ford used on the four cylinder model B's must have been different than the wire mesh air maze filters that are offered today .

mike657894 · Sep 16, 2019

There are jets available to correct the rich issue with air filters. I would say the air maze is an arrestor but you are supposed to dip it in oil to make it grab dust.

160B · Sep 16, 2019

updraught · Sep 16, 2019

Toyota and Henry Ford seem to be in agreement.
https://www.unsealed4x4.com.au/heres-filtration-expert-thinks-toyotas-dust-problem

Ernie Vitucci · Sep 16, 2019

Good afternoon...I use an air filter from K&N and a mount from Bratton's purchased about 2005 or 2006. I can take it off and blow it out and/or soak it clean. It seems to work well for me. I believe that Dave Renner can supply jets that have been adjusted for use with an air cleaner...Ernie in Arizona

No air filter . . .

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