Air filter and sound absorber

The air sucked in by the engine contains dust and dirt particles that should not enter the combustion chambers, as they act as an abrasive on the cylinder walls and cause premature wear of the pistons and working surfaces of the cylinders. The air filter element cleans the air entering the engine cylinders and is located in the air filter housing (sound-absorbing spigot). The sound-absorbing spigot performs a very important task: it dampens the uncontrolled swirling flow of fresh air and at the same time dampens the noise generated by air being sucked in. In the Fiesta, the sound-absorbing pipe consists of a plastic housing and a fine-pored, accordion-shaped air filter element.

Air filter maintenance

The intake air passes through the air filter housing, inside which the filter element is fixed with two plastic gaskets. The entire air flow passes through the filter, while dust and all dirt particles that accelerate engine wear are retained by the filter element. Larger foreign particles such as insects or grains of sand remain in the air filter housing. The air filter and filter element function properly only if they are constantly checked and maintained in good condition. A dirty filter element does not clean the intake air, which leads to a deterioration in the air-fuel mixture, an increase in exhaust gas toxicity, a decrease in engine power with an increase in fuel consumption.

Cleaning the air filter element

The filter element and oil catcher in those engine versions where it is installed must be cleaned at least once a year and changed once every two years. It is necessary to purchase filter elements in specialized stores, and they do not have to be only original, but in any case, pay attention to quality.




SEQUENCE OF WORK



Pic. 7.1. Location of the air hose clamps on the suction pipe and air flow meter

1. Loosen the air hose clamps on the suction pipe and air flow meter (pic. 7.1). In a diesel engine, loosen the clamps on the suction pipe and air filter housing.

2. Unscrew the air filter cover, lift it up and remove the filter element.



Pic. 7.2. Oil catcher location (1) in the air filter housing


3. Before installing a new element, clean the filter housing and cover with a lint-free cloth or blow with compressed air. If oil separator 1 is installed (pic. 7.2), clean it thoroughly with gasoline. Make sure that the seals of the new filter element fit snugly against the surfaces of the filter housing.

Cleaning the filter element

SEQUENCE OF WORK

1. Tap the filter element on a hard base to loosen coarse dirt particles.



Pic. 7.3. Using Compressed Air to Clean Dust the Paper Filter Element

2. If you need to remove fine dust, the filter element must be blown with compressed air (pic. 7.3):

– direct the air jet only from the bottom upwards of the filter element. Otherwise, you will press the dust into the pores of the filter;

– never clean the paper filter element with liquids. In this case, the filter pores will be completely clogged, which will lead to a decrease in engine power and an increase in the amount of harmful substances in the exhaust gases.

3. When installing the filter element, always make sure that the plastic sealing rings fit snugly against the bottom of the housing and seal the cover.