Click here for air filters---- amzn.to/37K0Mbd Click here for my website--- www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Click here for my Parts and Tools Store---- www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon
@Peter Frencken Good question. It makes dirt stick to it on contact. There is a specially formulated oil under the "Honda" brand name that is way better that regular motor oil. It has the same consistency as snot. It looks like it too. It is WAY STICKIER than regular motor oil.
You had me and my lad in stitches, you kept such a straight face when talking about the kitchen sink, I stripped down most of a car engine in my kitchen layd it all out on the floor and as I was rebuilding the pistons and cleaning the head and doing the valves 'they would be placed on my old oak table, when I finished I never had no magic floor table never a magic sink, But something magical happened that morning `some one left me all the magic cleaning stuff I needed to clean the whole kitchen with a magical written note, Get it done by the time I get back
I'm a carpenter and small motors guy and your videos are well detailed and well laid out. I appreciate your time and effort put into the videos and sharing your knowledge with everyone. Thank you very much Steve, and I like the varied hydration libation option customized to each job! :)
Amazing, because of my dad (he passed away 9 years ago) I learned from him how to do many things, one was how to clean filters of lawnmowers... the pleated filters. We have followed your tactics and have been successful and save a lot of money over the years, and yes the mowers always worked - once the filters got on the shabby side we would purchase another one. Also, just an “FYI” on shop vacs, if I have done some dirty, filthy, dusty cleanups, I start out by taking the round pleated filter out go to the center of my yard, toss it up in the air and let it fall on the grass, I do this multiple times, till the dust is mostly gone. Next, I get my air compressor out and shoot air from the inside of the circle to the outside, once the dust quits coming out, I am happy enough to reinstall it. 🙂🙂🙂 Steve, you are an awesome person, wish my Dad could have seen your web site, he would have enjoyed it.
campmein , good tip, and if I may share one of my tips,/past mistakes- shop vacs will clean up water, gravel and other wet non flammable material but when you use the Vac for water or wet jobs don't forget to oull the filter when done, rinse and clean it and leave it somewhere to dry out. I have had them rust out AND turn into a putrid "science project". lol
Seriously though, Steve...Thank you. I have a guy on my street who needs a functional mower ASAP...and I have one that I scored from the dump and want t to give him, but he obviously feels bad about not having the cash to pay for a new filter and plug. Sleep well tonight knowing you have helped A LOT of people.
Like everyone else, I cracked up on the Magic Sink. In the back of my mind I could hear my son ask, "You know when you say you're happy you're not married anymore?" Gotta love it; great information with a happy heart. Thank you, Steve!
We have a product in New Zealand called Sard which is a laundry product for soaking dirty clothes. I use it to soak air filters overnight then rinse and dry them, works brilliantly. I haven't bought a new air filter for years and my lawn mowers are going fine.
I'm an Aussie and that's where Foster's Beer comes from and the only country in the world apparently where it is not freely available, haha. I've learnt a lot from your videos, thanks. As to the magic sink, I was always taught that men leave no tracks. Cheers.
Steve, you and I are cut from the same cloth. I have been a OPE technician since 1994, and have worked in a few dealerships, but also operated my own company in Calgary for decades. I am from BC, and like you, I always have a fresh brewski on my bench with me. Funny how few of us there are out there, it's a real specialty trade. Thanks for the videos! Cheers!
I can remember being a kid back in the 70s watching these older guys take their foam filters clean them with gasoline and then dump a little bit of clean oil on them squeeze them to work the oil through the filter and get the excess oil out and then put it back on their lawn mower
Hey maestro stevie😍...i love your saloon videos! They have become the maintenance source that have been saving me time, money, and massive frustration. I have improved my yard maintenance time factor by more than 40%! Incredible! I have recommended to all my clients and associates.
It is so hard to find someone with useful advice You Adress things that were never in the Small engine course I still rate you Five stars or more THANKS !!!!
service my fishing reels on the magic kitchen table. It stopped working and went to warranty repairs 2 years ago and hasn't been exactly the same since.
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon If you don't possess a magic sink a bucket of warm soapy water preferably taken outside into the yard or into your workshop is a good substitute 😉
Steve, The old Briggs & Stratton foam filters did say to wash it out in kerosene (lots of people used gasoline) then coat with engine oil. I was taught to squeeze the excess oil out, install it, and drive on. I just recently did this, before seeing this video....I don’t recall ever learning about the soap in water,
I cleaned the 1970 norlett mower's 3.5hp briggs engine foam filter and then the 1999 Husqvarna 252RX trimmer's air filter and then the air pre filter when i failed starting it due to a hole in the carb being clogged 😄
Thank you so much for your videos Steve! You know?, I'm not sure about the other viewers, but outside the topic material which helps so many folks wanting to take care of their equipment, just hearing your slight northern accent and sense of humor, brings me back to where I grew up in Trout River, NY. I know that you are Canadian, but one of my best friends is Canadian and was just north of the border. The farm I grew up on was about 800 meters from the US/Canada border and we could freely cross and play in the US or Canada without any hold up, and we often did. This was in the 1980's... Both Custom's and Immigration on both sides would just smile at us and wave us along (small time country privilege as they knew us well). I just want to say that the video that you and Buckin Billy Ray put together was a real specialty! It was so cool to know that you guys are so geographically close, and that your sense of humors were perfect together! I now live in New Mexico, but miss the north country like you wouldn't believe. I'm lucky that I have a cabin near Cloudcroft with is up in the mountains covered with tall pines.. I still cut firewood but not to the degree we did in northern NY... Outside of specific topic matter, you and Buckin mixed so well to your describers from both sided in my opinion! It was awesome, because we become you fans, and love you guys both!!! Thanks again and I love your humor mixed in with your very helpful and knowledgeable videos!!
Great coverage of all types. The note about foam filters is appreciated. If I had a paper filter is clogged with oil or nasty wet debris, from say sticking to gas or dampness, I'd do the gas thing 2-3 times with fresh gas each time and then blow it out with compressed air, and I'd always blow it from the inside out. Blowing compressed air on the normal air intake side will just further embed the debris and crud.
I work in the pool industry and I use filter cleaner/degreaser called strip-kwik on pool cartridges as well as my small engine filters. It’s friggin magic juice
Howdy Steve, I was hoping you would explain the result of running equipment with a choked airfilter. Some folks think that a dirty airfilter is actually a good thing as it lets through less dirt. We see lots of premature wear due to choked engines washing the bore. Great video as always. Thanks from Australia. PS Gazz is right about Fosters and VB.
Thanks Steve. My lawnmower filter is like the one you showed in the baggie. I had no idea it was because I was tipping my mower the wrong way. I was hoping to clean it because it’s never in stock at the hardware store. I guess I’ll order it online. Good video!
You actually can clean those, it just takes a bit of time, and it's usually time better spent getting a new one, but if getting a new one isn't an option at the moment and you just wanna keep going, go ahead and clean it.
I have one of those magic sinks but there’s a hidden wire that connects directly to my wife’s nagging switch. When I locate that wire, I plan on cutting it or at least bypassing it.
Don't bother. Nothing will cut that wire. Four foot long bolt cutters won't do it. Neither will an acetylene torch. Maybe a phaser blast from Enterprise. Even then it is doubtful.
BCtruck, my wife uses her" magic sink" to clean her medical cannabis bongs. The damn thing looks like something somebody shot at and missed and shit on and hit. Man, I don't leave my empty beer bottles all over the house -- what's wrong with this picture......??
Very good video! I was having trouble starting my Toro mower. I took off the air filter and was amazed how filthy it had become. Once cleaned, the mower started on the first pull.
Steve, great video as usual, thanks! I wish you would have talked about the foam filters, after you clean them you have to oil them. My Dad used 30 weight engine oil, I actually bought some "Foam Filter Oil spray" in a can. Cool stuff, but would have liked to seen your take on how much oil to leave in it, tips and tricks, etc.
Great info, thanks. I have a "flocked" filter on my chainsaw,it cleans up nicely by spraying it with Isopropyl Alcohol and compressed air (at a distance).
When you blow a paper filter with compressed air shouldn't you only blow it in the opposite direction (like back flushing) the air flows while in operation?
@@engineclinic you can do it with low pressure. You need to use discretion. But not everyone has that so I can understand why you and others will say that.
@@nbpt1000 I say it because of an in depth study that Quaker state did on air filters. I was involved in the business at the time and had no reason to dispute the data.
I suggest that, if your air filter contains plastic, you use CRC Mass Airflow Sensor Cleaner. It is designed not to harm plastics. Brake Clean can damage plastic. Carb Cleaner I am unsure about. For the record, CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner is excellent at cleaning chrome and removing road tar.
A generous coating of Vaseline around the rubber seal on Honda Harmony mower filters catches a lot of dirt trying to migrate in around the filter's sealing edges-
Great video, about time someone dealt with this poorly covered topic. Would be good if you added how to oil the foam filter after washing in dish soap in that Magic Sink. I maintain friends machines and frequently their foam filters are oversoaked with oil which limits air flow causing rich mixture, not good for engine life. I squeeze the excess oil from the filter while it's wrapped in a sheet of paper towel.
Steve, for sure you’re to young to remember the older automotive oil bath air cleaners. Even the what I would call previous Brigs with foam air filters, would recommend applying oil to foam, then squeeze out. Great dust adherence.
Blue oil can! That's my beer! I got to find me one of those magic sinks so my wife quits yelling at me. Also FYI they tend to get pissed off when you use their butter knives for adjusting the gap on spark plugs
Joe Atwork depends where you are in Australia each state is different, in Victoria we drink Carlton Draught, Victoria Bitter (VB), Carlton Dry, Melbourne Bitter, Great Northern plus many more, i have never ever seen anyone in Australia drink Fosters
I once joked with a mate saying u could use 2 cans of fosters to backflush a clogged car radiator bcos its soooo bad, pmsl!!,i dont recomend u try it though lol
For 90% of my small engine air filters, I use an ultrasonic cleaner. Paper and flocked filters don't clean in the ultrasonic. At medium temp, for 30 minutes, they will be like new. I also clean carbs, small parts.. hell, even jewellery and my eye glasses. About $100 on Amazon, for a good one. It's a must for any small engine shop.
Steve, I've looked at many other different channels that offer self-help/instructional videos for small engines/tools etc. on TH-cam before finally discovering your saloon. You make it far more comprehensive, thorough, as well as simplfied , practical & interesting than other channels. Not to mention the fact that a refreshing, cold, adult beverage is always a part of the fix-it strategy! Thanks for all the pointers & for sharing your knowledge & expertise! :-) You helped me get my lawnmower engine spinning like a top again in another vid you put out! Quick question on the air filter cleaning... I don't have a compressor so, after carb cleaner spraying, I have a wet/dry shop-vac used as a blower with a cone point hose end attatchment. it's not nearly as powerful as a compresser. Would it still be sufficient for drying the air filter that fits in front of the plastic carburetor models?
Steve , I am a big fan . You have saved me some bucks over the years. I just bought a T Shirt from your shop. Just a small way to support your very cool channel. Thanks
I clean all my air filters with soap and water including so called pleated filters but are more like cloth then paper without any problems. They look perfect when I'm done. I've heard of others who do the same thing. I've rarely but will replace it if it looks bad or in doubt. I have 15 and 10 year old cars from new with original engine and cabin filters. I do question myself but unless proven otherwise I will continue>
I sprayed my Briggs and Stratton foam filter, that exact one you showed with carb cleaner. I didn't have a clue. Luckily I've only done that once. And it was full of oil. So I'm hoping it doesn't fall apart. Thanks for the great video man.
Great presentation. The BEST way to check under one's lawnmower is to push down on the handle raising the front wheels then put something heavy on the handle. Either way you tilt the mower you put stress on the Wheels. Yes I USED to tip it away from muffler side until I realized what was happening. Thanks for the tips on air filters- the most overlooked and yet cheapest item to replace. Lol- I've seen people take them out completely! We know what happens next!!! 😀
@@ivaerak -The over all cost is worse with time.Once they reach the 40 plus club,they lose even more value .Better to not even go down that road at all.🤮
My brush cutter's air filter is just 2 sponge elements, which I soak in a small container of my 2 stroke fuel/oil mix, and then I squeeze it out. It cleans out perfectly every time. the theory behind using the fuel/oil mix, is that the sponge absorbs some of the oil, which helps it to trap the dust more effectively. It's never damaged my air filters, and I only overhauled the engine for the first time, around September/October 2018. That's 4 or 5 years of engine life, which is the common lifespan for a standard Tandem CG43 engine on the garden services, and my one works hard, in a very dusty farm environment.
Hi Notebook,. I have had many engines with foam filters over the years (about 50 years) and I've always washed them out with gas and then squeezed it out and put oil on it and squeezed it out again. This gives the entire filter an even coating of oil. My dad bought a new garden tiller from a dealer when I was younger and he showed us how to do that and I was old enough to do that job and I have done it ever since. I have never had to overhaul an engine with piston problems or burning oil problems. I always seem to get extremely long life from my engines and never retire a machine because the engine is the problem. Dale in Canada
A point to add: some foam prefilters may need to be oiled but NOT ALL of them. Check your owners manual. My Shindaiwa EB910RT manual says "DO NOT OIL" the foam prefilter. (I'm not trying to tell you [Steve] what to do! :) Just adding this based on a comment or two that I read later on. Cheers!)
This video definitely needs a disclaimer... I help my aunt a lot but I have a similar 'magic cleaner' approach that she takes issue with (routinely before her kids and grandkids) to make an example of me. I know that this is something I learnt from my elders and I can'y help but follow their tradition. Kinda makes me wonder whether she actually smdoes appreciate anything that gets fixed though, lol
Gee thanks buddy. I took your advice and now I have sore wobbly bits. The wife didn't take so kindly to using HER sink for "greasy nasty" stuff!!! April is to kind to you. You are indeed a lucky man.
Excellent info - but a couple of additions. When blowing out paper filters, ALWAYS blow them out backwards FIRST. ie from the carby side, not the open air side. If you blow it from the open air side, you blow all the crap hard into the filter material blocking it completely. Always blow this side after the carbie side. Also - with the foam pre filters like on the GX Honda/ Chonda motors, I have always washed them in non ethanol petrol/ gasoline and then carefully blow them out. Never a problem. You can wash them over and over. After reinstalling onto the main paper filter housing, I ALWAYS spray the pre filter with K&N air filter oil. (NEVER the paper) This stuff is magic for trapping fine dust that will pass straight through the paper filter and destroy your bores and rings. Been there, done that and trashed a brand new engine in a dusty workplace when I stupidly believed that "air filter spray was complete BS." On the new new replacement Chonda, I got over 300hrs before any signs of wear. I religiously washed the prefilter every 5hrs and changed the engine oil every 15. New oil is cheap - engines are not.
For foam filters, use NoToil. Their filter oil becomes water-soluable with their cleaner. Been using it on my dirt bikes for many years and switched over to using it on my lawn tractor filter cover also.
People have said this to me also. Supposedly micro tears that you cannot see. I blow out paper air filters that still look good all the time. I blow it out on both sides also, another “no-no.” Works for me.
Thanks Steve, absolutely great advice on common old air filters and varied types as well. I think I might leave the kitchen sink alone, I value my life lol. Cheers from Down Under.
Thank you for this video. On my last air filter for my chainsaw and wasn't sure id have time to run to the store before I'd need it next. Having ridden dirtbikes in the past, I'm familiar with cleaning the foam filters, didn't know if it would be recommended with the compressed fiber.
I think my magic sink is possessed by a demon or something, I left it all dirty and the next morning when I woke up I was all black and blue and had a big lump on my head.
Fosters was heavily marketed in the UK and Ireland back in the early 90's, only ever drank it twice, absolute piss, never got more than halfway through a can before throwing it away...
I had a paper filter on a lawn mower that became so plugged up that the vacuum from the carb began to suck oil out of the crank case through the crank case vent and then directly into the carb. It made the mover smoke so bad I thought I'd burned it up but after I replaced the filter it cleared right up and I'm still using it.
Great stuff, I picked up a free mower from my neighbor who just had in in storage. Its a Toro 6.75 with Kholer motor. He warned me wont start needs major help to get it running .I am Kinda handy and can figure things out. Took it completely apart, the carb was all blocked off with dirty old fuel , took it apart, cleaned it , including the jets and passages. replace the fuel hose that was so bad it felt like peanut butter when I tried to clear it. Had the wrong air filter a foam one that was degraded to almost dust. cleaned the plug and checked for spark. . Installed a fuel valve to allow me to turn the fuel off. Got it running. after a while of testing it started to sputter and eventually shut down. took apart the Carb again and cleaned more and more stuff came out, including the idle needle I think its called. tested again ran longer so started cutting grass. its a self propelled one. after a while when I pressed the self propelled lever, it would want to bog down once in while. I installed a universal fuel hose a tad bigger diameter, and as I recall when I took the OE hose off the tank there was a small plastic pieceabout 3 inches long with a small cap almost to reduce fuel flow inside the hose. what can that be? On the air box the smaller hose that goes connected to the air box had a broken nipple , I found the tiny spot where it broke off from the air box, I don't know if that plays a role any idea. At this point looks like its running fine. I think the RPM is a bit high. I did order a new carb and air box with gaskets and new plug. I wonder since I did not have actual gaskets, this may be an issue. I use gasket maker until my order comes in. I had fun figuring this out.
i did a lot of lawn mower work as a kid in the 80s (to make money) and had 2 containers of gas, I'd repeatedly squeeze the foam filters in the dirtiest gas, followed by the cleaner gas, then added a few drops of oil and squeezed the filter into a little ball to lightly oil the foam filter. if you think about it... most filters should have resistance to gasoline due to proximity
I have washed pleated paper filters in hot soapy water making sure the inlet side is down and agitating it. You need to rinse well and let air dry. Best to do this at night after you are done. "Foam" filters I have washed in solvent and not the environmently friendly crap, wring it out and put a little oil back in it. All others just like Steve demonstrated.
I found that using 2 stroke fuel and air for cleaning filters is pretty effective. You always get some fumes or even some spit back from the carb on these filters during normal operation. Definitely gotta be careful with the flocked filters though.
I clean my air filters almost weekly🙂 & right now in leaf season season i am blowing out the filter on the lawnvac every night or morning, very dirty work.😍 I have a question about the paper filters, & i really hope i get an answer. My boss gave me h*ll because he claims you can only push air through paper fters going one direction?🤔 I didn't think this really mattered or does it? Was hopeing it would be covered in the video. Thanks again Steve! Your videos have helped me ALOT!!!! keep em comin!
The Stihl 026 chainsaw air filters can be taken apart for better cleaning. The case halves snap together and I always find some dirt inside them. Soak them in warm dish soap water in a discarded plastic sandwich clamshell container or cookie tub, etc. and use a soft bristle toothbrush to remove the dirt from the filter flocking and the case halves nooks and crannies. Since the OEM air filter cost about $20 it's well worth the time to clean one.
Thanks for the videos, I've learned a lot of little tips to help me get more life out of my equipment. So thanks for your time & willingness to share your experience. 👍🏻👍🏻
It's a great joke, and funny, but I have always cleaned up my own messes, dishes, etc. My choice. PS I do ALL the laundry in our house. Call it what you want; I call it fair distribution of responsibility.
Just replaced my air filter on my Craftsman tractor this spring. Got it in 06 used replaced the air filter after I bought it. Been cleaning the air filter every spring until this spring when the foam pre filter was about done for. I always cleaned the foam filter in a bucket of soapy water and blew out the paper filter. Worked for 14 years and should work for the next 14 years if it lasts that long. Being my tractor is already 29 years old who knows but I take good care of it. I change the oil at least once a summer and in the fall. If I use it during winter I change it in the spring also. I probably am changing it more then I need to but hey it's not hurting anything but my wallet lol.
I have a magic washing machine that cleans all my sponges and sponge air filters, along with my greasy jeans and dark colors......I dont own anything white...my shorts are stylishly grey.....I save a few brand new shorts for when I have doctor visits.....glad you covered this...air filters are neglected like feet.
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Click here for air filters---- amzn.to/37K0Mbd
Click here for my website--- www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/
Click here for my Parts and Tools Store---- www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon
@Peter Frencken Good question.
It makes dirt stick to it on contact.
There is a specially formulated oil under the "Honda" brand name that is way better that regular motor oil. It has the same consistency as snot. It looks like it too.
It is WAY STICKIER than regular motor oil.
Soak ones like that in mineral spirits for a short time.
Try mineral spirits.
I'll bet THAT guy changes the oil in his air filter every 100,000 miles weather it needs it or not.
Mr Steve how can you tell if your 2cycle gas has water in it when it have rained
My husband is operating the magic sink as we speak! He's like a wizard!
LOL Pam! Right on ...
You had me and my lad in stitches, you kept such a straight face when talking about the kitchen sink,
I stripped down most of a car engine in my kitchen layd it all out on the floor and as I was rebuilding the pistons and cleaning the head and doing the valves 'they would be placed on my old oak table, when I finished I never had no magic floor table never a magic sink,
But something magical happened that morning `some one left me all the magic cleaning stuff I needed to clean the whole kitchen with a magical written note,
Get it done by the time I get back
LOL! Right on Buddy....
weed on head? crazy people eveery where...
I'm a carpenter and small motors guy and your videos are well detailed and well laid out. I appreciate your time and effort put into the videos and sharing your knowledge with everyone. Thank you very much Steve, and I like the varied hydration libation option customized to each job! :)
Thank you very much!
Amazing, because of my dad (he passed away 9 years ago) I learned from him how to do many things, one was how to clean filters of lawnmowers... the pleated filters. We have followed your tactics and have been successful and save a lot of money over the years, and yes the mowers always worked - once the filters got on the shabby side we would purchase another one. Also, just an “FYI” on shop vacs, if I have done some dirty, filthy, dusty cleanups, I start out by taking the round pleated filter out go to the center of my yard, toss it up in the air and let it fall on the grass, I do this multiple times, till the dust is mostly gone. Next, I get my air compressor out and shoot air from the inside of the circle to the outside, once the dust quits coming out, I am happy enough to reinstall it. 🙂🙂🙂 Steve, you are an awesome person, wish my Dad could have seen your web site, he would have enjoyed it.
Thank You...
campmein , good tip, and if I may share one of my tips,/past mistakes- shop vacs will clean up water, gravel and other wet non flammable material but when you use the Vac for water or wet jobs don't forget to oull the filter when done, rinse and clean it and leave it somewhere to dry out. I have had them rust out AND turn into a putrid "science project". lol
Two big thumbs up for the 'magic sink inc'. The lucky folks that have one, know they are irreplaceable. Thanks for the info. This is more gold Steve!
Thank You...
Seriously though, Steve...Thank you. I have a guy on my street who needs a functional mower ASAP...and I have one that I scored from the dump and want t to give him, but he obviously feels bad about not having the cash to pay for a new filter and plug. Sleep well tonight knowing you have helped A LOT of people.
Hi Steve it's Steve from Pittsburgh PA, like the show helps out a lot, when you're in a hurry.
Cool, thanks!
Hey it’s really appreciated that you mentioned guys & GIRLS. I fumble around doing my own repairs a lot.
Right on
Like everyone else, I cracked up on the Magic Sink. In the back of my mind I could hear my son ask, "You know when you say you're happy you're not married anymore?"
Gotta love it; great information with a happy heart.
Thank you, Steve!
Right on Bill...
We have a product in New Zealand called Sard which is a laundry product for soaking dirty clothes. I use it to soak air filters overnight then rinse and dry them, works brilliantly. I haven't bought a new air filter for years and my lawn mowers are going fine.
I cleaned my Honda four stroke lawn mower filter in warm soapy water, dried it in the sun worked great.
I'm an Aussie and that's where Foster's Beer comes from and the only country in the world apparently where it is not freely available, haha.
I've learnt a lot from your videos, thanks.
As to the magic sink, I was always taught that men leave no tracks.
Cheers.
Thanks for sharing!
After seeing this video my lawn mower breathed a sigh of relief.
😊
Steve, you and I are cut from the same cloth. I have been a OPE technician since 1994, and have worked in a few dealerships, but also operated my own company in Calgary for decades. I am from BC, and like you, I always have a fresh brewski on my bench with me. Funny how few of us there are out there, it's a real specialty trade. Thanks for the videos! Cheers!
Right on
I can remember being a kid back in the 70s watching these older guys take their foam filters clean them with gasoline and then dump a little bit of clean oil on them squeeze them to work the oil through the filter and get the excess oil out and then put it back on their lawn mower
@Barry Bardo I do the same thing
Still how is done as far as i Kno
Hey Steve just wanted to wish you and yours and all of the TH-cam followers out there a fantastic Easter. He has risen!!! Best wishes to you all Simon
Thank You...
We too have the magic sink. I also have a magic underwear drawer. It's amazing, before it is ever empty, it fills itself overnight!
L O L !!!
Steve is the GOD FATHER of small engine repair. Thumbs up.
Thank You...
Hey maestro stevie😍...i love your saloon videos! They have become the maintenance source that have been saving me time, money, and massive frustration. I have improved my yard maintenance time factor by more than 40%! Incredible! I have recommended to all my clients and associates.
Great to hear!
It is so hard to find someone with useful advice
You Adress things that were never in the Small engine course
I still rate you Five stars or more THANKS !!!!
i love my Magic Sink! Asked my wife where she got it. She says it comes from the same place the magic laundry basket comes from.
LMAO, too funny...
service my fishing reels on the magic kitchen table. It stopped working and went to warranty repairs 2 years ago and hasn't been exactly the same since.
+1
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon If you don't possess a magic sink a bucket of warm soapy water preferably taken outside into the yard or into your workshop is a good substitute 😉
@@Mackeson3 1
Steve,
The old Briggs & Stratton foam filters did say to wash it out in kerosene (lots of people used gasoline) then coat with engine oil.
I was taught to squeeze the excess oil out, install it, and drive on.
I just recently did this, before seeing this video....I don’t recall ever learning about the soap in water,
I cleaned the 1970 norlett mower's 3.5hp briggs engine foam filter and then the 1999 Husqvarna 252RX trimmer's air filter and then the air pre filter when i failed starting it due to a hole in the carb being clogged 😄
9:24
I have used a shop vac to clean pleated filters and that works pretty good.
Thanks Steve
I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas
Good advice on which way to tip the mower. Most people have no idea. Makes you wonder what they were hoping to find underneath in the first place
Thank You...
Thank you so much for your videos Steve! You know?, I'm not sure about the other viewers, but outside the topic material which helps so many folks wanting to take care of their equipment, just hearing your slight northern accent and sense of humor, brings me back to where I grew up in Trout River, NY. I know that you are Canadian, but one of my best friends is Canadian and was just north of the border. The farm I grew up on was about 800 meters from the US/Canada border and we could freely cross and play in the US or Canada without any hold up, and we often did. This was in the 1980's... Both Custom's and Immigration on both sides would just smile at us and wave us along (small time country privilege as they knew us well). I just want to say that the video that you and Buckin Billy Ray put together was a real specialty! It was so cool to know that you guys are so geographically close, and that your sense of humors were perfect together! I now live in New Mexico, but miss the north country like you wouldn't believe. I'm lucky that I have a cabin near Cloudcroft with is up in the mountains covered with tall pines.. I still cut firewood but not to the degree we did in northern NY... Outside of specific topic matter, you and Buckin mixed so well to your describers from both sided in my opinion! It was awesome, because we become you fans, and love you guys both!!! Thanks again and I love your humor mixed in with your very helpful and knowledgeable videos!!
What a nice comment! Thank You...
Great coverage of all types. The note about foam filters is appreciated. If I had a paper filter is clogged with oil or nasty wet debris, from say sticking to gas or dampness, I'd do the gas thing 2-3 times with fresh gas each time and then blow it out with compressed air, and I'd always blow it from the inside out. Blowing compressed air on the normal air intake side will just further embed the debris and crud.
As always, you never disappoint.
Thank you again.
Best videos on the tube!
Wow, thank you!
I work in the pool industry and I use filter cleaner/degreaser called strip-kwik on pool cartridges as well as my small engine filters. It’s friggin magic juice
Howdy Steve, I was hoping you would explain the result of running equipment with a choked airfilter.
Some folks think that a dirty airfilter is actually a good thing as it lets through less dirt.
We see lots of premature wear due to choked engines washing the bore.
Great video as always.
Thanks from Australia.
PS Gazz is right about Fosters and VB.
The result is you won’t get enough air to your engine for a clean fuel burn. Result is thick black smoke out your exhaust
Finally! Someone else besides my dad that cleans filters with gasoline!
Thanks Steve. My lawnmower filter is like the one you showed in the baggie. I had no idea it was because I was tipping my mower the wrong way. I was hoping to clean it because it’s never in stock at the hardware store. I guess I’ll order it online. Good video!
You're Welcome...and Thank You...
You actually can clean those, it just takes a bit of time, and it's usually time better spent getting a new one, but if getting a new one isn't an option at the moment and you just wanna keep going, go ahead and clean it.
I don't have one of those magic sinks. As a matter of fact, my sink seems to magically get worse when I don't clean it up! Always enjoy your videos!
Right on
I have one of those magic sinks but there’s a hidden wire that connects directly to my wife’s nagging switch. When I locate that wire, I plan on cutting it or at least bypassing it.
BCtruck, rebuild, repair,repurpose Please, dear God, post the instructions!!!! 🙏
Don't bother. Nothing will cut that wire. Four foot long bolt cutters won't do it. Neither will an acetylene torch. Maybe a phaser blast from Enterprise. Even then it is doubtful.
You can cut it... but then neither will work.
Hey guys, give us a break, you aren’t without flaws either. 😘
BCtruck, my wife uses her" magic sink" to clean her medical cannabis bongs. The damn thing looks like something somebody shot at and missed and shit on and hit. Man, I don't leave my empty beer bottles all over the house -- what's wrong with this picture......??
Very good video! I was having trouble starting my Toro mower. I took off the air filter and was amazed how filthy it had become. Once cleaned, the mower started on the first pull.
Thank You...
Steve, great video as usual, thanks! I wish you would have talked about the foam filters, after you clean them you have to oil them. My Dad used 30 weight engine oil, I actually bought some "Foam Filter Oil spray" in a can. Cool stuff, but would have liked to seen your take on how much oil to leave in it, tips and tricks, etc.
I've been told you only oil them if your filter is cloth or covered in wire mesh. If paper, then you don't oil the foam pre-filter.
I just looked up the owners manual for my Shindy EB910RT blower and it clearly states NOT to oil the foam prefilter.
Great info, thanks. I have a "flocked" filter on my chainsaw,it cleans up nicely by spraying it with Isopropyl Alcohol and compressed air (at a distance).
You're Welcome...
When you blow a paper filter with compressed air shouldn't you only blow it in the opposite direction (like back flushing) the air flows while in operation?
Correct, from the carb side of the filter back out.
No! You should never blow on a paper filter no matter which direction you are blowing.
@@engineclinic you can do it with low pressure. You need to use discretion. But not everyone has that so I can understand why you and others will say that.
@@nbpt1000 I say it because of an in depth study that Quaker state did on air filters. I was involved in the business at the time and had no reason to dispute the data.
@@engineclinic OK....it would be interesting to know the details of that study.
I suggest that, if your air filter contains plastic, you use CRC Mass Airflow Sensor Cleaner. It is designed not to harm plastics. Brake Clean can damage plastic. Carb Cleaner I am unsure about. For the record, CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner is excellent at cleaning chrome and removing road tar.
A generous coating of Vaseline around the rubber seal on Honda Harmony mower filters catches a lot of dirt trying to migrate in around the filter's sealing edges-
I also have a magic kitchen sink ..I also found 3 dents in my skull (Rolling pin radius) soon after testing it.
Great video, about time someone dealt with this poorly covered topic. Would be good if you added how to oil the foam filter after washing in dish soap in that Magic Sink. I maintain friends machines and frequently their foam filters are oversoaked with oil which limits air flow causing rich mixture, not good for engine life. I squeeze the excess oil from the filter while it's wrapped in a sheet of paper towel.
The wife walked in on me using her sink.....I tried telling her Steve said it would be okay.....I slept on the couch that night.
LOL, Right on...
Yeah if I were to clean my filters in the kitchen sink my wife would of been pretty mad. Don't do that. Wash it outside with a water hose.
Hahaha. Your wife knows what a mess it gets.
So you don't have a magic sink.
Steve sleeps on the couch too, after he cleans the sink.
I've been just blowing my air filters off all these years. The carborator or brake cleaner thing is a good idea thank you!
No problem 👍
Steve, for sure you’re to young to remember the older automotive oil bath air cleaners. Even the what I would call previous Brigs with foam air filters, would recommend applying oil to foam, then squeeze out. Great dust adherence.
I was amazed he did not mention oiling a foam filter. Makes you question the credibility.
Ahh...love the Fosters oil can!!! Those magical sinks require a LOT of maintenance!! Thanks Steve!!! Great tutorial
Any time!
Blue oil can! That's my beer! I got to find me one of those magic sinks so my wife quits yelling at me. Also FYI they tend to get pissed off when you use their butter knives for adjusting the gap on spark plugs
I will remember that, Thank You...
Again very helping information making everything clear about different filters and how to clean them and all additional information . Thank You
You're Welcome...
Hand on heart, even Aussies don't drink Fosters! It's nice to see you all drinking one of our beers though.
What beer Aussies generally drink?
Joe Atwork depends where you are in Australia each state is different, in Victoria we drink Carlton Draught, Victoria Bitter (VB), Carlton Dry, Melbourne Bitter, Great Northern plus many more, i have never ever seen anyone in Australia drink Fosters
@@nutbag4230 lol!
Fosters has been nicknamed cat's piss 🐈🐱 here in victoria au lmao!!!
I once joked with a mate saying u could use 2 cans of fosters to backflush a clogged car radiator bcos its soooo bad, pmsl!!,i dont recomend u try it though lol
For 90% of my small engine air filters, I use an ultrasonic cleaner. Paper and flocked filters don't clean in the ultrasonic. At medium temp, for 30 minutes, they will be like new. I also clean carbs, small parts.. hell, even jewellery and my eye glasses. About $100 on Amazon, for a good one. It's a must for any small engine shop.
Steve, I've looked at many other different channels that offer self-help/instructional videos for small engines/tools etc. on TH-cam before finally discovering your saloon. You make it far more comprehensive, thorough, as well as simplfied , practical & interesting than other channels. Not to mention the fact that a refreshing, cold, adult beverage is always a part of the fix-it strategy!
Thanks for all the pointers & for sharing your knowledge & expertise! :-) You helped me get my lawnmower engine spinning like a top again in another vid you put out!
Quick question on the air filter cleaning... I don't have a compressor so, after carb cleaner spraying, I have a wet/dry shop-vac used as a blower with a cone point hose end attatchment. it's not nearly as powerful as a compresser. Would it still be sufficient for drying the air filter that fits in front of the plastic carburetor models?
Steve , I am a big fan . You have saved me some bucks over the years. I just bought a T Shirt from your shop. Just a small way to support your very cool channel. Thanks
Awesome, thank you!
I clean all my air filters with soap and water including so called pleated filters but are more like cloth then paper without any problems. They look perfect when I'm done. I've heard of others who do the same thing. I've rarely but will replace it if it looks bad or in doubt. I have 15 and 10 year old cars from new with original engine and cabin filters. I do question myself but unless proven otherwise I will continue>
I sprayed my Briggs and Stratton foam filter, that exact one you showed with carb cleaner. I didn't have a clue. Luckily I've only done that once. And it was full of oil. So I'm hoping it doesn't fall apart. Thanks for the great video man.
Try putting that oily soaked filter in the "magic sink" and come back 24hrs later to see if it's clean or not?
Great presentation. The BEST way to check under one's lawnmower is to push down on the handle raising the front wheels then put something heavy on the handle. Either way you tilt the mower you put stress on the Wheels. Yes I USED to tip it away from muffler side until I realized what was happening. Thanks for the tips on air filters- the most overlooked and yet cheapest item to replace. Lol- I've seen people take them out completely! We know what happens next!!! 😀
Steve, another good video. Some really good tips! Thanks.
You're Welcome...
Thank you Steve for another awesome video. I learn so much from you sharing your wisdom. Thank you and The Lord Bless you.
You're Welcome...
I'm not married and guess what? My sink is not magic. Where do you get those magic sinks? Oh wait I found out they are very expensive. Never mind.
Yeh these magic sinks are mostly not worth it.
@@ivaerak -The over all cost is worse with time.Once they reach the 40 plus club,they lose even more value .Better to not even go down that road at all.🤮
But very worth it when YOU get old !
Hahahaha yeah for sure she’s not doing those chores for nothing when u have wife like that your wallet more than likely is wide open for them
My brush cutter's air filter is just 2 sponge elements, which I soak in a small container of my 2 stroke fuel/oil mix, and then I squeeze it out. It cleans out perfectly every time. the theory behind using the fuel/oil mix, is that the sponge absorbs some of the oil, which helps it to trap the dust more effectively. It's never damaged my air filters, and I only overhauled the engine for the first time, around September/October 2018. That's 4 or 5 years of engine life, which is the common lifespan for a standard Tandem CG43 engine on the garden services, and my one works hard, in a very dusty farm environment.
Hi Notebook,. I have had many engines with foam filters over the years (about 50 years) and I've always washed them out with gas and then squeezed it out and put oil on it and squeezed it out again. This gives the entire filter an even coating of oil. My dad bought a new garden tiller from a dealer when I was younger and he showed us how to do that and I was old enough to do that job and I have done it ever since. I have never had to overhaul an engine with piston problems or burning oil problems. I always seem to get extremely long life from my engines and never retire a machine because the engine is the problem.
Dale in Canada
"don't worry, she's not gonna mind...."
😂
A point to add: some foam prefilters may need to be oiled but NOT ALL of them. Check your owners manual. My Shindaiwa EB910RT manual says "DO NOT OIL" the foam prefilter. (I'm not trying to tell you [Steve] what to do! :) Just adding this based on a comment or two that I read later on. Cheers!)
Good to know. Although, I’m banned from using the kitchen sink. She makes me take a bucket of hot water outside. Oh, almost forgot, stay awesome.
Right on Doug...
This video definitely needs a disclaimer... I help my aunt a lot but I have a similar 'magic cleaner' approach that she takes issue with (routinely before her kids and grandkids) to make an example of me.
I know that this is something I learnt from my elders and I can'y help but follow their tradition. Kinda makes me wonder whether she actually smdoes appreciate anything that gets fixed though, lol
Gee thanks buddy. I took your advice and now I have sore wobbly bits. The wife didn't take so kindly to using HER sink for "greasy nasty" stuff!!!
April is to kind to you. You are indeed a lucky man.
could you use K&N air filter cleaner that's used for car air filters and then light oil.
Awesome tips Steve! Thanks🍺!
Any time!
Soap and water and then Dry and reoiling is best.
Excellent info - but a couple of additions. When blowing out paper filters, ALWAYS blow them out backwards FIRST. ie from the carby side, not the open air side. If you blow it from the open air side, you blow all the crap hard into the filter material blocking it completely. Always blow this side after the carbie side. Also - with the foam pre filters like on the GX Honda/ Chonda motors, I have always washed them in non ethanol petrol/ gasoline and then carefully blow them out. Never a problem. You can wash them over and over. After reinstalling onto the main paper filter housing, I ALWAYS spray the pre filter with K&N air filter oil. (NEVER the paper) This stuff is magic for trapping fine dust that will pass straight through the paper filter and destroy your bores and rings. Been there, done that and trashed a brand new engine in a dusty workplace when I stupidly believed that "air filter spray was complete BS." On the new new replacement Chonda, I got over 300hrs before any signs of wear. I religiously washed the prefilter every 5hrs and changed the engine oil every 15. New oil is cheap - engines are not.
Chonda never heard that before that’s a good one!!
Chinese Honda knockoff engines. Like those MTD powermore engines, predator, and other Chinese clones
Made from 100% Chinesium.
For foam filters, use NoToil. Their filter oil becomes water-soluable with their cleaner. Been using it on my dirt bikes for many years and switched over to using it on my lawn tractor filter cover also.
I had heard that using compressed air on a paper filter close up could tear the tiny holes allowing larger particles through the filter.
People have said this to me also. Supposedly micro tears that you cannot see. I blow out paper air filters that still look good all the time. I blow it out on both sides also, another “no-no.” Works for me.
Thanks Steve, absolutely great advice on common old air filters and varied types as well. I think I might leave the kitchen sink alone, I value my life lol. Cheers from Down Under.
Glad to help
Steve: Guess what we're talking about today?
Me: Beer!?
Thank you for this video. On my last air filter for my chainsaw and wasn't sure id have time to run to the store before I'd need it next.
Having ridden dirtbikes in the past, I'm familiar with cleaning the foam filters, didn't know if it would be recommended with the compressed fiber.
I think my magic sink is possessed by a demon or something, I left it all dirty and the next morning when I woke up I was all black and blue and had a big lump on my head.
LMFAO.....
Steve's Small Engine Sa
TH-cam's most underrated comment!
thats abuse. call the cops. we would be in jail.
This was great episode , I’ve always cleaned my filters, ( Stihl saw) just with air , I need to take a closer look at the webbing now . Thanks Steve👊
You're Welcome...
I watched this in the living room and my girlfriend said "we do not have a magic sink". So I guess I'm out of luck
Very interesting Steve In my opinion Filters are a very important component for the life of the machine and its breathing Thanks for your tutorial
Totally agree
You know, I have never seen a Foster's in my life. I'm a 35 year old Australian
you mean it's NOT Australian for beer? The ads were lies?
Yeah I kinda figured as much. I've heard Aussies hate Fosters
I lost all respect for him as soon as I saw what he was drinking! lol
Same James.
Fosters was heavily marketed in the UK and Ireland back in the early 90's, only ever drank it twice, absolute piss, never got more than halfway through a can before throwing it away...
I had a paper filter on a lawn mower that became so plugged up that the vacuum from the carb began to suck oil out of the crank case through the crank case vent and then directly into the carb. It made the mover smoke so bad I thought I'd burned it up but after I replaced the filter it cleared right up and I'm still using it.
When using your air compressor, always blow to clean in the reverse direction of air flow while in service.
I thought about this as well. It makes sense to do it that way so you don't force the particles through the filter potentially damaging it.
Great stuff, I picked up a free mower from my neighbor who just had in in storage. Its a Toro 6.75 with Kholer motor.
He warned me wont start needs major help to get it running .I am Kinda handy and can figure things out. Took it completely apart, the carb was all blocked off with dirty old fuel , took it apart, cleaned it , including the jets and passages.
replace the fuel hose that was so bad it felt like peanut butter when I tried to clear it. Had the wrong air filter a foam one that was degraded to almost dust. cleaned the plug and checked for spark. . Installed a fuel valve to allow me to turn the fuel off.
Got it running. after a while of testing it started to sputter and eventually shut down. took apart the Carb again and cleaned more and more stuff came out, including the idle needle I think its called. tested again ran longer so started cutting grass.
its a self propelled one. after a while when I pressed the self propelled lever, it would want to bog down once in while.
I installed a universal fuel hose a tad bigger diameter, and as I recall when I took the OE hose off the tank there was a small plastic pieceabout 3 inches long with a small cap almost to reduce fuel flow inside the hose. what can that be?
On the air box the smaller hose that goes connected to the air box had a broken nipple , I found the tiny spot where it broke off from the air box, I don't know if that plays a role any idea. At this point looks like its running fine. I think the RPM is a bit high.
I did order a new carb and air box with gaskets and new plug. I wonder since I did not have actual gaskets, this may be an issue. I use gasket maker until my order comes in. I had fun figuring this out.
Magic Sink? That's hilarious!
Unfortunately mine doesn't work anymore, since around the same time my wife watched the video!!!!
Thanks Steve, videos like this make TH-cam invaluable
Happy to help!
Gasoline is great and inexpensive solution that does not dissolve the glue
i did a lot of lawn mower work as a kid in the 80s (to make money) and had 2 containers of gas, I'd repeatedly squeeze the foam filters in the dirtiest gas, followed by the cleaner gas, then added a few drops of oil and squeezed the filter into a little ball to lightly oil the foam filter. if you think about it... most filters should have resistance to gasoline due to proximity
Do you need to oil the foam filters after cleaning? If so, what type of oil and how much? Thanks, love your tips!
The “magic sink” is called a wife steve lol
Spoiler..
I have washed pleated paper filters in hot soapy water making sure the inlet side is down and agitating it. You need to rinse well and let air dry. Best to do this at night after you are done.
"Foam" filters I have washed in solvent and not the environmently friendly crap, wring it out and put a little oil back in it. All others just like Steve demonstrated.
Love the magical sink!
Q) How do you convert a dishwasher into a snowblower?
A) Buy her a shovel.
I found that using 2 stroke fuel and air for cleaning filters is pretty effective. You always get some fumes or even some spit back from the carb on these filters during normal operation. Definitely gotta be careful with the flocked filters though.
When I get a plugged up Flock filter, I toss it and say Flock It!!!
I clean my air filters almost weekly🙂 & right now in leaf season season i am blowing out the filter on the lawnvac every night or morning, very dirty work.😍
I have a question about the paper filters, & i really hope i get an answer.
My boss gave me h*ll because he claims you can only push air through paper fters going one direction?🤔
I didn't think this really mattered or does it? Was hopeing it would be covered in the video.
Thanks again Steve! Your videos have helped me ALOT!!!! keep em comin!
Conclusion: Buy a new one.
The Stihl 026 chainsaw air filters can be taken apart for better cleaning. The case halves snap together and I always find some dirt inside them. Soak them in warm dish soap water in a discarded plastic sandwich clamshell container or cookie tub, etc. and use a soft bristle toothbrush to remove the dirt from the filter flocking and the case halves nooks and crannies. Since the OEM air filter cost about $20 it's well worth the time to clean one.
What's yer favorite beer? Mines a open one!
Free or cold....
Thanks for the videos, I've learned a lot of little tips to help me get more life out of my equipment. So thanks for your time & willingness to share your experience. 👍🏻👍🏻
You're Welcome...
It's a great joke, and funny, but I have always cleaned up my own messes, dishes, etc. My choice. PS I do ALL the laundry in our house. Call it what you want; I call it fair distribution of responsibility.
Just replaced my air filter on my Craftsman tractor this spring. Got it in 06 used replaced the air filter after I bought it. Been cleaning the air filter every spring until this spring when the foam pre filter was about done for. I always cleaned the foam filter in a bucket of soapy water and blew out the paper filter. Worked for 14 years and should work for the next 14 years if it lasts that long. Being my tractor is already 29 years old who knows but I take good care of it. I change the oil at least once a summer and in the fall. If I use it during winter I change it in the spring also. I probably am changing it more then I need to but hey it's not hurting anything but my wallet lol.
I have a magic washing machine that cleans all my sponges and sponge air filters, along with my greasy jeans and dark colors......I dont own anything white...my shorts are stylishly grey.....I save a few brand new shorts for when I have doctor visits.....glad you covered this...air filters are neglected like feet.
Let's say that the flashlight test should work, provided the filter is not wet with oil. ;) Good vid!!