Who has an air filter on their diesel aux/genset?

[Rich Stidger]

An owner just related in another posting that the 9yr old sound insulation broke down and was ingested into the genset causing severe valve malfunction.I don't believe that my Volvo MD22L aux or my Westerbeke 5KW genset have any air filters.How many people have installed or adapted an air filter to their engines?

 

[Don]

insulation integrity

I think the potential for a similar problem goes away with the insulation we have on our 40.5s Rich. On mine, its hard insulation with a silver metallic backing which should last. Regardless, I pulled the air intake apart once to check and found nothing inside and I'm hesistant to put anything there which could restrict air flow.I wonder what, if any, effect putting some type of filter media could have on air capacity??Don

 

[Bill Roosa]

You need an air filter

All internal combustion engines need air filters. This is especially true of diesel engines that do not have a throttle and consume the maximum amount of air possible. The longevity of the engine is greatly reduced due to dust scratching everything inside the engine over time. A proper air filter and housing will not restrict the flow of air to any great degree.I have never seen a factory installed engine that did not have an air filter. NAPA or your local hot rod shop are good sources of performance air cleaners (filter+housing) if you can't find one from the factory. As a general rule bigger is better, oil bath filters are the best but instillation can be problem as they must be installed in a specific orientation. Dry paper filters are fine but buy a housing that takes a standard size replacement filter for when you need to do that.

 

[Don]

Bill Roosa

BillI just checked the Yanmarhelp site, my engine manual and the service manual (yanmar 4JH) and could find nothing about the existence or servicing of an air filter nor can I find any air filter parts. Not sure if I overlooked something but it appears there is no such animal. I always presumed the mfg thought it unnecessary since there is virtually no way dirt or dust could get into the engine compartment but this thread got me thinking...

 

[Terry Cox]

Both our main propulsion engine and genset ...

have air filters. Need to be replaced though.Terry

 

[Captain Dave]

1988 Hunter Legend 35

My Yanmar had a cone shaped filter that was taken out before I bought her 5 years ago. What I noticed is a dust residue and black rubber like deposits in the area. I believe that the belts probably slip once in awhile and deposit some of their dust in the area. I think one of my pulleys might be misaligned,but not enough to do a lot of work on. Marine environent is cleaner than home environment Bottom line to me is I want the engine to last a long long time, and just because I can't see the contaminants doesn't mean they aren't there causing damage. You can buy the filter mesh at any hardware store and make it yourself. I used air conditioner foam mesh. It's washable and will last for years.

 

[Cool Hand]

4JH3 Has an "Air Cleaner"

Don -- and others -- my Yanmar 4JH3 manual describes an "air intake silencer" and in the 300 hour service category says "clean the element of the air intake silencer". In the service detail it says: "Dissasemble the intake silencer and clean the inside thoroughly. Remove the cover by taking off the clamp. Clean the element with a neutral detergent. Reassemble after it is completely dry." This intake silencer seems to serve as an air filter.I don't see drawings or detailed instructions on how to do this. Anyone have any more details?

 

[Don]

Thanks for the replies

I've have both the engine manual and the service manual and both show the silencer which I have taken apart to clean, however, it isn't an air cleaner nor is there anyplace in the cone to put one.It seems like common sense to have an air cleaner but I can't figure out where to put it unless I replace the silencer which is my next step.Again, my concern is what happens to the air flow characteristics when I put something in the intake not designed to go there and what, if any effect it will have on engine operation.Again, thanks for the replies

 

[seadaddler]

Post Photo

I have never see any type of engine without some type of air cleaner to keep out dust and dirt but I am not an expert.Try posting a photo of your system and maybe you or some one can help with an after market kit that will do the job.You do have to be careful you don't such in any thing you might add like sponge element which is used on most engines I have seen.

 

[Bob Bass]

Main & Generator

My main engine, a 4JH2, has only a screen to keep out large things. The generator (Kohler with a yanmar engine) had a foam air filter till it got clogged up with blow-by oil which then started pulling more blow-by oil from the crankcase vent. Could have resulted in a run-away, I am told. Took off the foam and installed a screen over the air intake hose where the filter was attached. No problems since. Normally, a screen type filter is all that is necessary on a diesel in a boat. We don't encounter dusty roads!