Why is it called an oil bath air cleaner

[67fastbackFE]

and what does it do?

[Chasbod]

There was a previous thread that talked about this--but can't remember where it was posted. But essentially, the intake air is drawn through or bathed in the oil and the oil traps the particulates. Kind of like why the foam air cleaners on the Briggs and Stratton small engines are saturated in oil. Oil is a great trap for dirt.

[67fastbackFE]

So its like a filter saturated in oil to help trap dirt or is there a "pool" of oil in the air cleaner? Does the engine suck any oil in it?

[spartman]

There is a "pool" of oil in the bottom of the filter housing.

The engine doesn't suck the oil out of the filter housing AFAIK.

The way they work I believe is that the air comes in, slows down just a little as it passes over the oil, the heavier dirt particles then fall out and are trapped by the oil, leaving clean air going to the engine.

If I am wrong on this explenation sorry.

[68F250]

Here's an illustration that shows how it works:
http://www.tpub.com/content/engine/1408 ... 081_40.htm

[71-F-250SC-72-F-250C]

We have one of those on our volkswagon thing, does the oil ever need to be replaced?

Stephen

[68F250]

A thing? Boy I haven't seen one of those in years, cool!

Yes it does require regular cleaning and maintenance. Clean it out with solvent and some old rags, then fill it to the red line with engine oil. Biggest killer of VW's are dirty air filters and tight valves.

[greenbank]

I have one on my Ferguson. Seems to work pretty well.

[spartman]

Since greenbank mentioned tractors I do recall having one on my Allis WD and the WD-45.

When I checked them this spring the one was bone dry and the other had some nasty water looking stuff in the bottom of it.

Took awhile to clean out the steel wool element in both of them but they seem happier now.

[RayLCC]

Here's an illustration that shows how it works:
http://www.tpub.com/content/engine/1408 ... 081_40.htm

Ooook... I looked at the pic. So, does the air bubble up through the oil like it looks in the picture. In that case it would be like an oil filled water bong for your engine. Am I thinking of the right concept or does the air just pass over the oil?
And children. Don't use drugs! Take that money and put it into your truck. Its legal and will last longer.