2N Air Filter Element

[RRKujala]

I need to get to the air filter air element on a 2N. I have removed the filter housing from the tractor and the oil cup is off. I have my trusty ford manual but it is short on details. SPecifically, the pictured air filter has quick release clips that allow the bottom to come off to get to the element. Mine has nothing like that. It has to slits that maybe you apply pressure to and that will release the bottom to get to the element. Before i try and screw somehting up I thought I better ask. Is this what I do?

 

[Dell (WA)]

RRkujala.........WHY do you think you need to gitt to yer air filter screens??? They are WASHED in OIL everytime you turn OFF yer engine. That is what the oilcup is fer. ALL that mud is collected in the bottom of the oilcup. So, rinse cup and refill. And yes, both sides of the cup doughnut are filled to the same mark. .........Dell

 

[elmersooner]

most people just clean in diesel or similar solvent. if your filter element is trashed then you need two of the replacement elements that are offered in the parts section on this site. the tabs are how you get the canister apart. to get the new elements back in the canister it helps to have them on piece of pvc or even cardboard tube from paper towel and slide them back in. pry the tabs and then after replacing tap in with drift.

 

[Tom N MS]

Believe me--yes, Dell"s general explanation is right but YES you do need to clean the filtering
steel wool looking filter element stuff ever so often unless you have a trailer queen and it never does real work in dusty conditions..A year or so ago my Dad"s 2N was not running right and I found that the filtering element(steel wool stuff) was so clogged with duaty oily dirt it could not "breathe". I removed the filter element and doused it in some gas..removed about a half pound of dirt and gunk and it is back to being its old self. It is the easiest cranking, hardest working N I know of anywhere..It gets used, discing, bushhogging 20 acres for the last 45+ yrs and who knows what before that..YES, U do need to clean the element.That is pure fact, no matter what anyone might think.

 

[RRKujala]

I am trying to isolate a running problem. It has been running poorly for a couple of months. It doesnt keep the same rpms after starting and sort of lightly chugs or the rpms go up and down and definitely has less power. I have owned this tractor since 07 and have chnaged the oil and the oil in the bowl dutifully. HOWEVER, I didnt know their was mesh in that housing. My neighbor suggested that before we do a carberator job that we really clean or replace the mesh in the cleaner. I was like "what mesh?" I am learning as I go with these N series tractors. (The power loss is not electrical or fuel... been through that. It is either with air or in the carb). Your explanation sounds sort of like what is going on.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

The bottom has a press fit into the sides. Get a good light & if your eyes are like mine, your reading glasses. You will find where the tabs are to pry it open. Sometimes you can remove the mesh, unroll it & clean it in kerosene & reuse it. Sometimes, if you buy a ticket, you could win the Lottery. Chances are pretty good that you will need to replace the mesh. It comes in a roll. The filter takes 2 rolls. Steel wool won't work. Once you get it apart, plan on soaking the canister in your favorite degreaser for a few days. It will clean up! BTDT w/ three of them! Hint: Wrap the mesh around the breather tube (it is the same diameter as the tube inside of the air cleaner) Or, use a tube of caulk. Place the breather tube (or caulk tube) against the tube in the air cleaner & slide the mesh off, into the air cleaner. Otherwise, getting that mesh rolled tight & back into the air filter is like getting used toothpaste back in the tube.

Look at the cork gasket in the bottom of the canister. If you have oil leaking out of the cup, chances are you need to replace the gasket. Look at the gasket in the picture; it is so compressed that it needs to be replaced.

50 Tips

 

[thomas9n]

is there enough mesh in one bag (sold on this site)to fill oil bath or do you need two bags to fill canister?

 

[elmersooner]

(quoted from post at 14:33:44 06/20/11) is there enough mesh in one bag (sold on this site)to fill oil bath or do you need two bags to fill canister?

two bags required. definitely follow Bruce (VA) instructions..worked for me

 

[Tom N MS]

I agree with your neighbor. Clean the mesh so you know it is "breathing right". Could have some trash in the carb. Open it up, clean it out, and put it back together. Complete rebuild is not needed very often..