G23 Air Filter

[schaabj]

I was just wondering if a boats air filter ever needs to be checked/changed? I have seen on some G23s there is a K&N sticker on the (what i assume to be) air box which is located in the back right hand side of the engine. My boat does not have the sticker.

I have searched the manual and cannot find anything regarding maintenance or even how to access the filter?

Does anyone else have any other experience with this?

[thedude]

I believe K&N filters are only provided on the 550hp engines. The 409 and 450 seem to just have the standard flame arrestor. Which doesn't really require maintenance.

[s_kelley2000]

I assume the K&N on the 550 is also the flame arrestor. My Python has a K&N and it can be easily cleaned with compressed air and/or some carb cleaner. I would imagine the same cleaning procedures would work on the standard flame arrestors. Mine was pretty gunked up when I bought the boat so I cleaned it then. Over 100 hours later it still looks about new so I don't think this needs to be maintained very often unless it fails a visual inspection.

[schaabj]

I assume the K&N on the 550 is also the flame arrestor. My Python has a K&N and it can be easily cleaned with compressed air and/or some carb cleaner. I would imagine the same cleaning procedures would work on the standard flame arrestors. Mine was pretty gunked up when I bought the boat so I cleaned it then. Over 100 hours later it still looks about new so I don't think this needs to be maintained very often unless it fails a visual inspection.

My engine is the XS550 with the stainless headers, but no k&n sticker. How do I get into the airbox? is it a simple thing to open and check like on a car? (Couple snaps)

[core-rider]

I assume the K&N on the 550 is also the flame arrestor. My Python has a K&N and it can be easily cleaned with compressed air and/or some carb cleaner. I would imagine the same cleaning procedures would work on the standard flame arrestors. Mine was pretty gunked up when I bought the boat so I cleaned it then. Over 100 hours later it still looks about new so I don't think this needs to be maintained very often unless it fails a visual inspection.

You should not use anything more than mild soap and low pressure water to clean your K&N filters. Its just cotton with some oil sprayed on it to help catch smaller particles. They offer cleaning kits, but really all you need is the oil to spray on after the cleaning process. Dish soap mixed with water will do just fine for cleaning. Carb cleaner and high compressed air will ruin that cotton with repeated cleaning that way. http://www.knfilters.com/cleaning.htm

[s_kelley2000]

Sorry guys I think I caused a lot of confusion. Sounds like the 550s actually have a K&N air filter in them. My Python has a metal mesh spark arrestor that is made by K&N. I am talking about what is circled in the picture on my boat. I agree with Core-Rider that you should NOT use the methods I described to clean a traditional K&N filter but for a spark arrestor I think it is fine and has worked for me without issue.