CSL Filter Cleaning

[heinzboehmer]

I have an OE CSL filter on my car and it does not look like it's made out of paper. Just out of curiosity, can these be cleaned and reused. If so how? Would be great if they can be cleaned since they're fairly expensive.

[Tbonem3]

Yes! And no sensitive wires to worry about ruining with any oil that gets through, though i'm not a big fan of using much oil. In fact, I usually take paper towel to an oil filter to remove some (though I'm not in a dusty/dirty area).

Look for a typical cleaning kit, K&N or whoever. If you have trouble, look for motorcycle/dirtbike kits. I used to do this multiple time a week with my dirt bikes. You want to wash from inside out. Warm water, soap or grease cutter (dish soap).

Seems like the ITG and BMC, though different looking, both use the mesh/foam instead of paper/fiber like stock non-csl.

After 2.5 years (but only like 5k), I haven't even bothered to wash my ITG cause it's just not that dirty.

[heinzboehmer]

Nice. Good to know!

[Slideways]

I emailed BMC a while back and here was the reps response:

"I spoke with the CSL project manager and he told me that this filter is grey because it is the only one we produce that is not oiled. I really apologize for the wrong information I gave you.

He also told me that, in case you have already oiled it, there is no problem for the car and the filter. The only difference is that is not needed (due to a different kind of mesh) as on all the other filters."

It might be worth trying to wash it with their cleaning solution when it gets dirty. I'd see what the result is like, then reuse it or keep it as a backup. The ITG one can be washed and oiled if you are looking for one that is designed to be reused by the manufacturer.

It might be worth asking NZ_M3 since he knows a lot about CSL stuff.