Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R56) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain Alta CAI cleaning????

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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 02:19 AM
  #1  
Charlie Croker's Avatar
Charlie Croker
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Alta CAI cleaning????

I went to take the filter off of the CAI to clean it and found it to be very oily???? Is that part of the filtering process? THere is no access to any oil source to contaminate it. How are we to clean these filters and what is the process of returning it back on the housing frame?

I didn't install it so forgive my ignorance. I do remember something about the K&N filters needing to be re-oiled. I really only look and sound stupid!
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 06:15 AM
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http://www.altaminiperformance.com/p...r-Cleaning-Kit

Also, there's a video on their website that shows removal and replacement of the filter.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 07:00 AM
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Unlike the video, my filter is not a two piece design.(at least it seems to be one piece...). So wringing it out is not an option. Still, very easy to clean then oil with a cleaner kit.
Anyone know if there is a difference between the K&N and the UNI kit?
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 07:48 AM
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K&N is made for cotton filters.

Uni is made for foam.

Use the appropriate one.

If you don't want to order online call your local motorcycle shop and ask if they carry it. Lots of motorcycles use Uni Filters, That's where I buy mine.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 09:04 AM
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So, I'm not crazy! I'm surprised that they didn't mention this when ordering the CAI? Or maybe for a little extra, add this cleaning/oiling kit when the CAI is ordered. I did look in the box that the CAI came in and there were instruction on the installation and papers on the warranty, but nothing about the cleaning and maintenance!

Maybe Adam would like to chime in here with some tidbits about this?
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 09:40 AM
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I know they sell the uni service kit on their website. But your right I guess it would help direct you to the purchase of the service kit as well.

If I recall outmotoring .com does something like that.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by golden_child
I know they sell the uni service kit on their website. But your right I guess it would help direct you to the purchase of the service kit as well.

If I recall outmotoring .com does something like that.
Well I don't want to be whiny, but I give directions for aftercare on every dental procedure that I do. I even give follow up calls to make sure all went well after the fact. Might be a slight oversight or maybe Alta figures that if you know about their CAI, you know how to care for them.

I dunno, I've worked on cars over the years and I learn new stuff all the time. I also don't mind being ignorant, but I don't want to be blissful in the process. I truly did not know the proper care for this filter, only that I assumed it needed regular maintenance. A little mention would have gone a long way.

Makes me a little reluctant in purchasing other items that might have a bigger negative effect if I am negligent in it's proper maintenance.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 03:27 PM
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Charlie: Sorry for any confusion and I will take your concerns under advisement. I will check on the instructions if it is noted there how to and when to clean the filter. I think that is fair.

Going to your other point on why we don't include the cleaner and oil. It can't be air freighted as it contains an aerosol can. We can ground ship it. But if we put it in every kit, and it was air freighted all hell would break loose. So that is MAJOR reason why it is separate.

But I will take the other concerns and see what we can do to better educate folks before and after the purchase.

Thank you again for the business and PLEASe let me know if I can ever help further!
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 06:31 PM
  #9  
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Well thank you Adam for checking in on this one. I really don't mean to sound complaining or anything, and I may have missed the instructions. While I was opening up the air scoop, I noticed that the filter was a bit dirty and decided that I should clean it.

I was really surprised that it was oily. This is my ignorance shining through, but I did remember the K&N filter that needed re-oiled and I figured that this was the case with the Alta CAI.

I guess that there are some out there that already have cleaning and oiling kits and might not need another, but maybe you should make the suggestion at the time of ordering of this need. If it is ordered from you, it is shipped separately anyway, so why not just make it clear from the get go that this is needed for those of us not quite so savey and it will arrive in a separate container.

Again, thank you for taking the time to post and what you say makes perfect sense.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Charlie Croker
I was really surprised that it was oily.
did you not install it yourself? It seems impossible to not notice it is oily during install. I had to use a rag to get off quite a bit of excess oil.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 07:30 PM
  #11  
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MM,

Yes you are correct, I did not install it myself and had the local "Brake Check" install it at the time of the springs install. I am extremely busy and would like to do more of these installs myself, but I just can't find the time.

It was something I noticed after the fact. I will be more attentive in the future, however!
 
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Old Feb 5, 2008 | 11:04 AM
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Thanks Charlie! Appreciate the repost. I have the warehouse making changes to the instructions included as well as to our website.

Chat soon!
 
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 05:16 PM
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I have had the alta intake for about a year on my R53.
I just bought the Filter Cleaning Kit from you guys.


Adam, is there any instruction as to how to

1) remove air filter
2) clean the filter
3) put back the filter?

there's two bottle included in the cleaning kit,

I suppose I am suppose to use the cleaner first THEN the oil bottle?

I did not install the intake myself, so I am a bit confused
 
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 05:30 PM
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Originally Posted by lunlun
I have had the alta intake for about a year on my R53.
I just bought the Filter Cleaning Kit from you guys.


Adam, is there any instruction as to how to

1) remove air filter
2) clean the filter
3) put back the filter?

there's two bottle included in the cleaning kit,

I suppose I am suppose to use the cleaner first THEN the oil bottle?

I did not install the intake myself, so I am a bit confused
The filter is removed by loosening the hose clamp that holds it to the shroud, and pulling it off. The instructions for cleaning and re-oiling are on the spray cans themselves. And yes, you clean the filter and then oil it.

*edit: didn't realize you have an R53. Not sure if filter removal is the same
 

Last edited by chili_red07; Feb 25, 2008 at 06:37 PM.
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 06:19 PM
  #15  
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Here is a thread about cleaning and oiling the filter.....
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=129459
 
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 11:53 PM
  #16  
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Thanks guys!
 
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Old Feb 26, 2008 | 08:45 AM
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Sorry for not getting to this sooner! Thanks Scott for sending the link!
 
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