Air Filters $6.50 Each

[pamcopete]

For 1976 to 1979 XS 650's
(see later posting for possible answer for earlier models)
1. Go to Home Depot Buy Briggs and Stratton Air Filter part number 5052 for $13.



2. Saw the filter in half.



3. Fabricate two "L" shaped sheet metal plates to cover the open end and top of each half air filter.



4. Do a trial fit in the air filter boxes. Trim "L" plates as necessary.

5. Attach and seal "L" plates to each half filter with Permatex Blue RTV Silicone.

6. Hold plates to filter halves with clamp and rubber bands for 24 hours to set Silicone.



7. Salvage end plates from old filters.

8. Use a piece of 1/4 in plastic hose, split lengthwise, to seal the exposed end of the "L" plates.

9. Install filters using the salvaged end plates from old filters




For '80 to '84 models:

xs650temp.proboards29.com/index.cgi?board=Fuel&action=display&thread=1204507488&page=1#1204507488

Ride. Enjoy.

[TWILKIN]

I've been "out of the Garage" for a while. Anyone tried this for the earlier air filters? I have an XS-2 that could benefit from the same low cost solution. I have a set of Mike's OEM type replacements on now with a coarse foam over filter to keep the really big stuff out, but $24.00 per pair is a bit steep compared to what you could do with a solution like this. I would assume that measuring the filter thickness and comparing a "bunch 'o car filters" would be a possibility if the parts guy would let you rummage around in the back.

[pamcopete]

TWILKIN,
I don't know if the 5052 filter would work for a '72, but there probably is a filter out there that would. I spotted the 5052 while shopping at Home Depot in the lawn and garden section. I took some measurements and went home to look at my filters in the bike (a '78), and I couldn't believe how perfectly they matched. The advantage to a place like Home Depot is that all the filters are on display. I saw a couple more there that looked promising, but were too small for the '78. Might work for you, though.

Ride. Enjoy. and Good Luck!

[pamcopete]

There seems to a lot of interest in this adaptation. If you make one of these, please post your results.
Thanks,

PamcoPete

Ride. Enjoy.

[pamcopete]

It's that time of year! Time to change the air filters and if you are unhappy with the big prices for stock filters, this mod is the answer for 1976 to 1979 models.

[5twins]

There's a link on the Wiki site for a different B & S filter that I think might be for the older models. Might be worth checking out .....

650wiki.org/index.php/5.04._Air_Filters

[pamcopete]

Here is a pic of the Briggs and Stratton filter #393725 that 5twins refers to:



Length 5 1/8 in.
Width 3 3/16 in.
Height 2 1/2 in.

It may work for earlier models just by fabricating a sheet metal cover, but I have not personally done that. Need a volunteer or someone who has already done it to tell us.

[pamcopete]

I had a member who was looking for this thread, so here it is.

[sparklow]

I rebuilt the air filters on my '79 with the thin foam from computer motherboard boxes and a hot glue gun. Mine seem OK so far. I love your solution Pete - an elegant low cost solution to an expensive aftermarket part dilemma. I can not see why the aftermarket air filters are so expensive. Anyway, great fix, I may pick up a Briggs and Stratton filter and put a pair together.

[pamcopete]

It's that time of year again! Time to replace those air filters!

[gggGary]

My 2 cents: I take just the precleaner from a round Briggs filter, cut it into 2 equal length pieces. strip all the mouse hair off the stock filters. Oil the briggs foam and wire tie on the stock filter frame. Simple, reusable (just wash and (reoil) and also about 13.00 Maybe not for dirt road riding but fine for the street.

[56steve]

I just pick up a sheet of some UNI air filter foam at Cycle gear for $15 . I am going to remove the old foam and use this.
www.unifilter.com/online%20catalog/accessories.html

[tonyc2me]

Does anyone know how the Uni foam worked out? TonyC