Air Filters: Felt vs Fine Screen

[ChillyB]

Guys,

I have a hazy memory that there are some filters that have a fine fabric screen instead of the yellow felt fabric. This is a Husqvarna 365 part number 503 72 53. What was the situation warranting these elements? Winter? Low dust cutting?

 

[stihltech]

Back in the early days, these were the only type of air filter on many saws. The flocked or felt air filter came later. I am talking 60s, 70s, early 80s). Later, the wire mesh started to be called the "winter" filter. We also started to see heat doors on a lot of saws to let heat from the cylinder enter the carburetor area. This was to help prevent icing of the carburetor and air filter.

 

[muddy42]

I like either felt or wire mesh because they can be blown out or washed and reused. So I dislike the modern paper ones because they can't be washed. I check the carb side of the filter for dust and if there is any I try to add more filtration.

 

[ChillyB]

Thanks for the info. I see no tears in this filter and isn't too dirty so I'll keep it going. OEM filters aren't cheap!

I think the mesh material is a synthetic fabric of some type.

 

[stihltech]

You might want to check a user manual on your saw. Many Stihl air filters are washable, even the pleated and round ones. The flocked and felt ones are definitely washable.