Stihl 044 Outerwears Prefilter - Leaks Under Elastic?

[SteveSr]

On Saturday I took "Big Bertha" out to cut some fire wood for a local charity. I cut a couple of large oak trunks into rounds to be later split. The oak was pretty dry already and generated a considerable amount of dust as well as chips. When I got home I took a look at the air filter which looked pretty clean. I also slid back the elastic on the Outerwears pre-filter and was surprised to see a considerable amount of fines had gotten in under the elastic band and could be seen on the inner filter element.

So is this an issue with the Outerwears pre-filter? The main filter is a Stihl HD filter that originally had the felt band pre-filter. I am almost considering putting the felt back on or adding some foam weatherstrip to the HD housinig to help the Outerwears seal better.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[blsnelling]

It's been reported for years that they hold in more than they keep out. Get and HD2 and be done with it.

 

[SteveSr]

Here is the issue...



It looks like the HD filter is doing its job but the Outerwears pre-filter isn't because fines are getting in under the elastic. I don't see how an HD2 would solve that.

 

[Big_Wood]

Here is the issue...

View attachment 622519 View attachment 622521

It looks like the HD filter is doing its job but the Outerwears pre-filter isn't because fines are getting in under the elastic. I don't see how an HD2 would solve that.

he's saying get an HD2 and throw that outerwears in the trash. pre filters are not meant to filter the fines, they are meant to keep the bulk saw dust out of the filter pleats so you can run longer in between cleanings. the best thing you can do for that saw is to get an HD2 filter on there with no pre filter. a great alternative is the white aftermarket filters hutzl sells. they flow lots, filter well, and clean up easy. better then an HD2 IMO. the stihl felt pre filter bands restrict a filter like crazy and kill power.

 

[blsnelling]

Outerwears are good for keeping things out like sand or large chips, not fine powder/dust. I ran them in the sand dunes on my modified Banshee and they worked great in that scenario.