Air Filters - how often to replace?

[YamahaCC]

I bought a replacement set of air filters just to have on hand. However, the ones I pulled look almost new, how often (hours/time) are people replacing them? I'm going on year 4 with the boat with the same ones (the boat is an '06 and I have no service history to know if they were done prior). Performance has never been an issue either.

 

[troybox]

Yamaha manual calls for annual replacements, but I am with you...after years mine still look new. Unless I start to see any sort of discoloration or break down of material, I let it ride.

 

[Ronnie]

I replaced mine in the 242 just for the upgrade to cleanable / reusable. In the 06 sx ho I had the filters were prone to being clogged by oil if I overfilled the engine. This happened once before I went with an aftermarket filter.

 

[Ancient canoe]

Not a lot of dust on the water. A lot of people run without air filters.

 

[Ronnie]

One benefit, if I can call it that, of replacing the oem paper filters with cleanable reusable versions from riva or r&d is that they are considered flame suppression devices that replace the stock flame arrestors. So you can remove the stock flame arrestors and still be compliant with the coast guard rules and regulations if you go with aftermarket air filters.

 

[GoVols01]

If you're using the cleanable K&N air filters that need to be oiled, be sure to not overdo the oiling once you've cleaned it. Mechanics hate those air filters because people overdo the oil. The excess oil tends to coat the air intake and O2 sensors and then clog the fuel injectors, which turns into an expensive repair bill. This is a problem in the automotive world as well.

 

[Zonie]

I have no idea if mine have ever been replaced but they look brand new.

 

[YamahaCC]

I might change them mid season to see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the responses!

 

[boudin]

Not a lot of dust on the water. A lot of people run without air filters.

I run my waverunners and my AR210 w/o air filters. I mean, really? What is going to get sucked up into the engine in a clean engine bay?

I guess bugs could get stuck in the flame arrestors, but I've never had a problem.

-Greg