aFe Pro Dry cleaner solution

How important is it to buy the aFe cleaner solution for the Pro Dry S? I thought the point was you didn't have to wash it with cleaner. I was misinformed... :-\

aFe Power MagnumFLOW 90-59999 Air Filter Restore Kit (Spray Cleaner)

http://www.amazon.com/AFE-90-59999-Pro-Filter-Restore/dp/B001JQTMXU

I know it's only $13, but I thought I read you clean it with soap water? Wanted to do this tonight.

 

I wash mine in hot dish soap water. Havent had any probs.

 

So, soak it for 15-20 minutes and let air dry over night should be OK...?

 

That should be fine to be honest with you. The cleaner will work better since its a contact cleaner but as long as the filter isnt drenched and totally filthy then dish soap and water should do just fine. Just see how it looks like after you clean it then clean it again if need be.

 

Roger that. I will buy the kit since it's so cheap, but my wife is off tomorrow and I will take her car to work so the filter can completely dry out.

 

Yeah I would buy it just to have and compare the differences on how much better it cleans versus just soap and water. If you want to dry your filter faster....I've used my blow dryer to speed up the process.

 

I am noticing the red plug is missing somehow... wtf? How important is that piece?

 

You mean the one at the bottom of the AFE/TRD air box? Mine was loose to begin with. I assume its only function was to allow the box to drain in case water got in. Probably can just plug it with something else.

 

I think it sounds a little better with the red plug in it. Vroom Vroom.

RE: cleaning/drying...

I hose mine off really well until the water is clear. I then use my g/f's hairdryer, and wrap a towel around the "nozzle" part so it fits tightly in the cone. I tape down the "Cold Shot" button on the hair-dryer, and about 20 minutes later it is dry and ready to go.

(If you can't tell, I am impatient )

 

I let it soak for 30 minutes. Washed it thoroughly with water. Let it dry over night. Truck runs smoother. It was dirty, but not that dirty...? Might be in my head.

 

I bought the cleaner..... only $13..... Why not?

I won't argue either way. I've been trying to stay consistent with the technicalities of maintenance since it was new. I figured I'd stay on course. I clean the filter about twice a year as regular maintenance.

I have the original paper filter (new) that I put on the truck while the AFE is getting cleaned. I'll put the AFE back in the next day when its fully dry.