Just did my 500km oil change the other day, the service schedule says clean the filter, it seems to indicate that a new one is not needed for 4 services (9000kms)however, for the price of a new one I would always use new.
Having said that I thought I would clean the 'old' one just in case I forgot to get a new one, or had to drop the oil between services for some reason.
I soaked it in petrol, in a screw lid jar for safety, agitated it, then washed it in clean petrol.
This is the o.e item, marked 'Steelbird March 2001'
I found lots of small fluff balls coming off, and the fabric was coming unstuck from the steel, certainly not fit for use again, imagine those bits clogging the oil ways, disaster!
Like I said, I think for the small cost, best to use new every time, I'll order a stock now!
Any one know of a replacement element that's better than the one available please?
Many thanks,