Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: prof_stack on May 05, 2011, 12:44:30 am

Title: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: prof_stack on May 05, 2011, 12:44:30 am
The shop called yesterday to say the free air filter cover just came in, so I picked it up today and put it on.  In typical RE fashion, it was not a plug and play installation, but it wasn't too far off.

For those of you who have the air filter cover already, am I supposed to use the round plate or does this take the place of it?  The K&N filter is a little taller than OEM.

I went for a 5 mile ride and in that short bit the bike ran great, didn't backfire more than usual, and maybe a little less.

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/air-filtercover01.jpg)
Still not made in China.  I like that.

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/air-filtercover02.jpg)
The K&N filter that I've been testing.  I did not use the plate when the air filter cover went on.

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/air-filtercover03.jpg)
Inside shot

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/air-filtercover04.jpg)
Outside shot but the angle of the camera might give an optical illusion of the hole being outward instead of recessed inwared, which the next photo shows.

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/air-filtercover05.jpg)
I did not put the plate on, but wonder if I should have.  It didn't want to fit.  Getting the air filter to stay in place was a pain.

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/air-filtercover06.jpg)
Gratuitous photo showing the superior shine of C5 black.   :D
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 05, 2011, 01:27:06 am
Yep, you need to use the round plate,  use a little grease to stick it in place on the filter, have fun, :D
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: prof_stack on May 05, 2011, 01:56:34 am
Yep, you need to use the round plate,  use a little grease to stick it in place in the filter, have fun, :D

Thanks for that, I think.  The OEM filter might have to go back on, if the plate is used. 

You do realize, of course, that this "fix" is just a band-aid.  A better design of the airbox is likely in the works now, due in 2014.   ;)
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 05, 2011, 02:35:16 am
Yeah, I didn't like the plastic cover so I did this, it cures all the problems. No unfiltered air can get to the engine.
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: prof_stack on May 05, 2011, 02:57:49 am
Yeah, I didn't like the plastic cover so I did this, it cures all the problems.

Looks very promising.  How about some details (or a link to a thread about it)? 

Thanks!
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: GSS on May 05, 2011, 03:53:31 am
It goes on a lot easier if you replace the bolt on the lower surface of the metal box with a shorter bolt. Another option is to simply flip the nut and bolt so that the nut is outside the box. There is very little space between the OEM air filter and the bottom of the metal box, so it is very hard to fit this plastic insert without mangling the rubber gasket on the edge of the plastic insert. You definitely need the round metal cover over the filter otherwise there will be a big wide open area where air and dirt will essentially bypass the air filter.
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: Ducati Scotty on May 05, 2011, 08:21:19 am
As already said you need the metal top plate.  Filter, plate, new cover, washer, nut.  If the K&N air filter is taller than the stock filter you will have a problem because the new cover won't contact the base surface and make a seal.  No harm but no better than without it.

Scott
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 05, 2011, 01:36:36 pm
Looks very promising.  How about some details (or a link to a thread about it)?  

Thanks!
I stole the idea from Shappers, here's the link
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,8810.0.html
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: BRADEY on May 05, 2011, 02:00:52 pm
@ r80rt,

hi, do you recall the number of the k&n cone filter used on your bike.

surprisingly i tried my best to fit the old filter plate with the new plastic cover and was not able to do it. In my opinion without the plate, the filter would not seal completely toward the plastic cover side........! RE infact wanted back the old round metal plate stating it was not needed at all with the new cover in place.. however I did not return it immediately stating I would need it anyway. But as stated above. the plate does not fit in with the new plastic cover.

Would need suggestions please. !!!!
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 05, 2011, 02:34:20 pm
Bradey, I used K&N filter #RU-2580, and you are right, the metal plate has to be used with the plastic cover or it won't seal.  It's a pain in the neck to get it together and that's why I decided to follow Shappers lead and make an adapter to use the K&N pod in the air box.
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: BRADEY on May 06, 2011, 10:31:48 am
Bradey, I used K&N filter #RU-2580, and you are right, the metal plate has to be used with the plastic cover or it won't seal. It's a pain in the neck to get it together and that's why I decided to follow Shappers lead and make an adapter to use the K&N in the air box.

hi r80rt can you let me know whether you were able fit the round metal plate under the new plastic cover. because I am completely flummoxe and not able to fit the two.
I am certainly not happy using only the plastic cover as I feel it does not seal the filter from the other end.............any tricks, suggestion would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: whoguy on May 06, 2011, 10:38:08 am
Hi all,

I didn't bother with any mods to the air filter box... I know it does let in dust round the edges of the lid.... All I did was two layers of black electrical tape around the air filter box to seal it nicely.

Opened it to check and I can safely say, it is absolutely dust free in there. Still looks good to boot.

Good luck.... Electrical tape only costs a few Aust. dollars.
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: ScooterBob on May 06, 2011, 12:57:12 pm
Yeah, I didn't like the plastic cover so I did this, it cures al the problems.

Damn!! Southern Brilliance at its finest! Really ........ that is the best, simplest solution ... Beat MY convoluted re-engineering on the deal ..... and now you can store stuff in there if need be .... clean stuff of course - Hahahaha!  ;)
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 06, 2011, 01:41:59 pm
Thank ya sir, but I can't take credit for it, Shappers did it first and paved the way for us to follow. It didn't take long to make, couple of hours and now everything is sealed, I have a washable K&N filter that draws air from a big air box with a long tract to the injector. If there is a downside I can't find it. :D
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: ScooterBob on May 06, 2011, 09:10:36 pm
Thank ya sir, but I can't take credit for it, Shappers did it first and paved the way for us to follow. It didn't take long to make, couple of hours and now everything is sealed, I have a washable K&N filter that draws air from a big air box with a long tract to the injector. If there is a downside I can't find it. :D

Me either ..... Brilliant!!  ;)
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 06, 2011, 10:24:48 pm
 I was really wondering what your thoughts on that little mod would be, I'm glad we agree that I stole a great idea from Shappers ;D
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: ScooterBob on May 07, 2011, 12:48:40 am
I was really wondering what your thoughts on that little mod would be, I'm glad we agree that I stole a great idea from Shappers ;D

Yup - Gotta give the old boy credit on that one! Haha! MY re-Raj-ification was to keep the OEM filter and move the intake air duct to the inside of it - and put a screen in the resulting hole in the airbox ..... I wonder if THOSE parts will ever be found and used as intended. My guess is that someone is probably using the air duct to fill a mop bucket from the bathroom sink .......  ::)
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 07, 2011, 12:59:57 am
That is a good idea too, I thought about that untill I found this simple way to do it.
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: gashousegorilla on May 07, 2011, 03:22:21 am
 Great Job Dano' !.......Man, you can do all kinds of crazy things with air flow around them tool boxes.....using that Irish- Hillbilly engineering  :D ;)....excellent job. What did you use, a pipe flange, welded in ?
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 07, 2011, 03:53:05 pm
Ok, it was a high tech job all the way. I cut the base flange out of an old Square D electrical panel lid that was in the pile behind the shed, then the nipple was hacked off an old 2" antenna pole from the same pile of junk. I just eye balled the angle needed to get the filter to clear the lock, short side of nipple is 1/2 inch, long side is 1 1/2 inches. On my C5 the intake air tube is steel and attaches to the back ofthe box with screws. I made my base flange match the air tube flange, I did use slightly longer screws to mount it up. I scavenged the screws from an old Suzuki carb float bowl found hiding under the bench. I welded the two pieces together, shot it with black Krylon, and used some red silicone for a gasket. No, it ain't pretty. ;D
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: gashousegorilla on May 07, 2011, 03:59:05 pm
OUTSTANDING !!!  Man I love it !    Use what you got..... ;)
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 07, 2011, 04:06:47 pm
Nothing to it really, just look it over, see what needs to be done put it together.
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: prof_stack on May 08, 2011, 02:29:24 am
OP here.  Today I put the OEM filter back in, used some grease to hold the metal plate to it (thanks for the tip), and finally got the %&$@# air filter cover in place.  The protruding screw and nut on the bottom of the airbox made it a royal pain to get things in place. 

After that I took the C5 for a 15 mile jaunt on the highway in front of Seattle's waterfront and into West Seattle.  The backfires were less than usual, but still present.  The motor felt strangled and not willing to rev.

Back home I took the airbox cover off and removed the OEM filter.  I put the K&N air filter back in and didn't put the airbox cover on.  After securing the outer cover I rode the same route as before.  BIG difference!  The motor could breathe again and had more pull at all rpm's.  There were more pops and poots but with the performance increase, how could I care?  Besides, the shop is (hopefully) going to map the fuel/air and get a power commander working on it. 

I like the cone filter with welding that Shappers/r80rt did.  But I would rather have a K&N filter that properly fits in place of the OEM filter so that the airbox cover will properly seal the airbox. 

I think someone mentioned using black electric tape to discretely seal the airbox on black C5's.  I might try that tomorrow.
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 08, 2011, 02:06:39 pm
Turn that bolt sticking up from the bottom over, bolt head inside the box, nut and washer outside, That will make it much easier to install the plastic cover. I tried everything you have before I went to the Shappers mod, it works perfectly and ends the aggravation ;)
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: r80rt on May 08, 2011, 02:39:44 pm
hi r80rt can you let me know whether you were able fit the round metal plate under the new plastic cover. because I am completely flummoxe and not able to fit the two.
I am certainly not happy using only the plastic cover as I feel it does not seal the filter from the other end.............any tricks, suggestion would be much appreciated.
Bradey,
 I put the stock filter in the air box and used grease to stick the round plate in place on the filter long enough to get the plastic cover on. Turn the bottom bolt over so it's not sticking up in the way. If you can possibly grow a third hand it really helps :D
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: BRADEY on May 09, 2011, 07:03:53 am
I finally installed the OEM filter, by attaching the plate on it with a scotch tape. And fitted the plastic cover. However I feel that the filter protrudes just a tad bit more than the plastic cover, which does not allow the plastic cover to seal completely, failing its purpose completely. But this can be taken care of, by shaving the rubber off the filter (the side on which the plate is bolted). This will allow both the filter and the plastic cover to seal perfectly  ;D
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: Ducati Scotty on May 09, 2011, 04:29:15 pm
Bradey, exactly!  Unless the filter and cover are both just right one of them won't seal.  I'm planning to cut out the dimple from the new cover, cover the hole with a plate, mount the fliter as usual, and then just use some foam to hold the new cover snugly in place by pressing against the outer triangle box cover.

Scott
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: prof_stack on May 09, 2011, 05:49:40 pm
Bradey, exactly!  Unless the filter and cover are both just right one of them won't seal.  I'm planning to cut out the dimple from the new cover, cover the hole with a plate, mount the fliter as usual, and then just use some foam to hold the new cover snugly in place by pressing against the outer triangle box cover.

Scott
Now that's a good suggestion!  Thanks!

It will give me more to fiddle with since soccer coaching duties ended last week...
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: Ducati Scotty on May 09, 2011, 05:53:43 pm
Go for it!  With family commitments lately I haven't had time in the garage since I cleaned it.  And if you do this you can use your K&N filter no sweat!

I was planning on using high density closed cell mini foam to hold the new cover in place.  A little on the bottom two surfaces to center the cover in the triagnle box, a little at a few spots on the cover or the door to press the cover into place.  Not too much!  You don't want to bend any bodywork.  Just snug.  This stuff is firm and does not compress much or deteriorate too quickly.  You can get some at any kayak shop.

Scott
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: BRADEY on May 10, 2011, 02:26:04 pm
I think you'd be better off by shaving the air filter very slightly toward the side where the metal plate is mounted, but this would have to be repeated every time you change the filter.

I suggest, making a small dimple/dent right in the centre of the metal plate (so that it is slightly lowered than the rest of the plate) will also allow great sealing of the air filter as well as the plastic cover (cause it can be screwed in just that little bit more)

If you got what I mean  :D
Title: Re: C5 Air Filter Cover Installation
Post by: Ducati Scotty on May 10, 2011, 03:07:04 pm
Absolutely!  I thought about that too.