2014 YZ450: Dirt getting past air filter

mxvet37
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mxvet37
Edited Date/Time 1/7/2016 9:28am
Hey Guys,

Has anyone with a 2014-2016 YZ450 experienced dirt getting past your air filter and the back screen? It's not a lot, but enough to concern me. I'm meticulous with my bike and prep. I use a GYTR (Uni) air filter, Notoil oil and grease the lip. I clean my filter before every ride. Usually do 3 15-20 minute moto's. I've never has this happen with any other bike and I can't figure out how it's getting past my filter. Thanks.
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Ghostrider145 1/2/2016 6:55pm
1/2/2016 6:55pm
MXvet,
I'm thinking hit the basics. Check all the seams in your filters carefully. Also where the filter screen bolts up to the intake tract.
I know it sounds silly but I feel like if a person is not careful removing the filter on these reverse motor Yamaha's this can be a issue. Great design to force air into the intake but bad design when ripping off a caked up filter imo. Good luck in your detective work.
I'm sure the guys from the "tusk wheel" thread will be here soon to offer up some solutions.
mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/2/2016 9:48pm
1/2/2016 9:48pm
Ghostrider145 wrote:
MXvet, I'm thinking hit the basics. Check all the seams in your filters carefully. Also where the filter screen bolts up to the intake tract. I...
MXvet,
I'm thinking hit the basics. Check all the seams in your filters carefully. Also where the filter screen bolts up to the intake tract.
I know it sounds silly but I feel like if a person is not careful removing the filter on these reverse motor Yamaha's this can be a issue. Great design to force air into the intake but bad design when ripping off a caked up filter imo. Good luck in your detective work.
I'm sure the guys from the "tusk wheel" thread will be here soon to offer up some solutions.
Hey Ghostrider145,

I agree. I was looking at my filter seams and noticed a slight separation, but no actual opening. I rotate 3 filters. Maybe I'll trash them and buy new ones. The screen bolts look good. I'm always careful when removing the filter because as you know, all kinds of dirt and grit falls off. Thanks for the input. I appreciate it!
Matt Fisher 1/2/2016 10:14pm
1/2/2016 10:14pm
Check out DT1 filters. Not only do they have superb quality filters, but I think they have a replacement aluminum filter cage for your YZ.

Dt1filters.com
wideopen198 1/3/2016 4:12am
1/3/2016 4:12am
Put a twin air powerflow kit on it.

The Shop

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pete24
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pete24 1/3/2016 6:22am
1/3/2016 6:22am
i dont want to sound like an ass, but i work on a lot of bikes and lots of people dont oil their filter properly, if you turn your filter inside out and it looks like a map of the ocean your not oiled rite, get a twin air filter tub and submurse the complete filter then squeeze out the excess
if you want to call me an ass , feel free
slipdog
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slipdog 1/3/2016 6:56am
1/3/2016 6:56am
Somebody has to say it!




drenmaster
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drenmaster 1/3/2016 8:53am
1/3/2016 8:53am
wideopen198 wrote:
Put a twin air powerflow kit on it.
I agree with this.. Price sucks for what it is, but it is a flange style cage so the filter is basically crushed between 2 aluminum pieces. My intake is always clean no matter how dirty the filter is..
mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/3/2016 11:01am
1/3/2016 11:01am
pete24 wrote:
i dont want to sound like an ass, but i work on a lot of bikes and lots of people dont oil their filter properly, if...
i dont want to sound like an ass, but i work on a lot of bikes and lots of people dont oil their filter properly, if you turn your filter inside out and it looks like a map of the ocean your not oiled rite, get a twin air filter tub and submurse the complete filter then squeeze out the excess
if you want to call me an ass , feel free
LOL- I'd ask the same question. And I agree, a lot of people don't oil the filters properly. I'm very thorough and do saturate the entire filter with Notoil, let it sit for about 15 minutes then put it in a clean paper towel and give a couple of good squeezes to make sure it's not over oiled.

The dirt isn't getting past the top of the filter. It looks like it's getting through on the bottom corners when you look past the screen into the intake. BTW, I put a light coat of Notoil grease around the entire outside lip of the filter.

I'm going to look at Twin Air Powerflow kit as mentioned. Sucks because I have 3 Uni (GYTR) filters and just bought another one.

Here's some pics of my air filter after 1 ride. Note: I have the Cycra Powerflow Shroud and Airbox cover on so it gets a lot of air and dirt, etc.

Thanks for the input!!





mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/3/2016 11:09am
1/3/2016 11:09am
wideopen198 wrote:
Put a twin air powerflow kit on it.
drenmaster wrote:
I agree with this.. Price sucks for what it is, but it is a flange style cage so the filter is basically crushed between 2 aluminum...
I agree with this.. Price sucks for what it is, but it is a flange style cage so the filter is basically crushed between 2 aluminum pieces. My intake is always clean no matter how dirty the filter is..
Thanks guys. I just looked at one on line and it looks solid. The only concern for me would be when I'm removing the air filter. It would be very easy for some dirt to fall straight down into the intake without the screen. And since it's bolted down with 10 bolts, not easy to remove to get the dirt out. I'm super careful when removing the filter but gravity's a bitch. I'll probably give it a try. Thanks.
drenmaster
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drenmaster 1/3/2016 11:13am
1/3/2016 11:13am
You still might be ok with the powerflow kit and GYTR filters. I know the stock filter will not work because the powerflow cage sits inside the filter and the stock ones are just too small. Not sure if I buy whole backfire / flame retardant filter deal. I have been running no backfire screen in all my bikes and nothing has caught on fire. I think that's a twin airs way of making people run their filters.
drenmaster
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drenmaster 1/3/2016 11:17am
1/3/2016 11:17am
mxvet37 wrote:
Thanks guys. I just looked at one on line and it looks solid. The only concern for me would be when I'm removing the air filter...
Thanks guys. I just looked at one on line and it looks solid. The only concern for me would be when I'm removing the air filter. It would be very easy for some dirt to fall straight down into the intake without the screen. And since it's bolted down with 10 bolts, not easy to remove to get the dirt out. I'm super careful when removing the filter but gravity's a bitch. I'll probably give it a try. Thanks.
If you don't have a wash cover yet make sure you get one, I spray around the air filter with parts cleaner to remove as much dirt as possible before pulling the filter then put the cover on right away. I have not had any issues with dirt falling in.

if you do buy the kit the intake noise will increase a lot.
mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/3/2016 11:29am
1/3/2016 11:29am
mxvet37 wrote:
Thanks guys. I just looked at one on line and it looks solid. The only concern for me would be when I'm removing the air filter...
Thanks guys. I just looked at one on line and it looks solid. The only concern for me would be when I'm removing the air filter. It would be very easy for some dirt to fall straight down into the intake without the screen. And since it's bolted down with 10 bolts, not easy to remove to get the dirt out. I'm super careful when removing the filter but gravity's a bitch. I'll probably give it a try. Thanks.
drenmaster wrote:
If you don't have a wash cover yet make sure you get one, I spray around the air filter with parts cleaner to remove as much...
If you don't have a wash cover yet make sure you get one, I spray around the air filter with parts cleaner to remove as much dirt as possible before pulling the filter then put the cover on right away. I have not had any issues with dirt falling in.

if you do buy the kit the intake noise will increase a lot.
I was using the Twin Air cover to wash the bike, but water was getting through. I bought a Notoil cover and it works much better. Just hope the new Notoil cover works with the Twin Air Powerflow kit. I spend too much money on this shit. Smile

The increased noise from the air box isn't something I'm looking forward to! Oh well.
smoothies862 1/3/2016 4:46pm
1/3/2016 4:46pm
i feel like im playing operation everytime i pull one out,lol. looking at the no toil intake kit. twin air is very pricey for what it offers in hp.
Markee
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Markee 1/4/2016 5:39am
1/4/2016 5:39am
I just switched to the DT1 air flow kit and filters. I'm on a KTM, and the cage is a upgrade from that, but i'm most impressed with the DT1 filter. The material that actually mates up to the air box is very different, its similar to the material soft ear plugs are made of, requires no grease (thank God).

2 Rides with the new DT1 setup and i'm glad I switched, not one grain of dirt.
mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/4/2016 8:15am
1/4/2016 8:15am
Markee wrote:
I just switched to the DT1 air flow kit and filters. I'm on a KTM, and the cage is a upgrade from that, but i'm most...
I just switched to the DT1 air flow kit and filters. I'm on a KTM, and the cage is a upgrade from that, but i'm most impressed with the DT1 filter. The material that actually mates up to the air box is very different, its similar to the material soft ear plugs are made of, requires no grease (thank God).

2 Rides with the new DT1 setup and i'm glad I switched, not one grain of dirt.
Very cool. You're the second person to suggest DT1. I'll definitely check them out! Thanks for the input.
Jterry
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Jterry 1/4/2016 7:20pm
1/4/2016 7:20pm
Im very meticulous with my airfilter cleaning and replacing as well on my 16 yz450. I have got dirt into the air boot while taking the filter off. And after having to take the bike half way apart to to get that screen on the airbox off to be able to clean the air boot I started looking at other options. I purchased 2 extra filters before i got the bike so i didnt want to have to throw them away by purchasing an aftermarket filter cage setup. The only one that will allow you to get your hand in the airboot and clean is the twin air. All the other setups dont have enough room for your hand from looking at pics of them. Cutting the screen out of the stock setup is the same thing.

So I came to the conclusion to buy the twin air because I can get 30% off through hook it. I should have it any day now. And despite what they want you to believe you can use other filters with their cage. You dont have to buy thier expensive FR airfilters. The stock filter probabaly wont fit on their cage but my MSR filters are a copy of twin air so they will work. They just dont have the location pin hole in them which is easily fixed.
mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/4/2016 9:32pm
1/4/2016 9:32pm
Jterry wrote:
Im very meticulous with my airfilter cleaning and replacing as well on my 16 yz450. I have got dirt into the air boot while taking the...
Im very meticulous with my airfilter cleaning and replacing as well on my 16 yz450. I have got dirt into the air boot while taking the filter off. And after having to take the bike half way apart to to get that screen on the airbox off to be able to clean the air boot I started looking at other options. I purchased 2 extra filters before i got the bike so i didnt want to have to throw them away by purchasing an aftermarket filter cage setup. The only one that will allow you to get your hand in the airboot and clean is the twin air. All the other setups dont have enough room for your hand from looking at pics of them. Cutting the screen out of the stock setup is the same thing.

So I came to the conclusion to buy the twin air because I can get 30% off through hook it. I should have it any day now. And despite what they want you to believe you can use other filters with their cage. You dont have to buy thier expensive FR airfilters. The stock filter probabaly wont fit on their cage but my MSR filters are a copy of twin air so they will work. They just dont have the location pin hole in them which is easily fixed.
The design is flawed. It's much too easy for dirt to drop down into the boot when removing the filter. I've decided to add a step prior to washing it by hooking up my air compressor and gently blowing out the caked up dirt, etc. that gets behind the filter. Then carefully removing it, cleaning the flange and installing my Notoil air box cover. That way I can wash the bike and end up with a spotless air box.

I'm not sure if want to spend the money on the Twin Air cage. I really like the idea of the DT1 air filter with the non grease seal. I'll probably try removing the stock screen and running that filter.

Thanks for your input!
Jterry
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Jterry 1/4/2016 9:43pm
1/4/2016 9:43pm
I agree it's a flawed design.

Just got home from work and the twin air stuff was on my porch.

I pulled it out of the box to make sure I can get my hand through all the sections of the piece that screws to the airbox. And I can fit my hand through all 3 sections of it so I'm sure I'll be able to get the air boot clean now if dirt does happen to fall in it. Unlike every other setup sold.

It is over priced for what it is but all the ones that are cheaper are made out of plastic. This is all aluminum and will be much more durable.

I paid $224 for the power flow kit and an airbox cover shipped to my house.

Pit Row

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mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/4/2016 9:54pm
1/4/2016 9:54pm
I took a look at it and it looks really good. I like the wide flange where the filter seats. I might have pull the trigger on it too. I wonder if a DT1 air filter would work with it. Hmm. If not, the Twin Air filters would be fine.
Moto88
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Moto88 1/5/2016 12:08am
1/5/2016 12:08am Edited Date/Time 1/5/2016 12:19am
Mxvet37 I have the same bike as you know, and I use the twin air filters with the stock air box assembly. I like having the screen and the twin air filters don't seem as bulky as others. No problems at all with dirt issues. When removing dirty filter, I lift the front first tucking the front a bit to clear the bolt tab, then lift filter straight up. Never have dirt falling off. I don't use any grease around the lip and I always inspect to see if there is any dirt getting by the lip. Never seen any. Use a twin air cover and set it straight on, simple green the box, lightly spray the box out with water...clean as new! I've seen how clean you keep your bike at the track and don't see this as an ongoing problem for you. Bulky filters don't seem to be a good combo for this bike. Note- I first used the white GYTR cover and it leaked, my orange twin air cover never leaks. And my opinion sometimes grease just attracts dirt and the result is a bunch of dirt accumulated where I don't want it. I know some will disagree with that but the above listed works perfect for me.
Moto88
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Moto88 1/5/2016 12:15am
1/5/2016 12:15am
One more thing, I use maxima FF oil as it seems to be more sticky than other oils. I make sure when I oil my filter there is oil evenly everywhere including the bottom where it seals to the air box.
mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/5/2016 8:56am
1/5/2016 8:56am
Moto88 wrote:
Mxvet37 I have the same bike as you know, and I use the twin air filters with the stock air box assembly. I like having the...
Mxvet37 I have the same bike as you know, and I use the twin air filters with the stock air box assembly. I like having the screen and the twin air filters don't seem as bulky as others. No problems at all with dirt issues. When removing dirty filter, I lift the front first tucking the front a bit to clear the bolt tab, then lift filter straight up. Never have dirt falling off. I don't use any grease around the lip and I always inspect to see if there is any dirt getting by the lip. Never seen any. Use a twin air cover and set it straight on, simple green the box, lightly spray the box out with water...clean as new! I've seen how clean you keep your bike at the track and don't see this as an ongoing problem for you. Bulky filters don't seem to be a good combo for this bike. Note- I first used the white GYTR cover and it leaked, my orange twin air cover never leaks. And my opinion sometimes grease just attracts dirt and the result is a bunch of dirt accumulated where I don't want it. I know some will disagree with that but the above listed works perfect for me.
Moto88, is this Chris? Good advice man. After I get the boot cleaned out, I'm switching to a Twin Air filter. Might try a DT1 as well. I'll use your technique for removing the filter, etc. I should be set. Thanks for the advice!
Matt Fisher 1/5/2016 9:23pm
1/5/2016 9:23pm
The DT1 filters use neoprene to seal, then have a two stage filter foam like Twin Air uses.

If you call them, ask Paul (the owner) about his suggestions for the YZ450, as he had one the last time I saw him at the track.
mattyhamz2 1/5/2016 10:33pm
1/5/2016 10:33pm
Moto88 wrote:
One more thing, I use maxima FF oil as it seems to be more sticky than other oils. I make sure when I oil my filter...
One more thing, I use maxima FF oil as it seems to be more sticky than other oils. I make sure when I oil my filter there is oil evenly everywhere including the bottom where it seals to the air box.
Maxima FFT is what I use also. Stock filter, Uni Filter and my DT1 filter. I've never had an issue like OP has with that dirt building up around the edge or having any dirt falling into or getting into the air boot. Usually it all kinda piles up at the bottom of the air box where it's easy to get out. I have thought about buying the PC racing filters that fit into the stock shrouds but just haven't ordered them yet seeing as I haven't had any issues.

OP, idk if many will agree with me on this but I hate the NoToil stuff. I don't feel like I get the same protection as I would with Maxima FFT or Fab1. I've also never put any grease around the lip of any of my filters on any bike. Never had an issue with dirt getting past the filters. Definitely look into getting some DT1 filters though!
mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/5/2016 10:38pm
1/5/2016 10:38pm
Matt Fisher wrote:
The DT1 filters use neoprene to seal, then have a two stage filter foam like Twin Air uses. If you call them, ask Paul (the owner)...
The DT1 filters use neoprene to seal, then have a two stage filter foam like Twin Air uses.

If you call them, ask Paul (the owner) about his suggestions for the YZ450, as he had one the last time I saw him at the track.
Hey Matt, I really like DT1's non-grease, neoprene, dual-stage filter design to seal. I'm going to give it and a Twin Air a try.

Thanks for the tip about the owner. I'll give him a call.
mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/5/2016 10:59pm
1/5/2016 10:59pm
So after all of these discussions, including a few off the board, my conclusion is: The Uni Filter rides too far up against the back of air box and dirt cakes up all around it due to the Cycra Powerflow shroud air intake. Even being extra careful, dirt must fall into the screen and boot when removing the filter.

Solution: Try a DT1 or Twin Air filter which doesn't press up against the back of the air box and use some compressed air to blow out the chunks of dirt around the air filter before carefully removing. Then use the Notoil air box cover prior to washing it.

What a process. Oh well.
Moto88
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Moto88 1/5/2016 11:31pm
1/5/2016 11:31pm
I'd be careful using the compressed air. Be gentle with it. When you lift the filter after clearing the lip above the top of filter, don't pull the filter up towards the handlebars, lift it straight up so whatever is on the back of the filter won't drop onto the screen. The bottom part of the filter is the last part to separate from bike when lifting.. I like the screen because it will catch any dirt that may fall and you can see it, and you can take it out before it falls. The screen is woven tight, hence me liking it. After that, I don't clean anything, the cover goes on and simple green etc. next time I see you at the track I'll go over it with you if you want, however I think track will be closed at least till a week from this Saturday. Definitely go with Maxima FF oil. Super sticky. And do away with the grease. I too may look at the DT filter, never seen it. However I am very happy with the non bulky twin air filters. Try all this before you cut the screen out. Save your money for a DRD pipe! Just my 2 cents!
Jterry
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Jterry 1/6/2016 6:10am
1/6/2016 6:10am
mattyhamz2 wrote:
Maxima FFT is what I use also. Stock filter, Uni Filter and my DT1 filter. I've never had an issue like OP has with that dirt...
Maxima FFT is what I use also. Stock filter, Uni Filter and my DT1 filter. I've never had an issue like OP has with that dirt building up around the edge or having any dirt falling into or getting into the air boot. Usually it all kinda piles up at the bottom of the air box where it's easy to get out. I have thought about buying the PC racing filters that fit into the stock shrouds but just haven't ordered them yet seeing as I haven't had any issues.

OP, idk if many will agree with me on this but I hate the NoToil stuff. I don't feel like I get the same protection as I would with Maxima FFT or Fab1. I've also never put any grease around the lip of any of my filters on any bike. Never had an issue with dirt getting past the filters. Definitely look into getting some DT1 filters though!
I noticed that after a race there would be large pieces of dirt in the airbox at the base of the filter so I started looking into an open cell foam that I could stick in the shrouds to stop the big pieces.

I found the PC racing foam but $25 plus shipping is high for 2 pieces of foam. I started googling and found this stuff.
http://m.homedepot.com/p/GUTTERSTUFF-5-in-x-48-in-K-Style-Foam-Gutter-F…

My local store had it on the shelf. I cut it to fit nicely in the shrouds and it works perfect. Plus you have enough to make multiple pieces.
Jterry
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Jterry 1/6/2016 6:12am
1/6/2016 6:12am
I also don't like no toil. I use belray it's super sticky and I've never had any dirt get passed it.
mxvet37
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mxvet37 1/6/2016 9:21am
1/6/2016 9:21am
Moto88 wrote:
I'd be careful using the compressed air. Be gentle with it. When you lift the filter after clearing the lip above the top of filter, don't...
I'd be careful using the compressed air. Be gentle with it. When you lift the filter after clearing the lip above the top of filter, don't pull the filter up towards the handlebars, lift it straight up so whatever is on the back of the filter won't drop onto the screen. The bottom part of the filter is the last part to separate from bike when lifting.. I like the screen because it will catch any dirt that may fall and you can see it, and you can take it out before it falls. The screen is woven tight, hence me liking it. After that, I don't clean anything, the cover goes on and simple green etc. next time I see you at the track I'll go over it with you if you want, however I think track will be closed at least till a week from this Saturday. Definitely go with Maxima FF oil. Super sticky. And do away with the grease. I too may look at the DT filter, never seen it. However I am very happy with the non bulky twin air filters. Try all this before you cut the screen out. Save your money for a DRD pipe! Just my 2 cents!
Agreed. I'm only going to use a little compressed air around the permitter of the air filter to remove the big chunks and use your technique to remove it. I'll check out the Maxima FF oil as well.

The pipe is next. Thanks man. Braaap!

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