Air filter oil that won’t drip

ace402
Posts
292
Joined
9/23/2019
Location
Loxley, AL, USA
Edited Date/Time 7/10/2026 9:03am

Is there an air filter oil that won’t drip? I switched from no toil to Maxima FFT due to oil leaking through my airbox and down my swing arm. Now the FFT oil is doing the same thing. I don’t think I’m over oiling the filter. But maybe I’m doing something wrong. I don’t ride as much as I would like these days. If the bike has sat for a while and I check the filter, it looks mostly white even though it was saturated when I installed the filter. The bottom of the filter ends up completely soaked and over oiled while the top is too dry. I try to let the filters sit out to let them “flash off” the solvents before installing. 

Should I use a different oil or is there a different oiling method I should use?


Thanks

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skyrebel88
Posts
189
Joined
1/29/2015
Location
New Fairfield, CT, USA
7/10/2026 11:24am Edited Date/Time 7/10/2026 11:25am

I have the same issue with no toil if the bike sits for a while. The oil starts to drip out the air filter box when the bike sits. I think the best thing to do in the future is to oil up a filter before you ride each time. 

SmokinJoe439
Posts
2392
Joined
3/7/2012
Location
Renton, WA, USA
7/10/2026 12:58pm

I recently switched to the no toil spray on in the can. It doesn't drip like the stuff in the bottle does. 

R66
Posts
1391
Joined
4/16/2021
Location
Atlanta, GA, USA
7/10/2026 1:39pm

Once you saturate the filter and wring out the excess oil, swing it around in the air before you install it on the cage.  

1
Nairb#70
Posts
4031
Joined
2/25/2020
Location
Ivoryton, CT, USA
7/10/2026 3:35pm

Shake the bottle well to mix it thoroughly before using it might help.

The Shop

jameslowry
Posts
133
Joined
8/9/2023
Location
pearl, MS, USA
7/10/2026 3:39pm

Don't over oil the filter!!!!

4
FGR01
Posts
6128
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
USA
Fantasy
7/10/2026 4:27pm

Bel Ray.   Never drip.

7
Rocket164
Posts
149
Joined
4/18/2017
Location
Napoleonville, LA, USA
7/14/2026 2:12pm

I currently use and have used Maxima FFT for many years. I never have any drips. I would assume you may be over oiling the filter.  

basslips
Posts
194
Joined
6/21/2017
Location
Bellfountain, OR, USA
7/14/2026 3:33pm

With any oil that has a thinner/carrier, you need to let it dry before installing on the bike.  FFT and Twin Air oils are like water, Notoil slightly thicker.   Belray is much thicker and the only air filter oil that I will oil up a filter and install right away.  Notoil is also the only oil that I never leave set in the bike more than a few days before cleaning as it seems to never tack up like pretroleum based oils.

 

1
Gary Duck
Posts
787
Joined
4/16/2019
Location
USA
7/14/2026 5:45pm

20’ish years with No Toil(Red) and never once had dirt pass or any drip/runoff in my airbox or air boot.

wrc777
Posts
3211
Joined
5/21/2020
Location
Greenwood, IN, USA
Fantasy
7/15/2026 4:27am

Maxima changed something with the FFT over the last few years. The blue dye turns purpleish then almost clear so it looks like there isn't oil on the filter, but it is still there.

7/15/2026 7:47am

I've had great luck with the Motorex filter oil and the cleaner. 

7/17/2026 8:41am

Wesson oil and dawn dish soap

526
Posts
1731
Joined
5/4/2009
Location
Colgate, WI, USA
7/27/2026 9:56am

Do you squeeze it all through the filter or ring in through from the inside out? I let mine dry in the sun for an hour or so before I put it in and no drips. 

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