No air filter . . .

[DannL]

My Model A has an air filter on the carburetor. I just went to Craigslist and found four different Model A's, of which 100% did not have an air filter. Is that the norm? Just curious . . . as usual.

[Aok]

I think some people run without air filters. I had a air maze filter, Changed filter when needed and never had a problem. I feel that the filter helps keep carb clean.

[ModelAMike1930]

To my knowledge the air filter was an after market add on.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by DannL

My Model A has an air filter on the carburetor. I just went to Craigslist and found four different Model A's, of which 100% did not have an air filter. Is that the norm? Just curious . . . as usual.

Yes, without air cleaner is normal. Model A's did not have an air cleaner as original equipment.

[Charlie Stephens]

Be sure to read the archives about the problems people have with the engine running too rich when an air filter is added.

Charlie Stephens

[ETAModel]

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The '30 Fordor I'm driving didn't come with one; i asked the guys in the local club, was told it could soak up fuel and catch ablaze if she backfires...so she still has no air filter. I dont drive many dirt roads anymore, so i guess it'll be ok.

[Ruth]

Since Ford saw the need for an air filter on the '32 up V-8 didn't the Model B 4 cylinder get one as well?

[Bill G]

The folks at Renner's Corner say that an air filter will run the carb too rich and the result would be more damaging than a small amount of dust and dirt to begin with. The air filter was definitely not original to the A. For the less than 2,000 miles a year I drive, the use of an air filter does not seem warranted.

[marty in Ohio]

Consider how dirty the roads were "back then" and how they are now. I don't use an air filter.
Marty

[WHN]

We have always used an air filter. Never a problem with gas soaking or running to rich.

My feeling is, if air filters weren’t needed, manufacturers would not have them.

Why take the chance of sucking anything into your expensive to rebuild engine?

Even our sailboats engine has an air filter. Is dust or dirt a problem in Long Island Sound?

Better safe than sorry. Enjoy,

[eagle]

I have an original aftermarket Airmaze on mine. I also run a fiber filter over that. Its amazing how dirty it gets. Doesnt affect the mixture at all that I can detect. When I clean it I think about all the grit and grime it kept out of the engine.

[Railcarmover]

It didn't come with an oil filter either.

[burner31]

Hold air filter firmly in hand, throw as far as possible, done...now doesn't that feel better.

[ryanheacox]

Originally Posted by Ruth

Since Ford saw the need for an air filter on the '32 up V-8 didn't the Model B 4 cylinder get one as well?

Were those air filters or just silencers? The 1932 promotional video calls it a silencer.


My grandfather used a paper filter on my car. One day it wouldn't start after sitting for about a month and we couldn't figure out why. Well it had been humid and the paper filter had gotten so damp and restrictive that it was flooding the engine. Took off the filter and it fired right up. Haven't had one on since.

[Purdy Swoft]

I don't run air filters on my model A's . Model A's were not designed to use an air filter . The problems that can be caused by oil dilution when running TOO rich is worse than the small amount of dust that could pass through the carburetor . If running a downdraft carburetor or carburetors , an air filter would be more helpful . For all of the model A's that have survived over the years without an air filter should tell you something . A lot more roads were dirt back in the day .

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by burner31

Hold air filter firmly in hand, throw as far as possible, done...now doesn't that feel better.

Not only does it feel better it looks a lot better as well !!! As for a silencer , the times that I tried the Air Maze filter , the carburetor made more noise , really . The silencer that Ford used on the four cylinder model B's must have been different than the wire mesh air maze filters that are offered today .

[mike657894]

There are jets available to correct the rich issue with air filters. I would say the air maze is an arrestor but you are supposed to dip it in oil to make it grab dust.

[160B]

This is an age old subject.

see the below threads, and draw your own conclusion.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264971

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259524

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=239089

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221751

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221691

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=216058

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211210

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=209923

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205402

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142838

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142421

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119231

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119203

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108962

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95961

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81888

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77165
__________________

[updraught]

Toyota and Henry Ford seem to be in agreement.
https://www.unsealed4x4.com.au/heres...s-dust-problem

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good afternoon...I use an air filter from K&N and a mount from Bratton's purchased about 2005 or 2006. I can take it off and blow it out and/or soak it clean. It seems to work well for me. I believe that Dave Renner can supply jets that have been adjusted for use with an air cleaner...Ernie in Arizona

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Berts can modify carbs for air balancing for use with air filters during their carb rebuild process if you ask.

[Ruth]

Snyder's and maybe others (I have not checked) sell new Zenith ! carbs that are air balanced. The one on my car works great. In fact the engine runs a little on the lean side with a K&N filter.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Ernie Vitucci

Good afternoon...I use an air filter from K&N and a mount from Bratton's purchased about 2005 or 2006. I can take it off and blow it out and/or soak it clean. It seems to work well for me. I believe that Dave Renner can supply jets that have been adjusted for use with an air cleaner...Ernie in Arizona

Renner also modifies carb bodies so the are air balanced.

[The Master Cylinder]

I always wonder if my Model A does not need an air filter why does it get dirty? And I run engine pans?

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by Ruth

Renner also modifies carb bodies so the are air balanced.

Does Renners still rebuild carbs? Thought I saw where they no longer rebuild carbs due to people blaming issues on the carb when people also had issues with dirty/rusty gas tanks, manifold leaks, etc.