Cleaning the Air Cleaner

[DarkOnyx]

I've got another newbie question I was wondering if someone could help me out with.

My GS 850GL sometimes produces light smoke from something upfront. This happens dramatically less since I gave it an oil change thanks to the excellent tutorial on BassCliff's website (THANKS!).

As a part of periodic maintanece, I am now going to try to clean the air cleaner. The thing is, my manual says to "remove side cover to gain access to the rear air box cover screw." Come again? I removed the side cover and I don't see anything resembling a screw to remove the air box cover. I see a bunch of fuses and not much else. I think I can get it from there, but I can't seem to get the darn thing off. Any ideas?

Thanks all!

[Dogma]

I've got another newbie question I was wondering if someone could help me out with.

My GS 850GL sometimes produces light smoke from something upfront. This happens dramatically less since I gave it an oil change thanks to the excellent tutorial on BassCliff's website (THANKS!).

As a part of periodic maintanece, I am now going to try to clean the air cleaner. The thing is, my manual says to "remove side cover to gain access to the rear air box cover screw." Come again? I removed the side cover and I don't see anything resembling a screw to remove the air box cover. I see a bunch of fuses and not much else. I think I can get it from there, but I can't seem to get the darn thing off. Any ideas?

Thanks all!

Remove the chrome cover of the air box. Do the one on the left, and you'll find a screw facing downward at about 45°. Take that out, and you can slide the cage out of the air box. Replace damaged air box seals with weather stripping, 'cuz you can't get the original seals anymore.

[Roostabunny]

I've got another newbie question I was wondering if someone could help me out with.

My GS 850GL sometimes produces light smoke from something upfront. This happens dramatically less since I gave it an oil change thanks to the excellent tutorial on BassCliff's website (THANKS!).

As a part of periodic maintanece, I am now going to try to clean the air cleaner. The thing is, my manual says to "remove side cover to gain access to the rear air box cover screw." Come again? I removed the side cover and I don't see anything resembling a screw to remove the air box cover. I see a bunch of fuses and not much else. I think I can get it from there, but I can't seem to get the darn thing off. Any ideas?

Thanks all!

You removed the side cover (as instructed) but I think the manual's referring to the airbox side cover. The airbox covers are chrome - right in front of the side covers.

Check out my avatar - side cover in the foreground, airbox cover in front of it. On mine the 45° screw is behind the cover on the left hand side of the bike.

Here's a link to my pics of rebuilding/cleaning my airbox.

[DarkOnyx]

Awesome information.... I did see two screws beneath the airbox cover but I wasn't going to remove them without asking. Thanks everyone!

[Dogma]

Awesome information.... I did see two screws beneath the airbox cover but I wasn't going to remove them without asking. Thanks everyone!

Hey, the best way to learn is by breaking it and then bailing yourself out. OK, maybe not the best way, but it works in a pinch. Sometimes.

[DarkOnyx]

Hey, the best way to learn is by breaking it and then bailing yourself out. OK, maybe not the best way, but it works in a pinch. Sometimes.

Well let's hope it doesn't come to that! Since this is the first automotive I really am learning on, I'll like accidentally set the bike on fire or something.

[simon kuether]

Don't clean your air filter.Get a new one.Cheers,Simon.:-D

[DarkOnyx]

Maybe that's the best way to go. I'l have to see how dirty this one is.

(Considering that I bought it used, and it's got 46,000 miles and is 25 years old... I don't have high hopes that it is in pristine condition).

[simon kuether]

Get a new filter!!!!!I change my oil every 5000km(3000 miles),new oil filter each time and a new air filter every forth service.Any fine particles that get through the filter will turn to valve grinding paste and chew the inside of your engine.For the cost of a filter,it's cheap protection .Cheers,Simon.:-D

[Nessism]

Get a new filter!!!!!I change my oil every 5000km(3000 miles),new oil filter each time and a new air filter every forth service.Any fine particles that get through the filter will turn to valve grinding paste and chew the inside of your engine.For the cost of a filter,it's cheap protection .Cheers,Simon.:-D

GS850 takes a foam filter. Proper maintainance technique is to soak it in solvent, let dry, oil it, reinstall. No need to replace it unless the foam is deteriorated - which does occur, but takes a number of years.

[DarkOnyx]

Just curious... I've heard of soaking it in solvent a number of times. What solvent is typically used? The manual was kind of nonspecific.

[Nessism]

I think the manual calls for kerosene. I use mineral spirits (paint thinner - the odorless stuff is nice). Very mild and cheap.

[focus frenzy]

Don't clean your air filter.Get a new one.Cheers,Simon.:-D

now what if the previous owner of his bike had installed a K&N re-usable filter?

[Nessism]

now what if the previous owner of his bike had installed a K&N re-usable filter?

Buy a K&N "recharge" kit - cleaning solution and oil.

[catbed]

if there are two screws on the bottom, you are on the wrong side. only one screw should hold the side on where you remove the filter.