85 cali aircleaner filter

[panZZer]

Hey has anyone used a 8039 framm and trimmed the plastic cone at the top so the lid would seat against it

[charmalu]

This was discussed a while back. think Diesel911 or Deliveryvalve were talking about it.

Isn`t this filter used in the Ford trucks?

Charlie

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by charmalu

This was discussed a while back. think Diesel911 or Deliveryvalve were talking about it.

Isn`t this filter used in the Ford trucks?

Charlie

Some Ford Trucks and Ford Vans.

The Fram CA8039 is the disposable one.
If you can find a Fram WA8039; this is a washable with soap and water Filter.
I used the WA8039 but I have a Federal Car so my mod was different.

I thought I had Deliveryvalvs pic comparing the Calif. Filter with the WA8039 but could not easily find it.
The WA8039 is longer due to the Plastic cone on the end but the actual Filter Element area is shorter by a few inches.
I though that maybe some sort of ring made of foam could be used to take up the space (after the part of the Cone is cut off).

I believe the other issue with the mod is that where the Crankcase Breather Hose attaches to the Air Filter Housing can cause Oil Vapor to get on the Filter element. So there would be no point in using a washable Air Filter if Oil is going to ruin it.

[Diesel911]

If someone is interested in the dimensions click on the WIX number and a pic and dimensions will come up.
http://www.wixfilters.com/filterlookup/ResultsExact.asp?PartNo=ca8039

[vwbuge]

Why don't I remember the plastic cone on the filter?

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by vwbuge

Why don't I remember the plastic cone on the filter?

I am not sure which Filter you are speaking of.
The stock Filter for the CA Mercedes 123 has no plastic cone but is an expensive Filter.
Out of curiosity to see how the CA model filter cost I have tried to check at local places; but, they never stock them on the shelves.
So you have expensive and not easy to find.
(The CA8039 or the WA8039 have a rounded plastic cone on the end.)

So the if the Fram CA/WA8039 could be modified to fit the Mercedes CA model you have a lower cost and more available alternative (Walmart sells the Fram CA8039).

If you pick the WA8039 to mod you have a washable Filter that you can reuse (Fram claims you can reuse it 10 time). If that is so over time there would be a considerable cost savings over the stock Mercedes CA model filter.
　
　

[panZZer]

How about upside down with the cone top trimmed out , My oil line rerouted to a federal style oil seperator--I know The cali doesnt have the extra hole in the pan for the tube. This one is a fed with a cali can.

[DeliveryValve]

I was talking to Diesel911 and he happened to stumble on this filter for use on his Volvo. After giving me some dimensions, I realize that this filter, found on Ford Trucks 1995-Present on V6s, 4.6L, 5.4L V8s and V10, has a base that can seal properly on the 1985 California 300D and 300SD housing.

Here are some specs of the Wix equivalent.
Part Number: 46418
UPC Number: 765809464186
Principal Application: Ford Cars & Trucks (95-10)
All Applications
Style: Air Filter
Service: Air
Height: 7.811
Outer Diameter Top: 5.133
Outer Diameter Bottom: 8.134
Inner Diameter Top: Closed
Inner Diameter Bottom: 4.260
Ends: Plastic
CFM: 500



Of course the problem with this filter is that it has a closed cone cap on the end. Theoretically if modified, this filter can be an alternative to the expensive stock filter, especially if you purchase the reuseable/WASHABLE Amsoil Ea (dry) Air Filter with Nanofiber that is claims to have a much better filtration than the standard cellulose filter.
http://www.amsoil.com/products/ea_filters/EaA.aspx
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaa.aspx ;




This filter flows better than the standard Federal filter. 500cfm for the Ford filter vs 450cfm for the standard 617 Fed filter.
Ideally a reusable filter would be a good choice since you only have to modify it once and can reuse it multiple times. I looked up the Amsoil EA version of it with Nanofiber. They claim better filtration than the standard Cellulose media. At a cost of 38 bucks, it might be worth it. Plus the Amsoil filter claims to flow even better then the stock filter. The other issue is the Filter is physically smaller. Not sure if that will be an issue, but I don't think it would be. Just need to clean it more often.

Here are pictures of a Fram equivalent comparing the Cali Filter. .










Continued

.

[DeliveryValve]

Shot inside the Cali Air Box.



Using a Fram WA8039 as the test filter and comparing it to the Mann '85 Cali Filter. The filter fits the base of the box perfectly.

Shot with the Standard Mann Cali Filter.






Shot with the Ford Truck filter.







Continued..



.

[DeliveryValve]

The cone of the Ford Filter barely goes past the top.






Here is the problem with installing the filter upside down is the cone is too narrow to fit on the base of the filterbox.




Backside look of the air box cover.



View of how the stock filter fits on the cover.






Continued..

.

[DeliveryValve]

I am thinking of cutting the cone down and epoxy glue a piece of a 4 inch PVC Coupling pipe to aid as a spacer and then use some sort to gasket (maybe foam) to seal the top.




To deal with the crankcase vapor, I would use an oil separator send it to the turbo tube only and use a catch can for the oil if you don’t have the standard Federal oil pan.



I haven't put this into actual service yet. Just some ideas. But I think it would work. Hope this helps.








.

[ConnClark]

I find this thread very interesting. Damn shame It doesn't totally fit.

[Diesel911]

I have never seen the Amsoil Filter. Does the Amsoil one have more pleats in the Filter Media?
The Fram WA8039 is somewhere in the $25-$30 range. However, it is hard to find.

Evidently the local auto part places do not want to sell it. Neither Autozone or Oreilley's Auto Part stores said they were able to special order it.

I found one at Walmart and got the other one on amazon.

Fram also makes some Wasable Filters for some other Vehicles. I have one that fits the stock Air Box on my Van.

[ConnClark]

With the cone intact will the lid on the CA cleaner housing close? I was thinking I might be able to get a small breather filter to go into the CCV hose port on the lid

[ConnClark]

Duh! nevermind I just remembered the bolt sticking up through the middle of the lid.