Modern Vespa

Hi guys, checking - is the air filter on 500 re-useable e.g wash and use again or does it need to be replaced on a service?

Thx

You can clean and re-oil the filter to use again, repeatedly. That's the way it's designed.

I replaced my air filter with a different type, but when I had stock I just put the filter in a ziploc bag with some gasoline, worked it a round a bit, patted it dry after removal, then washed well with detergent and water. After a good rinse I let it air dry, then back into a ziploc with motor oil and equal amount of gasoline, worked it in real well, then again removed, lightly blotted and let the gasoline air dry off. Reinstalled and good to go again.

There's a number of threads here on this and folks have different ways they do things...

Here's what the workshop manual says ("sponge"=filter):

- Wash the sponge with water and mild soap.
- Dry it with a clean cloth and short blasts of compressed air.
- Soak it in a mixture of 50% petrol and 50% specified oil.
- Gently squeeze the filtering element with your hands but do not wring it; allow it to drip dry and then
refit.
CAUTION
IF THE VEHICLE IS USED ON DUSTY ROADS IT IS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT MAINTENANCE
CONTROLS OF THE AIR FILTER TO AVOID DAMAGING THE ENGINE.
Recommended products
AGIP FILTER OIL Oil for air filter sponge:
Mineral oil with specific additives for increased adhesiveness


. . . .

Sorry to hi-jack the thread, but if I use Uni-filter foam oil spray, do I still need to use the gas addition?

no you don't, however, just don't overspray it

Thanks BravoTwoFour - can I also check how many spark plugs 500 has? I just had a full service done and they changed 2 spark plugs, oil, oil filter and told me that air filter was re-useable. The guy also said there was lot of play in te throttle and he has tighten it up - the throttle response does seem very good now.

Two plugs is right. Reusable Air filter element is right, Adjustments to throttle cable.

Your service tech sounds like they know what they're doing.

Have a good Spring RUK,

Steve

I use Uni-filter foam oil that is very tacky but not in spray form. It just takes a little bit and I spread it in the foam by needing it. When the original foam is shot I replace it with a cut to size from a Uni foam sheet which is thicker for more protection and cheap.

I looked at mine recently too as it happens.. It's degrading badly though; the foam is deteriorating quite badly. I ordered a Malossi Red replacement from AJ Suttons, but it's been a few weeks now and still no sign of it.

I bought some K&N Air Filter spray oil too, to avoid the petrol and oil phase. Seemed to work fine..

Unless the K&N oil is specifically for your filter element you may be causing damage - like deterioration. K&N are paper filters with special cleaners (sodium metasilicate) and oils made for the paper.


. . . .

Thanks, you too Steve.