Driving in dusty conditions

[Belize]

I’ll be driving my 2006 Ford E350 6.0l SMB to Belize soon and got thinking about the air filter. Belize has only two paved roads - one North to South and one East to West. The rest are basically dirt roads with lots of dust. I am researching:

1. How often to change or clean the air filter
2. Symptoms of a dirty air filter
3. How easy to change the air filter in a 6.0l van
4. Any mod that might prolong the air filter - prefilter?
5. Finally, do they make a snorkel for the Econoline diesel?

Any experienced dirt readers have advice?

[simplesez]

Belize you are an expert at overthinking things. Congrats on the van! You'll be fine with the air filter. It isn't an exposed element. It is under a hood and in a box. Check it occasionally and shake out if needed. You arent a racer in the Dakar driving behind hundreds of racers kicking up tornados of dust. I'd be more concerned with getting robbed in Mexico but that is what a pistol is for.

[Jeffrey]

It is an easy job to replace. 5 minutes, no tools. Just check the filter often and carry a spare. Not to worry.

[Belize]

Any recommendations on the best air filter for the van?

[simplesez]

Spend $15 on a throwaway standard or $60 on a washable K&N

[BroncoHauler]

If you're going to drive in dusty environments, my opinion is to avoid K&N's (the oil impregnated ones) at all costs. Dust will just cake up on the oil and create a mess and possible engine damage, that's assuming of course the filter is adequately coated with oil in the first place.


Herb

[unreng]

Motorcraft air filter = https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ir+filter,6192

snorkel = https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ild-22008.html

air box = https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ake-10337.html

symptoms of a dirty air filter = decreased power and the pressure gauge on the air box will move.

[simplesez]

Not all k&n type filters are oiled. I don't oil mine.

[1der]

Check Donaldson Filters for the air and oil filters. You can order direct - prices are pretty good. Their performance is rated at the very high end.

https://shop.donaldson.com/store/en-...50+6.0*&st=app

[shenrie]

^^^ yep, can’t remember the brand for sure, but there are a few that filter well and aren’t oil bath style. Oil bath filters aren’t a great idea with maf sensors anyway. The oil can get on the element and mess it up.

Agree with simple Wes on all points. If it were me I’d just get a few filters to have on hand and as others suggested blow out or knock out the dust as needed. Another good thing to have on board air for.