Generic Foam Filter Material

[Hokiefyd]

This question may not be directly related to oil, but I figure someone on here will have a good answer.

I have a few OLD 2-stroke string trimmers. My newest is probably 10 years old. Two Weed Eaters and an IDC/Ryan. Direct-fit foam filters for these are near impossible to find, especially for the extinct IDC trimmer. I had the idea to buy a generic painting sponge and cut that material to fit the sometimes irregular shaped areas these filters cover.

Aside from the possible hazard of sponge "fragments" falling/chaffing off after I install it (I do my best to "clean up" the edges after I snip it), and getting injested into the engine, is this generic foam/sponge material a sufficient filter media for your average 2-stroke string trimmer?

Thanks.

 

[mtgrs737]

Jason,

Why not just get a filter from some other application say a Honda scooter filter and cut it down? The right material for a filter and easy to cut. I used a Honda spree filter, about five bucks for a 3 x 5 inch piece. Another would be some of the old style Briggs foam filter, I picked one up from the clearnce bin at Autozone for 99 cents. I'm sure you can come up with many different sources for air filter foam. Good luck!

 

[Hokiefyd]

Thanks for the suggestion -- I didn't know that larger air filter foams were out there (and readily available). I'll keep my eyes open.

 

[michael harris]

mcmaster carr... look in the filter section and I believe they have a 'sample pack' of various styles , etc.. for a few bucks.. should do ya plenty good for what you are doing..
44H

 

[Bror Jace]

When it comes to filter material for pre-cleaners (the foam wrapping on the outside of a paper filter) I'll use sheets of grey packing foam from laser printer and photocopier toner cartridges.

The cell density looks about right so I just cut to shape, give it a good dose of chain & bar oil (has extra tack additive) and put it in place.

No problems so far and I can't beat the price.

--- Bror Jace

 

[jimcor]

Well, I went down to the dollar store and bought a bag of foam sponges, NOT the celulose type, the shipping foam type...great filter media, when used with filter oil, for the Ol' Suzuki 550!

 

[mtgrs737]

I just bought a lawnboy replacement filter at my local Atwoods farm supply for a little over a buck that will make three or four pre-filters for my sears mower. It is the green type of foam.

 

[HEV]

You can buy large old-fashioned Briggs and Stratton foam filters and cut them to size. At least then you know you have a media designed to be impregnated with oil and designed to filter...

 

[srivett]

I had a motorcycle mechanic that would cut air filters out of dehumidifier foam.

Steve