There've been a couple of threads lately with pics of air cleaner covers, especially the smaller ones that cover only the outer surface and leave the filter pleats exposed. I've always kind of liked this look, but what happens when it rains? Seems a little risky.

Uncle Peepers

 

I have one of those small outer covers made by Dewey's Custom's and it is a beautiful piece of work and looks awesome on the bike,but I have the same question. Someone told me that when you are riding in the rain the cover does not make much difference as the intake will suck in some rain around the footbal cover too and as long as you do not submerge it underwater and kill the engine it will digest whatever it takes in. Have heard no response to one left sitting in the rain and started later, wet. I replaced my stock paper filter with a K&N element that is oiled and suppose it will repel water to some extent, but as always, I am sure there are some legimitate "authorities" out there who will chime in and set us straight.

 

Even an open cover is fine. I have ridden for hours in downpours with my open AC and have had no negative effects. In fact, water sucked into the combustion chamber will cleanse the heads of carbon and is one method some mechanics use to clean them (spraying water directly into the intake with a spray bottle). The water is vaporized and goes out the exhaust.

The only possible thing I can see you should check, after lots of riding in rain, check your filter tomake sure the oil isn't washed away and re oil if necessary. This hasn't been necessary between normal (5-10K) intervals with my K&N filter.

EZ

 

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Seems logical. I remember as a teen helping my Pop install a water injection kit on his van. I think at the time it was used to mitigate knock and ping under heavy load and WOT conditions. Your vehicle would almost have to pull some in as well, especially the fine highway mist during and after rain.

 

I carry a pre-filter cover, kinda like a shower cap type headband that fits right over the filter and will keep water out and let the air in. Haven't had to use it yet, but if there's ever a real downpour I'll be ready...... Here's the address for the pre-filter from Outerwears

http://outerwears.com/proddetail.asp?prod=6689

 

I am using the se ac with the stock foot ball cover. I rode all day on the 14th of this month in the rain. I checked my filter several times, it was bone dry and no oil was washed away, no light color. Again on this past Mon. I got caught in a down pour comming home from Birmingham, Al., again no problems.
dd
jim

 

Been riding with an exposed filter for quite a while, been through some heavy rain an have experienced no problems

 

kept the stock football not too worried about the rain long beach california.

[IMG]local://upfiles/22213/43313352811C4245829CE7C9A4DACF06.jpg[/IMG]

 

I really like the look of an open element When I installed the k and n filter, I ran it without a cover, to get an idea about it. I kept the football cover in my bags, just incase. I had no trouble with rain being sucked in. Now, I just have to find a cover I love, and buy it. LOL Seems like it should be easy, but I have been looking for months, LOL.

 

When it pours it sputters!!