[NeuroBeaker]

Hello technical experts (thanks for stopping by)!

I recently purchased a second-hand (John Cooper Motorsport) JCM510 Cone Open Air Filter Kit for my MINI ONE. It's condition was described as "great" and reportedly has only covered 500 miles. Unfortunately, when it arrived, there was some damage to the side of the cone that was disappointingly (as the transaction was completed without me knowing there was damage) omitted from the advertisement and my correspondence with the seller.

It seems that the design of the cone filter has two "skins" of filter material - an outer black one and an inner red one. The damage on the cone in question has effectively removed the outer black "skin" from two areas leaving only the red inner "skin" applying filtering here. As air being sucked through the filter will follow the path of least resistance, I am concerned that a disproportional amount of air will be drawn through only one skin of filter material, rather than the design-intended two. See pictures below.

What I'd like to know is: do you think this damage will affect the functioning of the cone? I've no doubt that it will still sound great and give greater air availability to the engine (i.e. the marginal performance increases), but I'm concerned about the quality of the air (i.e. dust-free) that will be taken into the engine.

If it is a cause for concern, what would you advise?

Thanks very much in advance,
Andrew.

[Capsaisin]

Another satisfied ebay customer, I suspect.

I suppose there is no chance of sending it back?
You are quite correct to be concerned. If you cannot get the filter replaced then I would mask off the damaged areas, they look to be reasonably small compared to the total area of the filter. At least the filter will work as it should, although with slightly reduced efficiency. You will just have to make sure you clean it more often to keep it clean.

[DaFlake]

For a foam filter, that looks really dry.

I agree with Capsaisin on taping it off. I wouldn't run the filter with it like that.

[NeuroBeaker]

Ok, thanks for your assessments, I suspected it might not be in a functional condition...

What sort of tape do you think would be suitable as a "fix"? I'm guessing duct tape wouldn't be a good idea as it's not heat-resistant (or is it?).

Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

For a foam filter, that looks really dry.

I agree with Capsaisin on taping it off. I wouldn't run the filter with it like that.

Dry? Are they supposed to be moist?

Does that mean that even with the gashes covered, it may not be suitable?

Quote: Originally Posted by Capsaisin (original)

Another satisfied ebay customer, I suspect.

I suppose there is no chance of sending it back?

Well, I did use PayPal for the transaction, but it wasn't an e-bay advertisement... similar though.

I've not yet decided on the best course of action with respect to the transaction. At £93 (inc. postage/packaging) it wasn't what I'd call cheap - but was willing to pay that price for what appeared to be the specific design filter I wanted and in "great" condition.

[DaFlake]

If that is a pure foam filter it should haver a light coat of oil to help trap the dirt. If it is totally dry, then it wasn't being used properly. Even cotton filters have oil on them to an extent.

I would think that you could use some duct tape to cover the offending spots.

[NeuroBeaker]

Thanks guys,

What sort of oil should it be coated with? If a filter has dried out, can it be re-oiled? And finally, as I'm not planning on installing it in the car until March (insurance reasons ) - how would you suggest that it be stored?

Oh, and I've realised I have fitting instructions for it, but don't think I have anything about cleaning for it... how would you suggest the filter be cleaned?

Many thanks,
Andrew.

[DaFlake]

REPLACEMENT AIR FILTER OIL (5.5 oz)

They also carry the cleaner as well.

Basically you need to wash it out, and then add a LIGHT coat of oil. To store it, just put it in a plastic baggie until ready to use.

[humph]

Andrew, If you paid via Paypal then you can use their complaints procedure. I have done it for an ebay item before and they were pretty good, got me my money back. At the end of the day £93 is not pocket money for a faulty item.

Quick note on fitting this as well. On mine the connection between the filter and the large rubber hose is very very tight. As you are pushing it home, (some lub helps, or warm the rubber hose gently), be careful not to crush/damage the filter as it is only foam over flimsy metal mesh.

[NeuroBeaker]

Ok guys, I'm back again with some more thoughts...

TRANSACTION UPDATE:

Ok, I've been in contact with the seller and he's being a complete gentleman.

He agreed that in hindsight he probably should have described the damage. He had known about it and this was the reason why he listed the item's condition as "great" rather than "perfect". He found that the damage hadn't affected his performance or sound, so I therefore assume he never thought about the fact that it is actually a filter that needs to protect the engine from the intake of dust/debris/etc...

Long story short, he's going to give me time to discuss options here and if I decide I'm still not happy, then I can return it for a refund.

OPTION ONE: The refund.

Not one I really want to take, but it is available. The other components of the kit seem in mint condition - it's just that aforementioned abrasion/burn damage to an isolated area of the foam filter.

So, I'd really like to find the most cost effective fix to bring the filter back to maximum filter-protection and air-flow. I'm not too concerned about appearance.

OPTION TWO: The hands-on approach...

As I said, I'm not too concerned about appearances so: although a duct tape fix doesn't sound bad, I'd like to maintain the surface area of air filtration to maintain the intended efficiency of induction. Therefore, I got thinking (and this is always dangerous with me)...

"Hey, I'm pretty nifty with a scalpel..."

(...because all good ideas start out like that. )

...so what if I could neatly remove the black filter around the marks so that a patch of similar material could be cut out and fixed in place (maybe with some sort of heat-resistant adhesive at the edges?) Does anyone know:

• ...what this foam material actually is? (i.e. ...does the physical material they cut to shape have a specific name?)
• ...where I might get a small square from which to cut replacement sections?
• ...which sort of glue I might affix it in place with?

Furthermore - and perhaps most important - I need to ask if there any potential risk from any of the following dangers by undertaking this:

• Fire
• Electrocution
• Melting
• Explosion

...as I guarantee, if there is even a remote chance it will happen - it usually happens to me.

OPTION THREE: Keep the kit and replace the actual filter?

I've done a bit of enquiring on this end by looking up some contact numbers for a dealer of MINI Challenge parts from a local race circuit... the actual filter bit that fits over the top of the cone structure is about £70 to replace from them. This seems a bit steep to me, so has anyone else ever replaced this for cheaper?

Many thanks,
Andrew.

PS:
Thanks for your fitting tips Humph, I'll keep those in mind.

[Capsaisin]

I might be tempted to fill the gap with silicone rubber sealant. The stuff you put around baths and sinks, it smells of acetic acid and sets to a flexible rubber. I guess it will adhere to the foam underneath and to the sides. This will form a gas tight patch.

[NeuroBeaker]

Isn't that the same stuff that they tried to use to make their boat-cars bouyant on Top Gear for the Channel crossing? And if I recall... it all set itself on fire in the engine compartment. I'll give it a look though...

[sef]

How about he meets you half way?? Gives you some of the money back which can then go towards the part that needs replacing...

[russyellocoops]

Send it back get a refund and buy the pipercross which i'm sure is the exact same filter!

My K&N is slightly damaged in the same area, but because that has an out metal mesh its only the mesh that is bent a bit, no filter media damage.

I'm guessing the damage has been on the underside where it presses on the engine mount.

Desin of the coope/one engine bay isn't great for fitting aftermarket filters is what i thought today when i finally gt round re-fitting the K&N.

Bloomin remove the air meter connector for better acces to remove air hose and bleedin forgot to connect it before starting so now have the warning light on, school boy error that will now cost £30 - 50 to get knocked off! doh!

[russyellocoops]

Forgot to add, filtration has been my job for the past 4 years!

I wouldn't bodge it together as you can never properly reseal a filter that is damaged.

also sealing any area loses filtration area maybe only small, but the filter isn't exactly huge is it!

And a brand new filter is always better than a 2nd hand one!

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