Foam for air cleaner

But I'm an "old tech" sort of a guy, and I'm guessing Hiccup is, too. Like I said before, I still play records (anybody remember those?) and use coffee makers that use paper filters, etc.

And I still haven't gotten an answer to my question: can I use regular packing foam in my air cleaner? I mean, it appears to be exactly the same as the so-called, high priced foam that is already cut into a circle. Maybe that's why it costs so much? :rant:

Google it

Uni Filter FLEX CORE FOAM AIR FILTER - JCWhitney

I'll answer you're question with a question...How well will the regular packing foam hold up to oil?? and gas fumes??Will it dry up and crumble and get sucked into the intake??

Those foam elements are supposed to be oiled...the stock breather on my softail was foam over a screen...when I got the bike it was dried out and crumbly
What I would do/did is buy a K&N filter and be done with it...

I've looked around and can find nothing that would fit in my air cleaner but the flat piece of foam. The foam takes on the shape of a shallow bowl when installed. Guess I'll just change the air filter whenever I change the engine oil, no big deal.
When using a foam filter, it's not a good idea to soak the foam in a container of oil and then wring it out. The engine will run very rich for a while and foul the plugs. You're supposed to work a little bit of oil into the filter with the fingers or after spraying, making sure the whole filter is lightly saturated.
See, there's an art to doing things the right way, and I prefer taking the time with this sort of approach when doing things. It's the same with my points/condensor ignition. Cutting edge technology has made us so lazy and soft we don't feel like doing anything anymore, and not just in the world of motorcycles, either.

Oh, and on the crumbly foam. It should never be allowed to get to that point - it was probably never changed due to the negligence or laziness of the previous owner.

I agree...I don't think it was oiled once it left the factory....probably washed and put on dry....
I tried to find the difference if any on the packing foam and air filter foam and couldn't come up with anything....
What you could do is take a piece of the packing foam and oil it like you would if using it on the air cleaner to see how it holds up with oil...if it doesn't deteriorate with the oil on it and holds the oil(doesn't dry out quickly) with air being sucked through...then I'd say it would be safe to use it...
I can't see the foam being used on air cleaners be some kinda special magic foam but WTFDIK...
I would like to test it before using it though just in case there is a difference....

Try to suck air threw a piece of foam
Then try sucking air threw a high flow air filter

Comon Man

Ain't we all! Well, I suppose that more air would pass thru a paper or fabric filter, but can't find one made for my style air cleaner.

Comon Man..............

Please....................