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In older cars, the air filter is in
a big round housing on top of the engine. These are
very simple to change. Simply unscrew the wing nut
holding the cover down and lift it off. There may be
three or four clips holding down the cover as well.
Just unsnap the clips as well.
All you need do now is remove the old air
filter and install the new one. Make sure it is the
right air filter for the car. If it is too big, the
cover will not go back on and if it is too small,
the cover will not seal to the top of the filter.
Now, change the breather element. Most
breather elements come in a plastic holder with a
fitting that goes through the side of the air filter
housing. There is a clip around the fitting on the
outside. Just pull the clip off, replace the
breather filter and pop the clip back on. Replace
the air filter cover and tighten it snugly, bit
overly tight.
In newer cars, the air filters are generally
rectangular in shape and involve a little more work
to get to. Look for a rectangular shaped housing
under the hood. It will usually be located on one of
the fender wells or over the radiator area. On most
Chrysler 4 cylinder engines, it's located between
the engine and the firewall. Cover attachments vary;
on some there will be four or six screws around the
outside edge. There may be four clips or a
combination of both. Use the appropriate tools to
open the cover and remove the air filter. Be careful
not to let any dirt or debris fall into the bottom
of the housing. When you install the new air filter,
reattach the air filter housing and be careful not
to over tighten the holding screws.
| Air filters of this type do
not have a breather filter since the PCV
inlet is below the air filter. You should
still check the PCV and be sure it's in good
shape. This is one of the easiest
things you can do and it will reward you
with a smoother running and more
fuel-efficient engine. |
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