Air filter ('89 3.2)

BMWDavid · 02-20-2007, 11:01 AM

Kind of a silly question. I'm getting ready to do some basic work on my newly purchsed 911 (my first).

On the air filter housing I see the clips in the front. Are there clips in the back or just a set of hooks/latches that the cover pivots in?

I sure can't get my hand in back if there are clips.

Thanks!

David

IROC · IROC's Garage

Yep, two clips in the back. My car doesn't have AC, so they're pretty easy to reach. YMMV, unfortunately.

livi · 02-20-2007, 11:12 AM

A classic bugger! Particularly the rear lower clip is a bastard to reach. Apparently many simply leave it unclipped. I did for several months - until my younger brother with somewhat thinner forearms managed to reach in (not without substantial skin abrasion and foul language though..).

Wil Ferch · 11:38 AM

Better yet ( and stated herein these pages)..is to completely sever the front end of the cover, leaving a 1" or so wide band. So the snorkle and the front "cover" are gone. The band holds the air cleaner in-place. What have you got ?....a "Cup" lid. Nice sound too.

Makes for easy access to the 4 clips.....and if you have Koni adjutable shocks, it makes for easy access to the top mounted adjustment screw too.

- Wil

more, with pics---> K&N Cone installation

BMWDavid · 02-20-2007, 03:37 PM

Thanks guys. Not what I wanted to hear but...think I'll ask my 10 year old niece if she would mind sticking her hand back behind the air filter box.

David

sig_a · 02-20-2007, 04:58 PM

Removal is more painful than difficult, while replacement is both painful and difficult. To ease replacement, K&N recommends removal of the snorkel from the cover prior to trying to snap it back on. Once cover is back in place and the four clips locked down, snap snorkel back into cover. Worked for me. Might be a good idea to lube up the top of your right forearm with suntan oil or something similar.

oceanvue · 02-20-2007, 05:32 PM

It's not that hard just takes time, patience and perserverance. I 've spent alot of time cleaning Porsche engines and can get around pretty. Did lose a watch once though, won't make that mistake again. But I like the idea about taking off the frond cover and the snorkle although bungee cords would look tacky. What are the other alternatives?

BMWDavid · 02-21-2007, 02:19 AM

Well I went out to the garage after posting yesterday and studied the situation.

I found that if I use my left hand while standing somewhat sideways, instead of my right hand I can get in there and flip the clips loose. Still not the easiest thing but doable.

This way I don't think I need to employ child labor.

David

billroth · billroth's Garage

I asked this same question last year and the answer made he LMAO. According to slodave

"Imagine your arm is a snake and shove it in there! When your arm hurts and you have not undone the hindge, you are almost there!."

Lawrence

billroth · billroth's Garage

In fact, here is the thread.
911 air filter

Lawrence

Wil Ferch · 02-21-2007, 07:31 AM

I'm surprised at the resistance to cut the lid...makes access for the right side upper valves ( for adjustment) much easier...makes getting to and removing the oil filter easier....makes getting to the right side shock top easier ( for adjustable Koni's)...etc, etc...plus the cut lid is like the "Cup" lid... a Porsche-endorsed performance part that you can ape at no cost !!

When done...you can actually "see" all four clips !!

Water ingestion is a non-issue.

- Wil

livi · 02-21-2007, 07:35 AM

I can not make myself vandalize an original Porsche design. Cutting up that beautiful piece of plastic.

defcon65 · 02-21-2007, 08:22 AM

Now's the time to recruit a youngster as a junior crew chief! I was able to do it myself the first time but my arms looked like I had been swimming through gorse bushes when I was done. My neighbor's ten year old was more than willing to help and his skinny arms fit back in there like curved hemostats. Repair bill was a ride to DQ (dad approved) for some ice cream.