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Secondary engine air filter element

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by BZzap!, Jul 14, 2017.

  1. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    IMG_6705.JPG I just notice while removing the air filter that there is a secondary air filter element in the top of the cover. This element is not removable due to plastic welded tabs around the perimeter. My question is, "Can this element be washed and dried or does the complete housing cover need to be replaced"?
     
    #1 BZzap!, Jul 14, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    from what i've read, you just leave it alone. but maybe someone else has better idea.
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 14, 2017
  3. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    It's part of the PZEV package. It is a charcoal filter that is designed adsorb (not a typo of absorb, look it up) fuel vapors that may escape from the intake manifold when the engine is not running. When the engine is running, the hydrocarbons are released and sucked back into the engine. Just leave it alone. PZEV is a partial zero emissions vehicle, in the United States, an automobile that has zero evaporative emissions from its fuel system.
     
    #3 FuelMiser, Jul 15, 2017
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  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Going from memory: it's downstream of the replaceable air filter?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jul 15, 2017
  5. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    Thanks for that information. That explains why it's not sevicable.
     
    #5 BZzap!, Jul 15, 2017
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  6. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    Under the air filter housing cover so that would put it downstream.
     
    #6 BZzap!, Jul 15, 2017
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  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah the air flows up through the regular (replaceable) filter, then through this permanent one.
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Jul 15, 2017
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  8. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    That's correct. That's why I'm beginning to question the use of my K&N air filter. No matter how careful you are with servicing and re-oiling the K&N filter, you are going to have minute amounts of oil vapor building up on the fibers of this component over time. Not only could this lead to air flow restriction but also affecting the PVEZ intention. With that being said, I'll probably purchase a new air filter housing cover and go back to the stock OEM air filter.
    Thanks to FuelMiser for the great information.
     
    #8 BZzap!, Jul 15, 2017
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    We're still on our OEM air filter, at 68K km's. You can just tell it's not new, a slightly darker zone along the top of ribs closest to the air entrance. West coast I guess, nothing but ocean west of us.
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, Jul 15, 2017
  10. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    With the clean, fresh air in Vancouver, you'll probably be ok for at least another 75K km's. Here, where I live, the outside air has been recycled through 4 or 5 internal combustion engines already. Although, much, much better than it used to be, Southern California has it's days
     
    #10 BZzap!, Jul 15, 2017
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