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"?
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.
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.
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.
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
