Honda EX5500 Owner's Manual page 24

4. Carefully check both elements for holes or tears and replace as required.
Damaged elements will pass dirt into the system. Always clean the filter
housing and air passages before installing clean elements.
5. Foam element: Clean in warm soapy water: rinse and allow to dry
thoroughly. Or clean in high flash-point solvent and allow to dry. Dip the
element in clean engine oil and squeeze out all the excess. The engine will
smoke during initial start-up if too much oil is left in the foam.
6. Paper element: Tap the element lightly several times on a hard surface to
remove excess dirt, or blow compressed air through the filter from the
inside out. Never try to brush the dirt off: brushing will force dirt into the
fibers. Clean in warm, soapy water and rinse. Dry using compressed air
blown from the inside out, or shake the element and allow it to air dry
thoroughly. (Or clean in high flash-point solvent, remove immediately, and
allow to dry.) Oil the outside of the paper with a light aerosol oil such as
WD-46. The engine will smoke during initial start-up if too much oil is used.
7. Reinstall the elements and air cleaner cover with the arrow on the cover
aligned with the arrow on the frame. Tighten the wing nut securely.
8. Reinstall the top cover.
URETHA'NE ELEMENT
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