Air Pre-Filter; Volcanic Eruption/Ash Precautions

[LSW]

There is an impending volcanic eruption where I live. The volcano is about 75 miles upwind of the city in which I reside and has erupted twice in the last 50 years, raining ash on the city each time.

Of course I will try not to drive at all while if it happens, but in case I need to I've stocked up on half a dozen or so engine and cabin air filters.

Does anyone make a "pre-filter" that would work well with the Bronco's air intake system? Or is trying to rig something up with pantyhose stretched over the air filter my best option?

Could this be a time where swapping to one of the "cleanable/reusable" type aftermarket air filter would make sense (rinse it out every day after driving?).

What other precautions would be prudent?

Thanks in advance.

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[CitrusBronco]

Maybe a product like this to fill the intake hole. https://www.ebay.com/itm/3957889787...c481be&gclid=0fbe61c7467916d092f8061425c481be
It could be washed and swapped daily.

Oh and good luck, I hope it’s not a big one.

 

[NC_Pinz]

No advise other than avoid one of those washable / oiled type filters (e.g. K&N). Those are not good in high dust conditions and I'd think ash would be similar. Those don't filter as well as a regular dry filter and the oil can be wicked out by the dust making it worse.

An old school oil bath would be best under high dust / ash conditions, but they don't make those any more.

 

[Smocaine]

There are plenty of prefilter bags out there but nobody wants to sell one for a stock intake, they want to sell the filter and intake too.
Let me know if you find just a bag for sale that fits the Bronco filter. 2.3L and 2.7L share the same, if that helps.

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

I can't say for certain how it will work with volcanic ash, but this is probably your best bet. This is what I run and has been great.

https://volant.com/products/powercore-air-filter-61509

Pre-Filter

Their website is making it difficult to search specifically for the Bronco right now. But these are the part numbers I have.

I will say the filter is super tight and a pain to install. Upside is that you really shouldn't ever have to take it out..

 

[Old Codger]

https://filterwears.com/

measure the stock filter (I'm running an aftermarket filter so can't provide the dimensions), go to filterwears website, select the search by shape option, then put in the dimensions. No clue if shipping time will get it to you in time or not.

 

[Shrek27]

I'd say just try not to drive and if you do, open up the box when you have to and give the filter a blow down (inside to out) to remove as much as you can. I do this on multi day trips in the desert if I've followed too close for long stretches.

These are great for a quick blow down and to blow heavy layers of dust off the tailgate and hatch before you open them up.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5R5GMYM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1

I've read a lot of @CarbonSteel posts and would agree with him that air filters run pretty well even when dirty, and still clean the air....but at some point are just not efficient for the engine...but run well enough to get through a week of bad air. Many replace them too soon. The oil change places will sell you one just because its not pearly white anymore.

When the pollution is done, just put in your new filter.

 

[LSW]

I think part of the issue is that the ash can puncture/penetrate the media if it hits it with sufficient speed, they’re like little glass shards. So if the prefilter can slow it down the air filter has a chance to stop it.

I’m also reading that it can get into transmission, diff, and transfer case lines through the breathers. Probably not a terrible idea to change all those fluids and of course oil and filter if it falls heavy, once it subsides a bit. Hopefully my xpel ppf would help mitigate paint damage.

 

[Brian_B]

These are great for a quick blow down and to blow heavy layers of dust off the tailgate and hatch before you open them up.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5R5GMYM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1

What the literal F...

 

[HoosierDaddy]

What the literal F...

If you didn't call that out, I was gonna ! LOL!

 

[5GENIDN]

That air intake is right there above the radiator cove on the passenger side... I wonder if you could pry it up a little to fit a vacuum bag over it and duct tape it tight?.... Just trying to think of options....

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I think part of the issue is that the ash can puncture/penetrate the media if it hits it with sufficient speed, they’re like little glass shards. So if the prefilter can slow it down the air filter has a chance to stop it.

I’m also reading that it can get into transmission, diff, and transfer case lines through the breathers. Probably not a terrible idea to change all those fluids and of course oil and filter if it falls heavy, once it subsides a bit. Hopefully my xpel ppf would help mitigate paint damage.

I can't possibly imagine pantyhose doing a damn thing for volcanic ash. I'd keep up the search for a pre-filter type set up (foam wraps like I used to see in the desert buggys) and use a dry type/OEM filter as the primary.

As far as paint. If the ash gets wet and is allowed to dry, it can get very nasty. It is very alkaline and will etch itself into the paint if allowed to set and dry.
Otherwise, while it is dry, just blow it off.

I once worked near a steel mill blast furnace, and the fall out from that process and the "slag" by product was very similar to volcanic ash. If it rained while at work, we would have to wash the cars with vinegar (acidic) to get the alkaline part to "release" from the paint.
It worked fairly well, but not a 100% cure. I just got in the habit of doing a heavy decon, light polish and reseal once a year.... plus however many vinegar douches it required in between and a fresh coat of sealant/wax 6 months in.

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Yeah honestly with the concerns about it punching through the filter, I feel like the foam block idea from earlier might be worth a try. If nothing else it would be a lot easier to swap out every now and then. Of course performance would suffer, but doesn't seem like a main concern right now.

 

[LSW]

Panty hose aren’t my idea, The mechanics around here swear by the panty hose. They even had a guy on the 5 o’clock new last night advocating for it. I agree a dedicated product would seem to be better.

 

[5GENIDN]

Panty hose aren’t my idea, The mechanics around here swear by the panty hose. They even had a guy on the 5 o’clock new last night advocating for it. I agree a dedicated product would seem to be better.

I remember people doing that when Mt St Helens blew.... I think any kind of prefilter will at least help.

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