ReCon 12 valve 6BTA Air Filter (upgrade?)

[MrHappyGoLucky]

I have twin 6BTA ReCons (315hp).  The boat had been on land for several years prior to my purchase 2 seasons ago.  when I bought it I simply replaced the oem duralast air filters that were on it.

One of my transmission oil tubes sprouted a leak and soaked one of the filters.  Needless to say the filters cost 2x what they did in 2020.

Questions

      Can I run the engine with an oil soaked OEM air filter?

      Can I clean the filter?

     Has anyone replaced the large duralast filter with the S&B filter kit?  I read the description of the S&B kit and I see that it says it fits and I see that SBMAR worked with and tested these filters, but I struggle with the difference in surface area…will I get adequate air flow?  I searched the forum and Tony’s tips, but I didn’t find any relevant threads (I apologize if I’m a bad searcher).

 

Topic

[Rob Schepis]

My EnviroVent w/S&B’s was first installed on my 330B’s 15 years ago.  Always easily makes 100+ over rated rpm, engine room stays super clean and no noticeable turbo whine (but that depends on your engine room configuration). I’ve changed the filters a couple times and changed out the corrugated hose once.  

[Woo]

Probably the perfect time to upgrade to an Envirovent setup. Great filter, and sorts your crankcase breathing at the same time.

 

EnviroVent CCV Kit for 6BTA 5.9 Series Engines 250HP and up (4″ Air Cleaner)

[MrHappyGoLucky]

Yes, thanks.  I knew that Cummins did switch, but was a little concerned because I think they still delivered these ReCons in 2012 with paper filters instead of the oiled ones.  Will order 2 this week.

At your shop, I assume that you generally replace paper filters with the S&B filters on the 6BTAs?

[Tony Athens]

do this to answer your concerns about “surface area” , or?. Research S&B and K&N filter technology thru google (truck forums, off-road  stuff, etc)  Maybe 3000 S&B filters over the past 20 yrs in marine applications.. A few complaints that in some application the turbo whine is louder.  IMO, Paper element  filters are for dry dusty environments,  not for the engine room in a boat. Even Cummins knows that  for all their upgraded air  filter options..

[Author]

Replies