Type 44 Air Filter Change

[apowell@ezlink.com]

After catching a few of the recent posts, I'm moved to wonder how much 
variability there is in the room available to change air filters in the 
5000/100/200 series?  There must be some, because others seem much 
more successful at changing those air filters than I am.  This design really is 
awful, because no matter what you do, you can't really create a clear open 
area to work in.

In both my 1984-5KT and 1990-200, changing the filter is a real PITA.  
Regardless of nimble fingers, it just ain't easy.  The maximum opening I can 
create to work through is perhaps 2 inches....and there is no POSSIBLE way 
to get the lid of the air cleaner compartment out of the way.  I have to force 
the old filter out - and the new filter in - through that narrow opening.

Every time I do this, I have to bend the filter and push it around a lot more 
than I like.  If the manufacturer didn't build the flexible base out of tough stuff, 
it would almost surely rip and let dirt in.  I'm always scared that I tore the new 
filter putting it in...due to the rough handling required.

Based on my 200 with Euro-headlights, I can't honestly believe that JG can 
change his filter with Euro-lights in place.  My lights project so far back that I 
had to take loose the positive jumper post and let it "float" in the area between 
the headlight and filter box.  It barely fits.  I do absolutely have to pull the RF 
headlight to change the filter with the Euro-lights in place.  However, my lights  
came out of an 84 5KTQ, so they may be deeper than later model lights.

I actually should complement Audi on one thing: they made that filter with so 
MANY flaps  and bends and so much total surface area that it's very 
deceiving.  It really has a lot of surface area to fill with dirt before it needs 
changed.  Thank heaven.  If it were flat instead of folded, it would need 
changed every 30 days because of the limited surface area.
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Al Powell
Apowell@EZlink.com
1958 Fiat 1200 Spyder "Transformabile"
1983 Datsun 280ZXT
1990 Audi 200
http://www.ezlink.com/~powells/
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