Spark arrestor / K&N filter

[jsz]

What is this called? I've heard spark or flame arrestor and air filter.

The wire mesh looks the same as an automotive K&N air filter without any of the "paper towel" like material that needs oiling.

Do any of you do more than blow or hose this off?

[NICKYPOO]

The only reason I don't have a K&N on my boat is that they do not make them for my motor. They create a lean condition the the ECU cannot compensate for. I clean the crap out of my flame arrestor with hot, hot water. They get all sorts of dirty espcially with the valve cover vent running right to it.

[jsz]

Yes. I've noticed a lot of black stuff on the top of my motor. No idea where it's coming from. I wonder if the new belt I put on is in some way kicking up crap.

[FIC]

If your pulleys get any kind of rust in the grooves it acts like sand paper and eats the belt , throwing black residue up the front of the motor.

[tobo57]

Merc. had a problem with pullys being out of alinement on some models.They have a service memo for the problem .My 03,315 hp.was one that had the problem of belt dust.

[jsz]

My pulleys seam strait and the belt is not shredding or wearing strange but I am getting some belt dust. I believe it is causing my IAC (idle air controller) to clog occasionally. I called K&N and they said they did not have a replacement filter to fit the 350 Merc motor. I heard mercruiser sells an air filter (different from a spark arrestor) for those having this issue. Have any of you seen or heard of this?

[2whlin]

my 2001 21i has belt debree. In the process of removing the two metal pulley's to blast and re-paint then check for alignment issues.
I cleaned my flame arrestor with simple green then blew it dry with compressed air then set it in front of the fan and let it air dry before I put it back on the motor. Works great! Once I am done with this pulley work I'm going to wash down the motor from all that debree. Not sure how, but probably alot of plastic and old sheets to keep the mess off the interiors??

[jsz]

I have some belt dust too and have cleaned the arrestor off a couple times. I still think the holes in the wire mesh are too big and let too much of that dust get in which is clogging my IAC.