The original engines have the air intake ducted to the vents. The Syncros
actually have pieces that run up to the air inlet on the right side and a
cyclone type dust separator at the air cleaner inlet.

If you are getting the air filter dusty enough to cause concern, you will
want to change the oil more frequently and consider oil testing to
evaluate the efficiency of the filter being used. Silica can be extremely
hard on an engine.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dave Yates
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:33 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Air intake

I've a Subi engine in my Vanagon and on recent trips in VERY dusty
conditions found the air filter collected too much dust.  At present it is
a
cone type with a cleanable paper filter.

Has anyone put their filter up through the panelwork that runs up the
corner
of the van to the air vent?  I can envisage some sort of a flexible hose,
but I have trouble knowing what sort of filter to put up there, inside the
vent, so that it doesn't change the appearance of the van.

An alternative might be to shroud the existing filter somehow so that all
its air comes from up in that cavity, but the last thing I want to do is
reduce the air flow into the intake.

Any comments anyone?

Dave
downunder