Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

Hello all,
This may sound stupid but when changing the air filter why do you have to soak the element in clean motor oil? I was reading on here and the other Spree site and it reads Remove the air cleaner element.
Wash the Element in non flammable or high flash point solvent, squeeze out and allow to dry.
Soak the element in clean motor oil (SAE 10W-40) or gear oil and squeeze out excess.
Reinstall the element, element holder and air case cover.
Now for my question what will happen if you don't soak in oil (and do as stated above)? Last fall I changed my air filter, but did not do as stated above with soaking in oil. The Spree runs great, I don't have any problems but just incase I'll know what to do next time.
Thanks Ron

I think you are supposed to oil the filter to prevent it from premature failure ie rotting or drying out. Also I beleive that the oil helps trap dirt particles so they dont enter into your motor.

The oil is what is doing the filtering, the foam is primarily there to hold oil.