Driving without filter

[Fiorano]

Today while driving my car, I had a friend with me. While we were parked and he was checking out the car, I happened to look through the NACA duct an noticed that the right side filter had fallen forward out of place. I have no idea how long it was like this. I secured it back in. The engine seems fine to me, but was wondering if there might be any potential damage done by debris that may have gotten into the intake.

BTW, the filters are in a Factory 10 airbox.

 

[ViperJoe]

Probably nothing........
But what what would you have done if the answer was "OMG, yes, you have done severe damage to your engine?

 

[Fiorano]

Probably nothing........
But what what would you have done if the answer was "OMG, yes, you have done severe damage to your engine?

I would have probably started to run around screaming. J/K...just wanted some piece of mind. I don't think anything actually happened, but assume some debris did make it in. Any long terms effects?

 

[Viper Specialty]

If you really want peice of mind, do a compression test accross all cylinders... that will tell you conclusively if anything happened. I highly doubt it though, unless you drove behind a truck dropping dirt, or through a sandstorm. Bugs and such wont do much, even if they do get sucked in... besides, your engine was hungry anyway. lol

 

[RobHook]

Well, remember that what we think of as an air filter wasn't common on cars until the late 50's or early 60's. My business partner has a '64 Morgan (obscure British sportscar) with dual carbs and the front carb NEVER had an air filter on it as there's just no clearance for it. It was just designed that way.

I wouldn't worry too much.

--Rob

 

[garolittle]

I hear that lots of Viper owners run their cars at a drag strip without the filters. Probably no damage in your case.

 

[Chuck B 98 GTS]

Probably nothing........
But what what would you have done if the answer was "OMG, yes, you have done severe damage to your engine?

That was a good one
I would think if you lived or drove around sandy, high dusty or construction areas It may be a little ******* the engine. If you do want that piece of mind you could do a leakdown I guess.

Cheers,
Chuck

 

[Torquemonster]

Accelerated wear is the main result of no filter. Hopefully you've caught it before it's noticeably shortened engine life... I wouldn't worry, chances are you will be ok.

Leak down test for piece of mind as suggested.