Fixed Secondary Air Filter in '06 Land Cruiser (1 Viewer)

[NoTempoLimit]

Yes I've searched and come up dry... I need the input of late model Land Cruiser experts here:

When I inspected the air filter in my '06 LC (2UZ-FE VVTi) I noticed that there was another air filter situated downstream (above) it. That filter was non-removable and it looked like a passive electrostatic air filter. It sits between the primary air filter and the MAF.

It is inside the cover assembly 17705-50210. It is fixed in position with plastic rivets making it difficult to clean. Normally with passive electrostatics you remove them, clean them with water (cleaning water needs to flow in reverse direction of air flow), allow them to dry thoroughly and re-install.

Does anyone know what this is?

I suspect it is a charcoal filter that is just there to prevent fuel vapors from traveling backwards out of the air intake (IOW for emissions reasons only).

BMW did this on the dreaded M56 SULEV engines fitted to some E46 3 series models. I have never seen this on the E46 because I avoided SULEV's like the plague. SULEV's have *I'm not kidding* a COMPLETELY welded stainless steel fuel system. That means -anything- goes bad in the fuel system (fuel pump, injectors, etc) and the ENTIRE fuel system (lines, fuel tank etc) have to be changed.

SO if this is just a charcoal vapor filter, then it is not helping the engine and could be removed to improve air flow. In any case I think it would be possible to drill out the plastic rivets and remove it without damaging anything else. It could then be re-attached with metal fasteners so that it can be removed for cleaning.

What do you guys think?

 

[jerryb]

I've found those in a few of my cars of that era, Mb comes to mind. Don't know what type they are. I think they have an acoustical purpose also.
I removed the one in my lc. Good or bad idk. I don't notice a difference. It's been gone a few years. No affect on maf that I can tell.

 

[NoTempoLimit]

I removed the one in my lc. Good or bad idk. I don't notice a difference.

It's got to be a charcoal filter. Removing it should reduce intake restriction which would result in slightly more power but would only be noticeable at full throttle / high rpm.

Reducing restriction at least theoretically should have a small effect on fuel efficiency since power has to be used to pull vacuum against a partially closed throttle. But it's possible that at small throttle openings the stock flow is adequate.

 

[94SRUNNER]

I’m curious about this secondary air filter. Do you have a picture of it and it’s location?

 

[dace voit]

Subd

 

[Mbchance]

Bringing up an old thread.... Curious as to what people think about the aforementioned filter? Does it need special attention? Would removing it help anything?

 

[TheForger]

I’m still confused on what everyone is referring to as this ‘secondary’ air filter. Anyone got any pics??

 

[jerryb]

It's on the underside of the top filter cover, affixed to the underside with plastic melted rivets. It's nothing, not important, and irrelevant.
But it will make your intake sound different if removed. I'd rather drink a beer. Mine is gone though to be honest.

 

[Mbchance]

I’m still confused on what everyone is referring to as this ‘secondary’ air filter. Anyone got any pics??

I think it's a built in carbon filter. I believe the later models have them installed. Just seems to be a restrictive component in my opinion and was curious if anyone noticed any difference, good or bad, once removed?

Here is a general pic of what is being talked about. It's this filter and then the engine air filter.
* I think this is a pic from a GX... but you get the idea.

 

[DirtDawg]

That is a charcoal filter, and it's only there for one purpose: emissions. It doesnt offer any better filtering, airflow, or performance (it probably makes these worse).

These are encountered on most late model vehicles, especially toyotas. I personally would remove it, as I did on my Tundra.

 

[GTV]

 

[2001LC]

It has one side benefit. If dirty it speak volumes, of how well air filter, it's seal and cover of air box maintain.

Or is it a mouse blocking device.