So yeah, . I had an afternoon off, thought "why don't I replace the engine air filter, it only took 2 mins in my old Chrysler and I've had the replacement for awhile now". Well, getting the lid off took about 15mins. I was really trying to be gentle, but it still took alot of persuasion.



Got it off, took the old OEM filter out and got the new Wix 42261 out...lo and behold, it's longer.



Squeezed the Wix in (it does fit, though not as willingly as the OEM one) and and tried to put the lid back on...for the next hour. I just couldn't get the plastic tabs to clear the holes. Took a break, came on the forums to search for the trick. Went back and removed the engine intake hose to try and bend the whole thing into a better angle. It went on for 45 mins like this, and I was getting quite anxious...I needed to use the car that night. Finally, I thought I had gotten it, pressed on the lid to persuade it to latch...and a horrible snap rang out.



As you can see, the right tab broke, and there seem to be stress marks on the others as well. Well, about 5 mins later, I finally had the lid on and secured the latch, though I suspect that was only because one of the tabs had broken.

I've driven it for a couple weeks now, but this keeps staying in the back of my mind. To make matters worse, I suspect the Wix filter, being a tighter fit, doesn't let as much air through which makes for slightly rougher idle and lower MPG, however I can't be sure it's not the colder air that's responsible.

Now, I fully admit I'm not a very mechanically minded person, it's one of my many faults. But honestly, who the f#ck designed this stupid airbox and why couldn't they have made the tolerances a bit more...tolerable?!? Changing the air intake filter is usually child's play on any other car! If they had to make it difficult, why not put some instructions in the goddamn manual?

sigh...should I think about finding a replacement lid? I think the lid is still airtight, but I can't be sure. What's the actual proper way to do this, in case I have to change the filter again? Pictures preferred.

 

Wow, I replaced mine with a Fram and it went in with no problems. I did a quick check and the Fram CA9513 filter is 11.78" long, and the Wix 42261 is 11.88" long.

After spending about 5 minutes messing with it, I would have returned the Wix and take the old filter to compare to a Fram, Bosch, K&N or whatever brand to make sure it wasn't bigger than the original.

I guess if you got the tabs in and the latches locked properly then you are probably ok. I would be worried though about stressing the remaining plastic tabs and having them break.

Good luck.

 

I did the Wix brand in mine, and it went in just fine, maybe a little snug, but no crazy adventure as you seem to have had. Now, I have the s/c, and it makes it much easier to remove the air pipe first, then open the lid after that. Otherwise, the air pipe fights with the box to be straight.

 

i had same problem doing my filter but i had everything in pieces as i was detaching powersteering tank to give a clean and new fluid, even so hard to get back in i used wife for the extra muscle :P to hold tabs in place as i pushed.

 

I see this as a good reason to install a Cold-Air-System.

 

MooSSE, I have never seen a "7-Up" edition, do you have photos?

 

Green with white convertible top = 7 UP

 

Here's several photos of the 7-Up Mustang: 7-up mustang - Google Search

Mines all stock except for shocks/struts.

 

Got it!!

 

Hixton,

I put a Wix in the box, and the latches on the other end snapped off the lid. The whole molded-in concept is weak in this application, especially when the resin is fiber reinforced (stress concentrators --> crack propagation --> failure). I replaced them with metal ones.

Rob

 

Just to be sure, you can tape the box seam with some super sticky boxing tape.
The kind that contains some fabric in it.

Write wix a letter ( for me too) telling them their element is too long...
"Won't fit in air box" etc.
See what they say...

Mine idles fine. From the look of your pics, I'm guessing your ecu is trimming fuel to correspond with that dirty one... Now the clean wix is letting air in easily and it's probably a little lean. Wait awhile and see if it doesn't clean up by itself.

Take care.