Volvo C30 Air filter replacement.

DaHitch

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2006
Messages
725
Location
Ghent - Belgium
Car(s)
Volvo C30 2.0D - Triumph Tiger 1200 - Honda CB600F
I had my ECU tuned up a bit today, but during testing the mechanic there noticed that my air filter was due for replacement, he cleaned it out a bit but it still looks quite dirty.

When I got home I opened up my air filter box to measure the air filter so I would know which one to choose. I'll probably go with this one from K&N, but when putting everything back together I did get into a few snags.
First, when putting the cover back on I noticed that only 3 of the 4 bolts that hold the cover down lined up and I can't get it to fit correctly anymore. :(
So when I finally gave up -it was already pretty dark outside, I figured I'd look at it again tomorrow- I started tightening the 3 bolts that did line up. In doing so the socket that goes over the bolts came loose and fell down into the engine bay and is now resting somewhere on the bottom engine cover. :cry:

So that leaves me with 3 questions.
1) Can I find a guide -or even just a photo- somewhere that can show me how the air filter cover is supposed to sit on top of the box? Google is not very helpful and Haynes doesn't offer any repair manuals for a Volvo C30, neither online or in print.
2) Any tips on how to get the lost socket out of the engine bay without use of a lift?
3) The K&N filter talks about how it's reusable but has to be washed an re-oiled, how does that work?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

FYI the car in question is a 2007 Volvo C30 2.0D.
 
I'll copy everything and post it on some Volvo forums see what people say there. Not sure any of them have worked on the Diesel versions, but it's worth a shot...

I can already answer your third question. K&N filters are cleaned with their "recharger kit" which includes soap for washing it first and oil to cover it afterwards. It's a very simple process:
- wash with cool water under light pressure stream, water should be flowing from clean to dirty side (easy to tell). Let it sit and dry overnight (no hand drying, no sunlight exposure etc.), the oil comes in a spray can, spray the entire thing to restore the original red color of the filter material (it will be white/grey when washed). Don't overdo it, don't try to make it blood red. Too much oil can potentially destroy your Mass Air Sensor. Reinstall in the car.

This is recommended to be done every 10,000 miles but it depends on how dirty the roads and air are where you live. Last time I washed mine I realized I didn't really need to do it - it probably would have been good for at least another 5,000 miles.

(You can't rewash it infinitely - it is good for 25-30 washed, but at a 10,000 mile interval you can argue that it really is forever).

I'll come back to you on the problems when I hear from other Volvo specialists.
 
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Thank you!
I assume the problem with not finding much useful information is mostly because the US doesn't get the diesel version, afaik the US only gets the T5 and possibly the petrol 2,4i.
Google turned up some pictures, but they all feature the petrol versions. I did find a C30 guide through -I believe- JCWhitney, but again, only the T5 and 2,4i are covered. :/
 
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This is only a guess at this point, but I believe there will be little difference in layout.
 
One issue with the K&N is that while it flows more air, it also flows more dirt and it reduces engine life. It may (in some cases) void your warranty, as well.
 
Installing an aftermarket air filter will not void your warranty in the US, no. But the original poster is in Europe and laws may be different there.

However, damage caused by the use of an aftermarket air filter is not covered under warranty in the US - for example, should your engine be subject to accelerated wear directly traceable to your choice of filter, the manufacturer's warranty on the engine is therefore void or not applicable. On a less extreme but far more common note, if you overoil your filter and it destroys the MAF, if the manufacturer or dealer finds out that's the cause they're not going to warranty the MAF replacement either.

Caveat emptor.
 
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The filter is not really the issue for me, I've no problem having it replaced with a stock model. I have an appointment to go into the dealer to fit new rims & tires anyway next week, so I could have the filter replaced by them then. I just wanted to take the DYI route, but all that got me so far is an ill-fitting air box cover and a loose socket on the skid plate, both of which are a more pressing problem right now than a dirty air filter. :)

Also, I kind of have a deal with the dealer that so long as I let the dealer take care of all maintenance they extend my Volvo Assistance for another year.
Anyway It's light outside now, so I'll go take another look at it. Hopefully it doesn't start to rain. :/
 
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There I fixed it.


It appears the air filter itself was not seated properly, thus the cover could not fit the way it's supposed to. Reseated the filter, cover fits properly now, problem solved.

The socket is still in there somewhere though, at least I think. I've been driving around a bit today so it might have fallen out. I'll just assume it's gone forever, maybe it'll turn up in the same place where all missing socks go. :p
 
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