Asking for current range of charges to change air filter in ‘97 xk8. Have watched videos, read the instructions...and holy cow. I’ve changed out air filters on my cars, but this one is crazy. Have to take the whole housing out to open the compartment!!??
Sacramento area...
Thanks...
Cindy

 

It reads as a lot more complicated that it actually is:





As you've done air filters before, this will be no problem. Probably took me longer to put the graphic together than it will take you to do the filter!

Graham

 

By removing the air filter housing (just one 10mm bolt), you greatly reduce your chances of cracking the plastic housing when you open it. Just do it....

 

It's easy to get your fingers smacked when those latches release. Probably a good reason to remove the housing, also allows cleaning under it. But that mounting screw is in a rubber vibration mount which may break due to age.

 

well, guys, I got the 4 clips undone, no problem. My hands are smaller than yours, I’ll bet. Unfortunately, my reach sucks, and I took a break from that hidden bolt. I see that the housing top has enough space that I can see that dam**d filter, but I don’t want to use any force on it. As much as I hate to , I may have to ask my nephew to come over(he has monkey arms, and just enough skill on simple cars to help, I hope).
Air filters(2...why not?) being delivered today.

Cindy(aka seamstress)

 

I'd say take the documented procedure at face value, and decide accordingly. The caveats I can think of are:

• As already pointed out, the air box is mounted on rubber posts (instrumounts). The nut can easily be removed but be sure to hold its hex back plate with a wrench, otherwise it might shear off. Or go ahead and order a couple of replacements from the rock place, WAY cheaper then the dealer.
• If you decide to remove the intake tube, be sure to reinstall it low enough. If it sits too high, the accordion section rubs on the underside of the hood liner and will develop air leaks over time.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

Very timley I just checked into this yesterday and wondered who the heck designed that 1 clip, then who approved it. Isn't the point of fast east off clips, to be fast and easy? Thank you.

 

If you think the XK8 is awkward, stay away from the XK. Two air filters hidden behind the front wheelarch liners ....... and that's before getting to those same type of cover clips you love.

Graham

 

Okay guys, nothing makes me go “oh yes I can!” like someone saying “just do it”. So , I changed the dam**d air filter this morning. Will admit that what made me go “wtf” was finding that last hidden clip wasn’t even clipped shut. Local shop where I took car for oil change and inspection had taken a picture of the dirty air filter and apparently didn’t bother to clip #5. My hands are smaller than most guys’, and I have gnarly arthritis, but with a screwdriver and paint stir stick, I got the clip shut. So....

And there it is

 

Glad you got it!

 

I didn’t realize that the whole housing is supposed to come out to replace the filter element.

I just loosen the air tube at both ends, unplug the MAS wiring connection, then lift off the entire intake tube.

Once it’s out of the way the hidden latch is easy to access.


Z

 

Nice job. Its awesome to do the work yourself. You save money, know the job is done right and its way easier the 2nd time.

 

I have cahnged mine twice ...no problems...no harder than the filter on my GMC Terrain or on my daughter's Hyundai Elantra ...I really don't understand the difficulty ?

 

Barry..After reading all the posts about changing the air filter, I was pretty nervous as I sure wanted to avoid damaging the housing. I changed my own air filters in the past, but they were always a simple wing-nut removal to open housing. My xk8 is 24 yrs old, I’m 70(together we’re almost 100..lol!), and things don’t work like they use to. So, I was pretty happy to save money by changing the filter all by myself. I can’t express how I appreciate all the advice and support from forum members.

cheers.
cindy