Oil Bath Cleaner Problems on Allis D17

When I recently bought my Allis D17 tractor, it had oil dripping from that oil bath air cleaner. It seemed that every time I ran it, more oil drained out. After a recent heavy rain, the ground below the air cleaner was saturated with oil.

Today I removed the entire air cleaner and found that there is only one clamp to hold the bottom "oil cup" to the upper part of the cleaner. Worse yet, there are two rather large cracks in the upper part of the air cleaner (container) itself. The bottom "cup" was only held on by one clip, and the other side with some bailing wire. The cup was hanging low on the side by the wire.

I removed the oil cup and found more water than oil in it. Apparently water was getting in thru the cracks (I had half the hood off for awhile). That explains why the ground was so oily after that rainstorm.

The local ACCO implement dealer said the air cleaner is no longer available. I phoned a place that sells used tractor parts and was told they do not have this part, but may be able to get one, but it would cost at least $200. (No, I wont pay that much).

I think the local welding shop can probably weld the crack and fasten some sort of bracket to it, for a lot less money. However, with that metal mesh inside, coated with oil, it will likely start on fire, and I can not see how to open it to remove that mesh. ANYONE KNOW HOW????

My other thought is to just eliminate it entirely and find a way to rig up a common paper air cleaner like those used on modern cars. IS THIS POSSIBLE?
Does anyone make an aftermarket paper air cleaner to replace this old beast?

While I do try to keep this tractor as much original as possible, I use it on my farm and usability is more important than appearance. And I dont want to ruin the engine by running without an air cleaner.

Unless there is an aftermarket paper air cleaner available, or someone knows a simple way to make something that will use an automotive air cleaner, I think my best bet is to see if I can get mine welded. But if that's the case, I first need to know how to get it apart, because I know the welding shop will refuse to weld it if it's going to turn into a fireball, because of the oil inside on that mesh.

What are my options?

Thanks for all help!

I would think that if you washed it out really good with a degreaser, then it could take a little light welding. I also think you could find a reasonable used one with enough searching.

We cut the spot welds, and removed the wire mesh on our WD once. It was a mistake. There really wasn't that much in the mesh, and I didn't think I was going to get it back in! And I certainly didn't get it back in as perfectly as it was originally.

You could call these guys and see how much they want for the air cleaner assembly on the D17 they are parting out.


http://topeka.craigslist.org/grd/5815497739.html

If you want to eliminate the oil bath filter K&N makes universal air filters that will fit many different size air intakes. These are a dry filter that can be cleaned and retreated and reused a number of times before needing replacing. Its something to think about.

I am not familiar with the D-17 filter, but if it is like the WD, WD-45 filter, the mesh will come out and you can clean that too. With the mesh out the filter housing could be welded or brazed with no problems. I think there is an air passage around the outside of the filter with the mesh inside that but I don't really remember, it has been a while since I had my WD filter apart. Look again and see if you can see if the mesh will come out. It may be partially blocked with oil soaked mud and need cleaning anyway.

Check with mid-south salvage in Decatur alabama. www.midsouthsalvage.net. We have been told they will ship items. We have gotten several used parts from them at reasonable prices.

I had mine welded with stainless filler rod you need someone who knows how to weld tin