Air filter

[Adz]

Hello,

I removed airfilter for inspection today (first time since owning) and was wondering if this is standard for the year (1950 A7). It's is a metal mesh. I see some remnants of a felt like material in there.

Thanks

Update...
I've since done a bit more sleuthing and have discovered it should indeed have a felt like filter.
I have seen on this forum modifying a K & N  (great idea).

Question. I understand the potential dangers of running without an air filter. Will it also affect the performance of the bike? I have recently found it a bit lagging/ unresponsive when I open the throttle fully. Runs like a dream when I just pootle around.
Also, would I be right in assuming I will need to adjust the carb setting after fitting the air filter?

[Adz]

Pic

[Triton Thrasher]

A sufficiently sized K&N won’t have much effect on mixture.

Can’t say zero effect, but you kind of have to individually tune any bike carburettor anyway.

[Swarfcut]

 1950 was a year of change for BSA A Series Bikes. Is your A7 a Longstroke engine, with two rocker boxes, or the later version based on the A10?

 Here is a filter unit which by my reckoning is a Longstroke  A7 type.....central position for coupler to the carb, rather than the later "on the side" rubber boot* angled version. Gives an idea of what the element looks like.

 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/405888130614?_skw=BSA++Air+Filter&itmmeta=01JW86Y7S75JP2VPQFCP3BFE10&hash=item5e80d15e36%3Ag%3AaFkAAOSwdW1oLxxM&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1fe5pFHMJ6Jo%2Fgxq%2FtdZPt6G74ooC7TeqQ6QIJZrXQ%2By2fVrBDvlJPcYq9t4fXO0RKxlOtZl8HHQ9DmH%2F%2B%2Flm827aaAaOcdLyc7PblJ3myz8vCPfXeBZBnu1JE4mhCnJdExlTAkivVOBrw06HbFY7Ljyol0bD0ZTpZqPH4DACYDu7i6rYQvDTUf4jR6XXNsIF5MbSyVjH8749LSKpwSDZt0HirK6EZuvOL%2BMpbs8FAjFybgXV7%2FyxKmUDg0oKBvBhk%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-78-IbiZQ&LH_ItemCondition=3000

 Filter element is felt over that gauze concertina. The element was bonded to the backing plate, soaking in petrol the method of cleaning.

 At this price level there is plenty of incentive for cheapskates like me to fabricate something that will do the job!

 Swarfy

*Later  Filter Housing the same for Plunger A7 and A10. Different right angle rubber connectors used because of differing height of cylinder barrels and carb inlet diameter.

[Adz]

Thanks all the info.

Swarfy.
I believe I have the later type.

Yikes that's pricey, I'm with you I'd rather fab somthing to do the trick for a 1/4 of the price.

[orabanda]

I have replaced (duplicated) the original Vokes felt element, using a modern K & N element which was designed to suit either a Norton Commando or T150 air cleaner element (oval in shape).

I cut a section out of the oval K & N, then shaped and to match the Vokes element, silasticed in place, and silasticed each end for a perfect seal.
Put a light smear of heavy grease into the contoured rubber banded ends, and screw the outer metal cover onto the main housing.

Toodle pip,
Richard

[Swarfcut]

 Adz... Here's another couple of links showing a bit more detail.

  https://mikesclassiccyclespares.com/product/67-4600/                 Air Filter Element


 https://mikesclassiccyclespares.com/product/67-4594/                 Battery Carrier/Filter Housing.

  Filter housing shown is the later type, with rubber boot intended to connect to a 276 carb.

 If you go with Orabanda's plan, I'd start from scratch with a simple backing plate and stuck on modern element, that way you preserve original parts. 

 Swarfy