Wrong air filter?

The air filter in my van doesn't have a hole in the side where the air intake comes in which means the metal sides of the air filter itself cover the intake hole. Surely this can't be right? The replacement one I just went to fit is exactly the same though.

Are there different versions of these out there?

Thanks!

What make is the filter?

I seem to remember something similar when I changed mine some time ago. It worried me because it was in a metal case whereas the one fitted was a more normal looking orange and yellow plastic / paper thing. However, it fitted much better and had a fair bit of induction roar which subsided later (or I've got used to it). It was a Blue Print one which are supposed to be very faithful to the original design.

Apart from that I would say that if it is the same as the existing one and that works ok then you have no problem.

It wasn't a blueprint one, just a super cheap ebay jobbie. Just doesn't make sense to have an air intake hole opening up into the metal box where the air filter sits only to have an air filter whose own construction doesn't allow air to come in from the air intake!

What would happen if I run it without an air filter at all?

You'll likely get muck in the engine and damage it if you do that for too long (or are just unlucky).

Photos !!!!

Any suggestions guys?

looks right to me, ait in at the top, through the filter then out to the engine. I think you will find the filter sits proud of the base leaving a gap underneath it.

Picture 3 seems to show the air inlet hose is missing. Might that give running problems at times?

Aha! So there should be a hose on that stub?? Presumably it runs to the front somewhere? I need to look into that, thanks

In common with most modern cars it should run to a solenoid operated flap valve of some kind to allow the inlet air to be heated in winter for easier running and better control of emissions.

Wow...it seems like there's a whole section missing in that case. Damn! Thanks for the heads up. Any idea where that valve set up is so I can check to see if its intact?

Nope. I vaguely remember it from leafing through a workshop manual but I can't remember where as they are not indexed.

Non of this will cause any noticable running problems.

HJ, is it unique parts required to get this back into shape or do I need to just get some pipe that interconnects? I couldn't see an exploded diagram of this in the workshop manual...