Air Cleaner service - Drain Tube Question

[tmurrayis]

I have just performed the first replacement of the air filter element on my '08 Bandit.   I was amazed at how dirty the sucker was after only 18,000 kms (11,185 miles). I held the old and new up to the light and no light whatsoever was getting through the old one.

The shop service manual calls for me to un-cork the drain tube that hangs down under the right side of the bike to drain the airbox. However, nothing came out.

What fluids are supposed to drain (water, fuel?) and how could they get by the filter on the clean side of the airbox?  Perhaps in warm, humid climates there might be some condensation (not usually the situation here on the west coast of BC)

Oh, and don't be intimidated by the tank removal requirement.  It was pretty straight forward; it came off and went back on without any trouble at all.

[pmackie]

What fluids are supposed to drain (water, fuel?) and how could they get by the filter on the clean side of the airbox?

Water, fuel and OIL. Since the crankcase vents connect to the airbox, any spit and oil vapour end up in the airbox. Also, any air/fuel pushed back throught the carbs/FI and sometimes a little condensed water.

If you OVERFILL your crankcase, the airbox WILL collect oil faster, otherwise not much should accumulate, but its good to check it regularly.

[tmurrayis]

Thanks for the info.

I did notice what looked like a small puddle of liquid at the bottom of the airbox.  Should I have used some shop towel to wipe whatever it was out?

[billincentraljersey]

Oh, and don't be intimidated by the tank removal requirement.  It was pretty straight forward; it came off and went back on without any trouble at all.

How many hoses and how many electrical connectors under that tank?

[tmurrayis]

How many hoses and how many electrical connectors under that tank?

Let's see.

- Two small rubber hoses that friction fit onto the rear right side of the tank.  One is breather and one is a drain.
- The main fuel hose unclips from the spout under the middle of the tank.
- An electrical connector un-plugs from the same area.

I think that's it.

[billincentraljersey]

Thanks

[Red01]

I did notice what looked like a small puddle of liquid at the bottom of the airbox. 
Should I have used some shop towel to wipe whatever it was out?

  Yes. 

[Bandit1250]

Do you ride on a lot of dirt roads or something? I just checked my air filter with 15,000 miles on it and it's hardley dirty at all.