Sweptline.ORG

can you clean those

Absolutely!
Wash with solvent of your choice, both housing and filter, refill with 30w oil to fill line on base. They can go years between cleanings unless used primarily off highway.

I clean and refill every 10K or so. they work great and dont cost money to maintain. except for solvent or brake clean. do NOT use carb clean! the elements on many of them are made of jute. its the same stuff burlap is made of. carb clean will make it break down. gas or brake clean works best.

Mine has a synthetic or horse hair matrix in it. hard to tell at well over 60 years old...

I have ATF in mine. Had to be checked for level a bit more frequently but other than that worked fine. And will again once I get the new engine in place (and find a second filter, dual 1bbl carbs).

good information.......i like stock on my truck,except on my 66 satellite .ths

I go by the book.
From the FSM:
Under normal conditions, the air cleaner should be EXAMINED at each engine oil change. IF the sump is found to contain a semi-solid mixture of dirt and oil UP TO THE LOWER OFFSET in the reservoir, the air cleaner should be removed and thoroughly cleaned. Rinse clean in kerosene and drain. Empty the reservoir, clean out the sump and refill to the indicated level with engine oil. Above +32F use SAE 30w, below +32F use SAE 20w.
From personal experience, it takes years of highway use, with occasional dirt road travel, to fill the sump to the aforementioned level.

Took mine and cut out the inside and fitted dry paper element style filters. No more oil mess. Still looks stock.