Thanks mustang. The main question related to the foam pre-filter. Honda's foam pre-filters are supposed to be oiled, because they have pretty much no effect otherwise, but I have the impression some Honda service places do not oil pre-filters. If the pre-filter is oiled on a Honda, the paper element very rarely gathers any dirt - I regard it as there mostly to deal with the situation if the pre-filter is not oiled or is out of position.
I see from the owner manual B&S recommends that their pre-filter is used dry, which seems a bit odd, but presumably they know what they are doing.
Last edited by grumpy; 25/08/12 11:50 AM. Reason: Add detail
