1996 f250 xl 5.8l
 

What do I need to know about the little white [fiber] filter at the bottom of my air cleaner canister - underneath my air filter? It connects to an exit hose outside the canister. Does this little guy get changed periodically?

Thanks.

Problem resolved: The part in question [above] is my Breather Element - which does need to be changed whenever it looks dirty.

Yes, you can just clean it in gasoline or replace it, it is intended to catch oil/water vapor that gets past the PCV valve, condenses it and lets it drain back to the crankcase. If the PCV valve is bad, it will allow those liquids to get sucked into the air cleaner housing, dirtying the air cleaner real fast.

dbelt - Thanks for your reply.