Wild West Coast Gravel Bash??

[warewolf]

Is that the first documented case of "don't wash it, the dirt's the only thing holding it together!"

[Motu]

Well,it wasn't dirty,had sort of small leaves and grass on it,but seemed very dry - I thought a quick wash and oil would be a good thing to do....bugger.I've had elements come apart in solvent before,so thought a wash in No Toil powder and warm water would have no effect.

[warewolf]

I've used No Toil for years, so I doubt it's the product that caused the problem. I've even repaired a filter with glue and that's held for ages, including frequent No Toil washes.

[merv]

Foam filters seem to self destruct at near enough 10 years of age, I guess its the oil eventually getting to the foam. When they finally go you touch them and they feel like you are squeezing oil soaked sawdust. Is that what happened to yours Motu? I've kept a few bikes long enough to have that happen.

[Motu]

The foam is not too bad,which decieved me I suppose - now I see the very top layer is flaking off,definatly the original.It came apart at the glued seams,and I could reglue those - but the softer foam seal also came off,and started to break up,I didn't want to use it without the seal.