When purchasing replacement parts, compare the new replacement part with the old one. Make sure that their diameter and height are identical. A cheap, poorly made filter will not reliably protect the engine from dust.
1. To remove, loosen the wing nuts, bolts and/or the air cleaner cover clip spring; on some models, it may also be necessary to remove the standard nut. Some Prelude models use a can filter with a bolted lid.
2. Remove the cleaner cover and the air cleaner element itself. On the 1990-1991 Prelude, also remove the small leak filter located at the top of the housing. On Accord (1984-86) a similar filter is used on the air cleaner side.
3. Use a clean cloth to clean the air cleaner housing.
4. Install a new air cleaner and, if necessary, a new leak filter, which can be reused if it was just clogged with dust or oil. Make sure the filter element is properly inserted into place; fit a cover to the filter, which will seal the housing and direct all air flow strictly through the filter.
As a rule, air cleaner elements are not interchangeable, although they may be. Make sure you are purchasing the correct item for your model.
5. On most round cases, arrows are applied to the metal; align these arrows before attempting to install the cover. Proper alignment makes it easier to seat the cover in place.