Holley 120-401 Oval Finned Air Cleaner Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This instruction manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Holley 120-401 Oval Finned Air Cleaner. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and retain it for future reference. Adherence to these instructions will ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your product.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: Always ensure the engine is off and cool before attempting any installation or maintenance. Disconnect the battery to prevent accidental starting. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves. Engine components can be hot and sharp. Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in personal injury or damage to the vehicle.

Proposition 65 Warning: This product may expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

3. Product Overview

The Holley 120-401 Oval Finned Air Cleaner is designed to enhance engine bay aesthetics while providing efficient air filtration. It features a durable construction and is compatible with single 4-barrel carburetors that have a standard 5-1/8 inch diameter neck.

Key Features:

• Durable Construction: Cast aluminum lid with a finned design and a stamped steel baseplate for longevity.
• Optimized Fitment: The 1/2 inch raised baseplate is engineered to clear throttle linkages, carburetor bowls, and distributors.
• Efficient Filtration: Includes a 2.5 inch tall, pre-oiled premium cotton gauze filter element.
• Reusable Filter: The filter element is washable and reusable, offering long-term value.

Figure 3.1: Holley 120-401 Oval Finned Air Cleaner installed on a carburetor, showcasing its design and fit within an engine bay.

Figure 3.2: An exploded view illustrating all components included with the Holley 120-401 Oval Finned Air Cleaner, including the finned lid, filter element, baseplate, gasket, and mounting hardware.

4. Setup and Installation

The Holley 120-401 Oval Finned Air Cleaner is designed for universal fitment on single 4-barrel carburetors with a 5-1/8 inch diameter neck.

Installation Steps:

1. Ensure the engine is off and cool.
2. Remove any existing air cleaner assembly from the carburetor.
3. Place the provided gasket (if applicable) onto the carburetor neck.
4. Position the stamped steel baseplate (Figure 4.1) onto the carburetor neck, ensuring it sits flush. The 1/2 inch raised design helps clear throttle linkages.
5. Place the premium cotton gauze filter element (Figure 4.2) onto the baseplate.
6. Align the cast aluminum finned lid over the filter element and baseplate.
7. Secure the assembly using the provided mounting hardware (typically a stud and wing nut) through the center of the lid into the carburetor. Tighten securely but do not overtighten.

Figure 4.1: The stamped steel baseplate of the air cleaner, designed to provide clearance for carburetor components.

Figure 4.2: The pre-oiled cotton gauze filter element and the base of the air cleaner, showing how the filter sits on the base.

5. Operation

Once properly installed, the Holley 120-401 Oval Finned Air Cleaner operates automatically, filtering incoming air for your engine. No specific operational adjustments are required after installation. Regular maintenance is crucial for continued optimal performance.

6. Maintenance

The premium cotton gauze filter element included with your Holley air cleaner is washable and reusable. Regular cleaning and re-oiling are recommended to maintain filtration efficiency and engine performance.

Filter Care Instructions:

1. Remove the air cleaner lid and filter element from the vehicle.
2. Gently tap the filter to dislodge loose dirt and debris.
3. Apply a specialized air filter cleaning solution (sold separately) to both sides of the filter element. Allow it to soak for the recommended time.
4. Rinse the filter from the clean side (inside) to the dirty side (outside) with low-pressure water until the water runs clear.
5. Allow the filter to air dry completely. Do not use compressed air or heat, as this can damage the filter media.
6. Once dry, evenly apply a specialized air filter oil (sold separately) to the filter pleats. Ensure complete coverage without over-oiling.
7. Reinstall the clean and oiled filter element and air cleaner assembly.

7. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues after installing your air cleaner, consider the following:

• Poor Engine Performance: Check if the filter element is dirty or improperly oiled. Ensure the air cleaner assembly is securely fastened and there are no air leaks.
• Hood Clearance Issues: Verify that the air cleaner assembly provides adequate clearance under the hood. If not, a different height filter element or a drop-base air cleaner might be required (not included with this model).
• Loose Components: Periodically check all fasteners to ensure they remain tight, especially after initial installation.

8. Specifications

Figure 8.1: Side view of the air cleaner with key dimensions, including the 1/2 inch raised baseplate and overall height.

Figure 8.2: Top and side views of the air cleaner with overall length and width dimensions.

9. Warranty and Support

This product comes with a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty details, claims, or technical support, please refer to the official Holley website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of ownership.