Air Filter Question

Hi everyone,

I have a '98 Ford Escort Wagon, which I really love, but I need to change the air filter. However, on this vehicle I don't know what to do. I'm used to the old fashioned wing nut on the GM cars, where you just undo it, lift up the lid, take the old one out and pop new one in. Even the fuel injected Chrysler cars from the 80's had knobs to turn and seemed easier.

I had bought a fram air filter from Walmart and was rather shocked at the $13 price. (What's up with that? I thought they would be cheaper for this car). Could anybody give me a clue as to where to start or what to pull apart on this one or are there any websites? Never dealt with a cone shaped air filter before.

Any help would be greatly appreciated... Thanks guys!

As you are facing the engine from the front, the air filter housing is on the right side of the engine. There is a 5 inch hose running from the engine to the air filter housing. The filter housing is on the far right side. There is a clamp on the end of the conical housing that lifts up and allows one to take out and replace the filter. The clamp is right on top. Yes, they are high dollar for an air filter. I think it is a case of whatever the traffic will bear.

Look for big round black thing with clamp like Dave said. It is not easy to do if you never did it before, but it can be done.

Thanks so much guys for your timely answers.

The hubby and I tackled it a couple of days ago. I must say it is a bit of a knucklebuster compared to other air filters I have changed. There's not much room to work in neither.

You have a great forum here - have learned many things. Thanks for being there for those of us in need.

I've always found it easier to remove the whole air filter canister ... and do the element replacement "on the bench".

I have found it easier to just replace the stock one with a cold air intake, easier to get to, frees up alot of space and it will increase your horse power