When installing a paper air filter cartridge, which direction should the paper side face?

When installing a paper air filter cartridge, the paper side should face away from the engine. This design allows the air being drawn into the engine to first pass through the filter material, which captures dirt and debris, ensuring that only clean air enters the engine for combustion.

If the paper side faced toward the engine, contaminants would be allowed to reach the engine instead of being filtered out, potentially causing engine damage or decreased efficiency. This proper orientation is crucial for optimal engine performance, as a clean air supply is vital for proper combustion and overall engine health.

In this context, other orientations, such as facing the paper side upward or downward, do not address the necessity of ensuring that clean air is provided to the engine, which is paramount for its operation.