To oil or not to oil a foam air filter

[kejj]

what do you say, pros and cons? This foam filter oil is very sticky but is it necessary?
Vote and post a reply on why!

[shocky]

I dont becouse the filter gets wet with fuel and oil from a small amount of spitback and this acts like foam oil ,

[Donnie]

I do, though admittedly not as often as i should.

The idea is to use a little on the outside of the foam filter to trap particulates which could (after some time) penetrate through and damage the piston / bore.

I see shocky's theory, however thats actually not one that holds water (so to speak) because its being "oiled" from the inside out and therefore has no barrier effect until the particulates have basically gotten all the way through the foam to the inner Additionally, it's not being oiled at all, it's petrol and oil so minimal if any.

If it was really working? It would have to be soaked through, and if it is there's other running issues there ie how well can the air actually be getting through at full revs etc.

[warts]

I've had foam filters on the big big for maybe 50.000miles.
I have always oiled as per the instructions - a bit on the outside.
A wash and re oil when they look glaggy.
No noticeable bore or valve wear.
Why change what works?