How to Replace the Air Filter Bracket on a Southland Earth Auger

The air filter bracket both helps to secure the air filter base to the carburetor and provides the mounting point for the air filter cover. If the cover attachment knob is overtightened, the threads can be stripped. If the tool falls over, landing on the air filter cover, the bracket can be bent.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE AIR FILTER BRACKET   1. Remove the air filter bracket.

a. Loosen the thumbscrew and remove the air filter cover.
b. Remove the air filter.
c. Loosen the two bolts securing the air filter base (and the carburetor) to the engine.
d. Pull the air cleaner base (and carburetor) away from the engine slightly and remove the two bolts (along with the air filter bracket) from the base.

INSTALLING THE NEW AIR FILTER BRACKET   2. Install the air filter bracket.

a. Thread the two mounting screws through the new air filter bracket.
b. Install the mounting screws (along with the new bracket) onto the air filter base.
c. Install the air filter base (using the exposed mounting screws) onto the carburetor assembly.
d. Install the carburetor gasket onto the carburetor (using the screws to hold the gasket in place).
e. Install the entire assembly (air filter bracket, air filter base, carburetor, and gasket) onto the engine (using the mounting screws to keep everything aligned).
f. Use a hex wrench to tighten the mounting screws and secure the air filter assembly (and carburetor) to the engine.

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT   3. Reinstall the air filter cover.

a. Install the air filter.
b. Install the air filter cover.
c. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the air filter cover.