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I purchased a Pulsar 21" 200cc Gas Push Lawn Mower from my local Menards (https://www.menards.com/main/outdoo...wer/ptg1221drm/p-1642874304916526-c-10112.htm). I've had it for a year, and so far, it's been a pretty solid little mower... However, I'm having problems finding a replacement air filter for it. It's actually more like 2 because the enclosure that holds the filter uses 2 areas where one area is just a smaller piece of the larger area, but both sections hold the same kind of filter material (why they designed it this way is beyond me, but I think it's just that the intake uses one with the gas line being another section. Regardless, it's just one main piece with a smaller piece.

I took all of it out last night per-my annual mowing season prep after doing an oil change, and it's really nothing more than what appears to be some kind of "foamy fabric." I washed it with basic dish soap and water, which cleaned it up pretty well...but after looking online, I can't find any specific "Pulsar-approved" products for this damn thing, which is asinine when you think about how Menards is selling them but not any corresponding replacement parts for it.

I've reached out DIRECTLY to Pulsar via their contact form asking about this and where one can go to buy parts for it since even their own website lacks air filter replacements for it, and I'm going to try and "get by" for now on what I have since cleaning it...but can I just use True Blue air filter fabric cut to shape as an adequate alternative if I can't find anything from the company? I also found some things on Amazon that I think I could probably cut into its enclosure shape that I think would work, but thought I'd ask on here in case anyone might have some suggestions.

I do repair work for my local Menard's and our standard procedure for when they get returned to the store is to throw them in the recycle pile to be sold as scrap metal later. I have probably junked over 20 in the last 3-4 years. I use to do more with Pulsar until they sent me correspondence with a computer virus attached. Just tossed one last week due to dirt intrusion past that foam air filter you are looking for. The filters are installed dry and not oiled like standard foam air filters, and dirt and dust just goes through them and takes out the rings.

Bumping the wheels on solid objects bend the axles. dirt goes past the air filter destroying the engine. And like most Chinese products sold at box stores. Parts are limited if available at all. And then when they stop selling to the box stores they close up and discontinue all parts supplies.

Thanks.

For whatever it's worth, the company (which appears to be based in Ontario, California, by-the-way) responded to my question and told me to call their support team at 866-591-8921 to place an order for a new filter, which will run around $12. Lots of the problems you mention can be avoided with basic diligence. (Not refuting whether you're right about any of it, but just that many people never take care of their mowers, either, and honestly, 20 in the past 4 years to me seems pretty good, actually, when you consider the number of people who probably buy the things given the size of not just Menards but also Lowes and other customer bases. But again, not saying you're wrong about anything you're saying, either.)

Anyway, I'm planning on getting a K&N air filter kit soon for my car, and I'll use some of the oil spray that comes with it on the filter fabric I have now and maybe get another filter or something that will suffice for backup.

If you can't find the air filter, make one. Arts and crafts store or a mattress shop. Maybe get some foam of the same or similar density? Little hi tack 2 stroke air filter oil or SAE 30w. You have to get drastic in stopping grit and sand/dirt from getting into the engine. Some company says not to oil. BS, I oil the crap out of it.

I've started to silicone caulk all of my air filters to the air filter housings. Just as ILENGINE said, grit gets passed the filters and trashes the rings and more. Every filter I've owned or worked on, you can remove the filter and look into the carb inlet slash intake manifold. Nothing but fine grit all day long. And this is not just one brand of filter slash mower either. It's on every one I've ever seen. Kawasaki, Honda, Briggs, Kroller and so on.

Leave the filter alone until you start to notice maybe a couple extra pulls (push mower) or cranks (rider). Or if she seems to be down on power. Usually once a year. Simply install a new filter.

Wolf_22 said:

Anyway, I'm planning on getting a K&N air filter kit soon for my car, and I'll use some of the oil spray that comes with it on the filter fabric I have now and maybe get another filter or something that will suffice for backup.

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Um, something to think about.

You can see with your human eyes, passed the filter media. What do you think will happen over time? Worst filter on the market. If this is a daily driver or something you are planning to keep and drive, think about it.

If this is some race car then by all means, put a K&N on her. You will be rebuilding the engine in short intervals anyway.

I would leave the OEM air filter alone. Your money. Your car.

Wolf_22 said:

Anyway, I'm planning on getting a K&N air filter kit soon for my car, and I'll use some of the oil spray that comes with it on the filter fabric I have now and maybe get another filter or something that will suffice for backup.

Click to expand...

Um, something to think about.

You can see with your human eyes, passed the filter media. What do you think will happen over time? Worst filter on the market. If this is a daily driver or something you are planning to keep and drive, think about it.

If this is some race car then by all means, put a K&N on her. You will be rebuilding the engine in short intervals anyway.

I would leave the OEM air filter alone. Your money. Your car.

Wolf_22 said:

I purchased a Pulsar 21" 200cc Gas Push Lawn Mower from my local Menards (https://www.menards.com/main/outdoo...wer/ptg1221drm/p-1642874304916526-c-10112.htm). I've had it for a year, and so far, it's been a pretty solid little mower... However, I'm having problems finding a replacement air filter for it. It's actually more like 2 because the enclosure that holds the filter uses 2 areas where one area is just a smaller piece of the larger area, but both sections hold the same kind of filter material (why they designed it this way is beyond me, but I think it's just that the intake uses one with the gas line being another section. Regardless, it's just one main piece with a smaller piece.

I took all of it out last night per-my annual mowing season prep after doing an oil change, and it's really nothing more than what appears to be some kind of "foamy fabric." I washed it with basic dish soap and water, which cleaned it up pretty well...but after looking online, I can't find any specific "Pulsar-approved" products for this damn thing, which is asinine when you think about how Menards is selling them but not any corresponding replacement parts for it.

I've reached out DIRECTLY to Pulsar via their contact form asking about this and where one can go to buy parts for it since even their own website lacks air filter replacements for it, and I'm going to try and "get by" for now on what I have since cleaning it...but can I just use True Blue air filter fabric cut to shape as an adequate alternative if I can't find anything from the company? I also found some things on Amazon that I think I could probably cut into its enclosure shape that I think would work, but thought I'd ask on here in case anyone might have some suggestions.

Click to expand...

Remember when Chinese equipment such as Pulsar is purchased, the parts and shops willing to do repair are not always easy to find. A couple of the downsides associated with buying cheap Chinese equipment.

The engine is a Ducar DV200 (spec # number NA) which is clone engine but they just don't provide parts or parts look ups easily. Otherwords they don't care about service after the sale.

Basically the customer is just a sucker for buying the equipment until we get some dealer online with IPL look-ups.

Anyone tried looking on the Chinese sites like Ali Express and the like?

slomo said:

Anyone tried looking on the Chinese sites like Ali Express and the like?

Click to expand...

When a person buys a cheap Chinese chainsaw, generator, pressure washer, etc. online, and then has issues that require more than basic easy to find parts, and repair that most shops won’t do by choice on these units, that is the price they pay for choosing an off brand unit. Most of the time this equipment won’t be used often, but it is a gamble the person takes. Therefore I have no sympathy for their situation, without being mean about it.

Tiger Small Engine said:

When a person buys a cheap Chinese chainsaw, generator, pressure washer, etc. online, and then has issues that require more than basic easy to find parts, and repair that most shops won’t do by choice on these units, that is the price they pay for choosing an off brand unit. Most of the time this equipment won’t be used often, but it is a gamble the person takes. Therefore I have no sympathy for their situation, without being mean about it.

Click to expand...

So saving money, is not really, saving money. I get it.

Wolf_22 said:

I purchased a Pulsar 21" 200cc Gas Push Lawn Mower from my local Menards (https://www.menards.com/main/outdoo...wer/ptg1221drm/p-1642874304916526-c-10112.htm). I've had it for a year, and so far, it's been a pretty solid little mower... However, I'm having problems finding a replacement air filter for it. It's actually more like 2 because the enclosure that holds the filter uses 2 areas where one area is just a smaller piece of the larger area, but both sections hold the same kind of filter material (why they designed it this way is beyond me, but I think it's just that the intake uses one with the gas line being another section. Regardless, it's just one main piece with a smaller piece.

I took all of it out last night per-my annual mowing season prep after doing an oil change, and it's really nothing more than what appears to be some kind of "foamy fabric." I washed it with basic dish soap and water, which cleaned it up pretty well...but after looking online, I can't find any specific "Pulsar-approved" products for this damn thing, which is asinine when you think about how Menards is selling them but not any corresponding replacement parts for it.

I've reached out DIRECTLY to Pulsar via their contact form asking about this and where one can go to buy parts for it since even their own website lacks air filter replacements for it, and I'm going to try and "get by" for now on what I have since cleaning it...but can I just use True Blue air filter fabric cut to shape as an adequate alternative if I can't find anything from the company? I also found some things on Amazon that I think I could probably cut into its enclosure shape that I think would work, but thought I'd ask on here in case anyone might have some suggestions.

Click to expand...

My self would make a filter. Has been some talk about washing filters. Not recommended, it destroys the air pockets in the filter. Oiling filters have to be careful some filters will not hold up , again crushing the the bubbles in the filter.

Johner said:

My self would make a filter. Has been some talk about washing filters. Not recommended, it destroys the air pockets in the filter. Oiling filters have to be careful some filters will not hold up , again crushing the the bubbles in the filter.

Click to expand...

Foam air filter are not closed cell type foam but instead is open cell type. You can't something that is not there.

Wolf_22 said:

I purchased a Pulsar 21" 200cc Gas Push Lawn Mower from my local Menards (https://www.menards.com/main/outdoo...wer/ptg1221drm/p-1642874304916526-c-10112.htm). I've had it for a year, and so far, it's been a pretty solid little mower... However, I'm having problems finding a replacement air filter for it. It's actually more like 2 because the enclosure that holds the filter uses 2 areas where one area is just a smaller piece of the larger area, but both sections hold the same kind of filter material (why they designed it this way is beyond me, but I think it's just that the intake uses one with the gas line being another section. Regardless, it's just one main piece with a smaller piece.

I took all of it out last night per-my annual mowing season prep after doing an oil change, and it's really nothing more than what appears to be some kind of "foamy fabric." I washed it with basic dish soap and water, which cleaned it up pretty well...but after looking online, I can't find any specific "Pulsar-approved" products for this damn thing, which is asinine when you think about how Menards is selling them but not any corresponding replacement parts for it.

I've reached out DIRECTLY to Pulsar via their contact form asking about this and where one can go to buy parts for it since even their own website lacks air filter replacements for it, and I'm going to try and "get by" for now on what I have since cleaning it...but can I just use True Blue air filter fabric cut to shape as an adequate alternative if I can't find anything from the company? I also found some things on Amazon that I think I could probably cut into its enclosure shape that I think would work, but thought I'd ask on here in case anyone might have some suggestions.

Click to expand...

Buy a cheap briggs filter and cut to fit, simple

Yabbut. If you had a 21" mower, any brand, with a B&S engine on it, would you invest in replacing the piston and rings? Rings alone? A connecting rod? Or actually in most buyers' case, having a shop do any of those jobs?
I do not think it will be done by most purchasers of OPE. Commercial users sing to a different tune...
Ducar makes decent engines, and sells to equipment makers. Ali has some replacement parts for that brand and some others. I would just get generic foam filter media, cut to fit, add a few drops of motor oil and work that into the media. It is not rocket science. If you cut properly you will likely provide better filtration than the original as you can make it as snug as you want without worrying the guys on the line will have to fiddle and poke to get that media squeezed into the housing and take too much time slowing down the line. You can take your time, and make it as tight a fit as you want.
The big box stores sell to the consumer, and generally provide what the consumer wants. I have walked the lineup of riders and push/self propelled mowers irregularly. Not impressed with the quality of most products. A skimp here and a cutback there and you have product that just works, but will not stand much of anything being out of whack before it would twirl its last. A leaky filter or a low oil condition and bingo, time for a new one. Blades and such should be carried for a reasonable time period. But many I have seen do not understand that oil needs changeing, filters need cleaning or replacing, and blades need sharpening. The example that proves is the 'no oil change' mower sold a few years ago. It fits right in with a large serving of ignorance and 'totss the owners manual, I know what I am doing". That's the same person who follows in his Dad's footsteps and buys a new mower every year or two like clockwork.
I have the opposite problem, I fix them and maintain them. They are all old. But I like doing the work. Just put two lifters into the Kohler CV16 AYP. I now understand why the Command series was replaced. This must go on before that.. it cannot be done any other way... rinse repeat. But they are an excellent product and still work. Well. But one clattered a LOT when hot and idled down for a minute or two while I moved obstacles while mowing.
You get what you pay for. And that's what will be sold at the stores you frequent. And sometimes older IS better. IMO.
I am old, too... just sayin'
tom

Wolf_22 said:

I purchased a Pulsar 21" 200cc Gas Push Lawn Mower from my local Menards (https://www.menards.com/main/outdoo...wer/ptg1221drm/p-1642874304916526-c-10112.htm). I've had it for a year, and so far, it's been a pretty solid little mower... However, I'm having problems finding a replacement air filter for it. It's actually more like 2 because the enclosure that holds the filter uses 2 areas where one area is just a smaller piece of the larger area, but both sections hold the same kind of filter material (why they designed it this way is beyond me, but I think it's just that the intake uses one with the gas line being another section. Regardless, it's just one main piece with a smaller piece.

I took all of it out last night per-my annual mowing season prep after doing an oil change, and it's really nothing more than what appears to be some kind of "foamy fabric." I washed it with basic dish soap and water, which cleaned it up pretty well...but after looking online, I can't find any specific "Pulsar-approved" products for this damn thing, which is asinine when you think about how Menards is selling them but not any corresponding replacement parts for it.

I've reached out DIRECTLY to Pulsar via their contact form asking about this and where one can go to buy parts for it since even their own website lacks air filter replacements for it, and I'm going to try and "get by" for now on what I have since cleaning it...but can I just use True Blue air filter fabric cut to shape as an adequate alternative if I can't find anything from the company? I also found some things on Amazon that I think I could probably cut into its enclosure shape that I think would work, but thought I'd ask on here in case anyone might have some suggestions.

Click to expand...

Tried to find DRM but could not but here is their site

slomo said:

Um, something to think about.

You can see with your human eyes, passed the filter media. What do you think will happen over time? Worst filter on the market. If this is a daily driver or something you are planning to keep and drive, think about it.

If this is some race car then by all means, put a K&N on her. You will be rebuilding the engine in short intervals anyway.

I would leave the OEM air filter alone. Your money. Your car.

Click to expand...

I do NOT recommend a K&N filter on your car. There is virtually no restriction with today's OEM filters and intakes, and they filter FAR better than K&N units too. On top of that, the oil in the filter will get on the MAF and AIT sensors and destroy them. Please don't use them. Here is a link to a very in-depth, long-term review of multiple air filters, including K&N.

There are several different types of items out there where filters are not readily available or stuff that's so old where filters are no longer available and you just have to make your own.
Every time I run across a good piece of foam rubber that looks acceptable to me that's over 3/4 of an inch thick I save it so I can cut filters from it later.
Unfortunately this stuff doesn't last forever even if it's unused.

This particular Mower and doesn't have a filter that's oiled but you can certainly lightly oil any foam filter, in fact you probably should, and then squeeze out the excess oil on a paper towel.
HOWEVER the best thing we can take away from all of this is that people should STOP BUYING Pulsar mowers and any of the other 100% Chinese junkie ones that you can find from time to time.
I also wouldn't recommend buying the Masport ones that are from New Zealand either.
This isn't about being negative towards any one or two countries or even import stuff but rather none of these are going to have the type of support, dealers (and I mean real dealers), service and repair, parts availability, and online information that a well-established and common name brand mower will have.

I also tell my customers (I only do repairs and don't sell any equipment) but I would never buy a mower from Menards or Rural King as these are the only two I know in the area that once you buy it it is yours!
If there's anywhere else like this I would recommend not buying from them either.
Technically it's once you put gas in oil in it but my point is if you buy a mower and take it home and something ends up going wrong with it early on like in the first 30 days which could be four cuts or more, you can't take it back and get a new one or start over and get your money back.
You have to let them send it to their service center and fix it.
If you buy a mower from one of the big box stores I believe currently they all give you 30 days that you could mow with it every day if you wanted to and you could take it back because you decided you didn't like the color or more realistically that you just don't like the way it operates or mows your lawn.
At one time they had 90 days on these which was even better.

It's not really that big of a deal and it certainly does not raise the prices of mowers for everyone else.
They take these mowers and if there's anything wrong with them send them to their service center which stuff is going there anyways, then they get them back all wipe down and cleaned up and they sell them for a very small discount.
Since they still look brand new etc this discount is quite small but it's a 40 or 50 bucks saving and enough to convince someone looking for a better deal to buy that one over the brand new one 20 ft away.
The company doesn't lose money because there's a much bigger markup than what they reduce them down to.
This also doesn't happen nearly enough times throughout the season to really have any impact.

So I say stick with the brand names we all know of.
I know some of them are getting out of them gasoline mower business for the push mower business altogether and that's a shame because battery powered mowers are a big sacrifice for most people and force them to alter their patterns and habits and people don't like change (or at least they shouldn't lol).
If I were buying a newer mower I would only buy either Toro / Lawnboy, Troy-Bilt / Cub Cadet /Craftsman, Honda, Snapper (traditional old style design only).
That's all I can think of off the top of my head.
Even ones like snapper who have officially stop producing them right now, there will be plenty of parts around for a long time.
While the ones made by MTD are probably my least favorite now due to Stanley Black & Decker cranking the prices up on all of these parts, these parts will definitely be readily available for a long long time and likely many more aftermarket parts will soon show up to lower the price.
It just irks me to no end that a blade adapter I was buying two years ago at a retail shop price of 16.99 is now 32 or more!
They will burn themselves though because that little handheld piece of metal is only worth about $12 max and can certainly be made for under 4.50 and somebody will start cracking out quite adequate substitutes if they haven't already.

Toro has been my favorite brand mower for a long time but that doesn't mean they make the best more or a higher percentage of good mowers than other people but they do a good job.
They have not been cranking their prices up but I'm sure they will follow suit soon because if a part for MTD mowers which are going to be the most common because they are the largest outdoor power equipment manufacturer around, that corresponding part on other brands will quickly go up to match.

But my point is it's not worth saving 30 or 40 bucks or whatever the savings is to buy these off brand mowers because they are poorly designed, unproven, cheap and flimsy, full of proprietary parts that don't look like anything on any other mower and that you can't improvise apart from another mower on.... So they just aren't worth it.

Tiger Small Engine said:

When a person buys a cheap Chinese chainsaw, generator, pressure washer, etc. online, and then has issues that require more than basic easy to find parts, and repair that most shops won’t do by choice on these units, that is the price they pay for choosing an off brand unit. Most of the time this equipment won’t be used often, but it is a gamble the person takes. Therefore I have no sympathy for their situation, without being mean about it.

Click to expand...

I completely agree with you. I have no problem with people refusing to work on pulsar mowers or the other off brands.
There is also a trend going around by some of these companies that don't have real dealers and don't network to get stuff done or they will tell the customer to get it fixed anywhere and they will reimburse them.
This is a terrible business model for a company that would really harm you if you sold enough mowers and had enough people follow through on the repairs in the reimbursement because you're not getting that nicely discounted rate for the repairs like has long been established for authorized dealers.
Regardless, I wouldn't blame anyone for refusing to do these either.
I got involved in a situation that I didn't find out about until I was already into it and I won't make that mistake again.

You see I am the discount mower whisperer. Well I've had several customers call me the mower whisperer but the key is I am extremely economical for the repairs I do for people.
Most all of them know it too and are very appreciative. I'm good with this even though I leave tons of money on the table.
If I doubled my prices tomorrow I would still be cheaper than almost everyone in the area for pretty much everything I do except blade sharpening because I pretty much go very close to going rate for those.

And my point is, I REFUSE to give some janky crap producing company a good deal on a repair like I give my real customers.
If they're going to pay to get it fixed then they need to pay the typical shop price in town or the highest shop price in town.

It's all just going to get worse and worse in the future.

TobyU said:

.
This isn't about being negative towards any one or two countries or even import stuff but rather none of these are going to have the type of support, dealers (and I mean real dealers), service and repair, parts availability, and online information that a well-established and common name brand mower will have.

Click to expand...

And that is not a safe avenue in a lot of cases any more either. So many of the Brand name mowers are just licensed names. So you think you are buying a name brand mower and it may be made, serviced, warranty, repairs through Pulsar, or Amerisun, or Ardisam. Or in the case of some of the Murray mowers you have a choice between at this time that I know of 5 different manufacturer companies over the last 20 years. And none have dealer support at this time.

kjonxx said:

Tried to find DRM but could not but here is their site

https://mans.io/brand/pulsar

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filter part number is pulsar 462902

I bought my filter at Rural king
Mine has work for more than 4 yrs.
It's cheap.handle broke, handle pivot post broke,frame cracks around bolts for wires.
Used another handle,fix other issues.
Motor done ok.its light and I take it to do the small yard.
Doesn't mow the best assume because lower rpm.
But does what I need it to do