Is the pipe inside the engine air filter housing supposed to be this loose? I can't see any loose clips but they are hard to get to so not sure.

For the foam, I understand this is to filter oil vapor which is fine but I poked the left side to get debris off it and it disintegrated/collapsed. Does this need to be replaced? If so, can you provide the part name or number because I can't find it on eBay.

Can it be driven while I wait for the replacement to arrive? (if it needs to be replaced)

Loose pipe demonstration video: https://streamable.com/xpnpvi

Genuine Ford Fiesta Mk7 Mk8 B-Max 1.25 Duratec Zetec-S Air Filter Pad 1541513 | eBay UK

Thanks @TomsFocus not sure why it wasn't popping up when I searched for it.

Is it okay to drive while I wait for it to arrive? My initial thought is in a worst case scenario with the foam being removed completely, the oil would accumulate on the filter itself and not be sucked in the engine thus causing no harm short term?

I'm just curious to know as I doubt many people replace the foam.

1 minute ago, landfall said:

Thanks @TomsFocus not sure why it wasn't popping up when I searched for it.

Is it okay to drive while I wait for it to arrive? My initial thought is in a worst case scenario with the foam being removed completely, the oil would accumulate on the filter itself and not be sucked in the engine thus causing no harm short term?

I'm just curious to know as I doubt many people replace the foam.

That small amount of oil inside the engine wouldn't matter. The problem is that the filter will get oily and the airbox will get covered in oil splatter and be difficult to clean out with all the lumps and bumps inside it. It won't do any damage, will just make a mess.

If you've got any cheap cleaning sponges at home you might be able to cut one of those to fit the space.

Thanks! I may DIY the sponge material.

As for the loose pipe within the housing (see video), is mine broken?

It's difficult to access so I can't see where the clips are.

8 minutes ago, landfall said:

Thanks! I may DIY the sponge material.

As for the loose pipe within the housing (see video), is mine broken?

It's difficult to access so I can't see where the clips are.

I don't think it is broken but hard to tell. They don't have any proper fixings to hold them in, just slot together as they're on the non-critical side (unmetered, dirty air), but yours does look particularly loose for some reason. As long as it's not loose enough to fall off completely then I'd just leave it.

On 4/18/2026 at 12:35 PM, TomsFocus said:

That small amount of oil inside the engine wouldn't matter. The problem is that the filter will get oily and the airbox will get covered in oil splatter and be difficult to clean out with all the lumps and bumps inside it. It won't do any damage, will just make a mess.

If you've got any cheap cleaning sponges at home you might be able to cut one of those to fit the space.

Not to overthink it but what will happen if it is blocking most of the airflow?

I think a yellow kitchen sponge is too dense and will block the majority of airflow coming from the crankcase breather hose. From what I understand, the sponge material is closer to low PPI reticulated foam which is designed to allow more air flow. I would guess around 30 PPI.

They are available in larger pieces on eBay and seem more economical to buy as it's the same price as the small piece Ford are selling. It can be replaced in multiple cars in that case.

Example: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/365628966074

2 hours ago, landfall said:

Not to overthink it but what will happen if it is blocking most of the airflow?

Interesting question. I suspect the rather boring answer is 'not much'.

I have seen people use kitchen sponge before without any noticeable issues. Personally I would always recommend using the proper one where possible.

The technical answer is that the PCV system won't work as effectively which could increase emissions.

59 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

I have seen people use kitchen sponge before without any noticeable issues. Personally I would always recommend using the proper one where possible.

I think I'll stick with the overpriced Ford sponge in that case. Although for those that use a kitchen sponge, I definitely think low PPI reticulated foam is a better alternative.

I'm addition to the sponge you sent (1541513), Ford sell a similar sponge (1148112) for the same engine which is cheaper but it's a different shape. Any idea what the difference is?

Apologies for all the questions. This must be the world's most in-depth conversation about a sponge.

1.5 Duratec filter looks to be the same as 1.25 Duratec filter.

11 hours ago, landfall said:

I'm addition to the sponge you sent (1541513), Ford sell a similar sponge (1148112) for the same engine which is cheaper but it's a different shape. Any idea what the difference is?

The blue one is for earlier cars. Mk6 Fiesta and Mk2 Focus.

Hi, my sponge arrived and have successfully replaced it but, I'm concerned about the oil that was collected in the compartment where the sponge sits.

The oil in the PCV breather hose and the compartment was a pale milky/beige colour resembling what the oil cap looks like when condensation accumulates on it.

Yes, I do "short" town journeys which last 30+ minutes with speeds of 20-30mph (sometimes the radiator fan comes on too indicating the engine gets up to temperature). My oil, dipstick and oil cap have never shown signs of milky oil/condensation and the oil has been changed annually.

Why is there condensation mixing with the oil only in the PCV breather hose? Is this expected or do I need to take action?

Is it possible this could be due to the previous owners driving habits? If so, I assume I would need to clean the inside of the PCV hose then check it in a few weeks but not sure if that's a good idea or the correct way to clean the hose.

The air in the airbox will never get hot enough to burn off condensation. It is acceptable to get a bit of mayo there, but you're welcome to clean it if you like.

A blast of carb cleaner down the pipe should clear it, but ideally the pipe should be disconnected at both ends first.

That makes sense. I assume everyone's oil in the compartment looks like mayonnaise in that case. Since it is expected and not diluting the oil in the sump then I'll leave it as it is.

I had to remove the air box completely to properly drain all the oil out from the compartment. The sponge completely disintegrated potentially even partially blocking the hole. Happy it's sorted now.