3 Packs Replacement 36905 20016 20017 Air Filter for Lawn Mower Compatible with Tecumseh Craftsman Oregon Toro Recycler Lawn Mower Engine Review

Overview

This three-pack of replacement air filters (models 36905, 20016, and 20017) is a budget-friendly, no-brainer maintenance kit for anyone running a Tecumseh, Craftsman, Oregon, or Toro Recycler lawn mower engine. Priced at just $8.99 with a stellar 4.6-star average from over 260 buyers, it’s designed for DIY homeowners who want to keep their mower breathing clean without overpaying at the dealership. If you’ve got a small-to-medium gas mower with a Tecumseh-based engine, this is the filter pack you grab when you’d rather spend 10 minutes changing a filter than 30 minutes wrestling with a fouled carburetor.

Who Should Buy This

1. Suburban homeowners with 1/4- to 1/2-acre lots – If your Toro Recycler or Craftsman mower sees weekly use from spring through fall, you’ll burn through one filter per season. This three-pack covers two full years of maintenance for less than a single fast-food lunch.

2. Budget-conscious DIYers who hate dealership markups – OEM filters can cost $8–$12 each. This pack gives you three for the same price, with identical fitment. If you’re comfortable turning a screwdriver, this is your money-saving move.

3. Owners of older Tecumseh-powered equipment – Tecumseh engines are workhorses but finicky about airflow. If your mower is 5–10 years old and you’re chasing hard starts or rough idling, a fresh filter from this pack is the cheapest diagnostic tool you’ll ever buy.

4. Multi-engine households – Got a snow blower, tiller, or pressure washer with a compatible engine? This three-pack means you can filter-swap across your fleet without hunting for separate part numbers.

Key Features Breakdown

• Compatibility: Tecumseh 36905, 20016, 20017 – These three part numbers cover a broad swath of Tecumseh engines found in Craftsman, Toro Recycler, and Oregon-branded mowers. Always double-check your engine model (it’s stamped on the blower housing), but this is one of the widest cross-references you’ll find under $10.

• Material: Foam pre-filter with paper element – Most filters in this class are single-stage paper. This design adds a foam outer layer that traps larger debris—grass clippings, dust bunnies, oak pollen—before they clog the paper. That means longer intervals between replacements, especially if you mow dry, dusty lawns.

• Three-pack value – At $8.99, you’re paying roughly $3 per filter. Compare that to $8–$12 for a single OEM filter at a big-box store. The savings add up fast if you’re maintaining multiple engines or just want a spare on the shelf.

• Drop-in fit – No modifications, no cutting, no adapters. Remove the old filter, slide this one into the housing, and secure the cover. The foam pre-filter is pre-oiled (lightly), so you don’t need to mess with aerosol filter oil unless you’re in extremely dusty conditions.

Pros

1. Cost-per-filter is unbeatable – Three filters for under nine bucks is cheaper than most single OEM units. If you’re on a tight lawn-care budget, this is the best bang for your buck.

2. Broad compatibility – Works with Tecumseh, Craftsman, Toro Recycler, and Oregon engines. If you have a gas mower with a Tecumseh-based powerplant, odds are high this fits.

3. Foam pre-filter extends life – The dual-layer design catches more dirt before it reaches the paper, which means you might get two seasons out of one filter in moderate conditions.

4. Dead-simple installation – No tools required beyond a screwdriver (to remove the filter cover). It’s a 90-second job that even a first-timer can handle without YouTube.

5. Reliable performance – User reviews consistently note that these filters maintain engine power and prevent the sputtering that comes from a clogged element. No drop in RPM after installation.

6. Great as a spare or for multi-engine households – Toss one in your shed, one in your garage, and one in your snow blower’s toolkit. It’s cheap insurance against a weekend breakdown.

Cons

1. Not compatible with all Tecumseh engines – Some older or less common Tecumseh models use a different filter shape. Always verify your engine’s part number before buying. The product listing is clear, but a few buyers have reported fitment issues with obscure models.

2. Foam pre-filter can degrade over time – In very hot or humid climates, the foam layer may become brittle after a year or two. It still filters, but the foam can crumble if you handle it roughly during cleaning.

3. No included gasket or seal – Some OEM filters come with a foam gasket that seals against the housing. This pack doesn’t include one. If your old gasket is worn, you’ll need to reuse it or buy a separate gasket kit.

4. Not for high-dust environments – If you mow in dry, sandy soil or near construction sites, the foam pre-filter will clog faster than a pleated paper-only filter. You’ll want to clean or replace it more often.

Bottom Line

The EGO 3-Pack Replacement Air Filter set is a no-frills, high-value maintenance essential for anyone running a compatible Tecumseh, Craftsman, Toro Recycler, or Oregon engine. It won’t make your mower faster, quieter, or shinier, but it will keep the engine breathing clean for two full seasons at a price that’s hard to beat. If you’re a budget-minded homeowner who values simplicity and hates overpaying for OEM parts, this is your go-to. Just confirm your engine’s part number before clicking “buy,” and you’ll have a reliable filter stash ready for every oil change. Highly recommended for the price-conscious DIYer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this filter fit my Toro Recycler 22 with a Tecumseh engine?
A: Yes, if your Toro Recycler uses a Tecumseh engine with part numbers 36905, 20016, or 20017. Most Toro Recycler models from the early 2000s to mid-2010s with Tecumseh powerplants are compatible. Check the engine model number stamped on the blower housing to be sure.

Q: How often should I replace this air filter?
A: Replace it once per mowing season (every 25–50 hours of use) or sooner if you notice the engine running rough, surging, or consuming more fuel. In dusty conditions, inspect it monthly. The foam pre-filter can be washed with soapy water and reused,