Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Public Accountants As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our reports dated January 28, 2000 included and incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, into Farr Company's previously filed Registration Statements on File Numbers 2-83890, 33-18897, 33-47836, 33-71400 and 33-64387. Los Angeles, California Arthur Andersen LLP March 20, 2000