I was wondering if anybody has had issues with K&N filter oil causing problems with sensors. I was reading on another car forum about some users claiming sensor issues from the oil.

 

Ive seen this too and the only real world problems may come from folks over oiling them. Instead of one heavy pass, I make two or three light passes with the spray.

 

I have been reading a bunch of different post about them. Some even saying that with little oil they don't filter out the small particles as good as paper elements which leads to ring and cylinder issues. Then I have read they don't even out perform OE filters in Dyno test. If that's true they aren't worth the trouble to save a few dollars. Especially with a car that doesn't even get driven all that much.

 

Exactly. There are studies out on the web showing the various efficiencies of different types of filters. You just have to find them.

A while ago, GM actually issued a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) that if a vehicle had a K&N filter in it and there were certain warranty issues, then the warranty was voided. It was up to the person to fight them in court, but the person had to bear the cost. Might cost a person 1000's to win a couple 100 warranty claim.

Use this as a Google search GM K&N filter TSB

Here is K&N's response, but notice they aren't helping win in court.

https://www.knfilters.com/MAF/massair.htm

Of course there is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act which states that a dealer must prove that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before it can deny warranty coverage. However, if the reason for a parts failure is unclear, a dealer will usually charge you to diagnose the vehicle.

But lawyers don't work for free.



The sensor that most often that gets affected is the MAF. The oil gets on the wires, which then would attract any small particles that slip through (smaller than the filter is filtering), which would then build up and cause the MAF to malfunction.

 

I had another thought about their filters. Some are used in race cars that ordinary people build so they get limited use and in good weather. But I guarantee you that many vehicle owners use them in daily drivers like 4X4 trucks. I wonder how well they would flow when the temperature dips down like a daily use vehicle would see. Oils especially light ones will freeze. That's why if you carry a firearm in cold weather you have to use a dry spray lubricant or you will get a useless weapon.

 

I've used K&N filters in both of my '88 Vettes for nearly 20yrs with no issues. The prior '88 was raced regularly and driven year around; this one isn't tracked but still is an all-weather mule.

 

Here is a comparison regarding air filters via a structured test. Take note of where the K&N stands in regards to filtration efficiency.

http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articl...ter-study.html

also oil filters just for hahas

http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articl...lterstudy.html

 

I've used a K&N for years, you just have to make sure you oil it correctly and don't ever overoil it.

If you want to keep changing paper filters, then that is certainly fine to do and they'll filter about the same.

 

Doesn't it make sense that if an air filter is letting more airflow through it, it may also be letting more particulates through too? I hate dealing with the possibility of over oiling or under oiling a K&N. I just use (and replace regularly) a good Fram paper filter in my slightly modified stock intake.

 

Used them in the past, but saw no benefit over regular filters, just seems easier now a days to stick with changing out regular filters every few years.

 

All of the high performance oil type filters say they are the best concerning flow. Green says they are the best. They use a woven cotton over the cotton gauze like used by K&N. The woven cotton holds oil better, allows more air flow, and traps more particles as small as 5 microns. They have endorsement from Mopar, Saleen, and race proven according to them. Straight from the track to your vehicle for more power, gas mileage, and the usual claims. This is big business and lots of money in filters. That's why so much advertising trying to get your money. K&N has a fancy setup using ping pong ***** to show they have the best flow. Then Green Filters has a similar setup showing that their product out performs even K&N. Funny how K&N shows their filter lets the ball go to the top of the tube. The Green Filter setup shows the K&N ball on the bottom of the tube and theirs at the top.

You also have the AFE Pro Magnum filters and intake systems with big claims of flow and filtering capabilities. So who's the best? Do you go with one of the oil type setups or stick with your OEM type filters made by Wix, AC, Purolator, Fram , or the equivalent. I have seen a chassis dyno test done by Marc Haibeck where running no filter makes the most power. Then he installed an AC, OEM style filter with a few miles on it and it made about 3.6 H.P. less. That is with the factory C4, ZR1 filter housing and hoses. That's not much of a difference. No filter in a stock C4 filter setup should out perform any filter period when making H.P. you would think. Things to think about. 4 H.P isn't very much one way or another on a car that's not involved in pro racing to me.
http://zr1specialist.com/HAT%20Web/T...nd%20power.htm

 

I use K&N but try to not over oil it. I also clean my MAF sensor with cleaner once in a while. No problems here.

 

No issues at all with mine. It's sitting on the workbench collecting dust.

Life is too short to spend cleaning/drying/carefully re-oiling a damn air filter that does absolutely nothing for your vehicles performance, but CAN damage your engine.

This might be the best selling placebo for your car. The previous owner of mine was sucked in.

 

Thanks to all for the responses. I should have thought to check the codes at a local auto parts place like rrsperry said. Will drive the car some more and then check for codes. If I get any, will go back to stock filter. I will also search the forum for recommendations on a good scan tool.

 

The K N filter will not cause codes. I have them in my 85 corvette and my Range Rover. But as I mentioned above it is a good idea to clean your maf sensor with proper cleaner
no matter what filter you use. Good Luck!

 

I'm sticking with the stock air filter (under $60 - GM engineers probably know more than I do). .Spending twice or more for a filter that claims 10 HP...not worth it to me).

Just my .02..

MT