Proved danger in using K+N style filter?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 19
From: ME
Proved danger in using K+N style filter?
To possibly resurface a previous discussio(that I've probably missed) on the K+N style (oil and cotton webbing) air filters: Has it been proven that by using a filter like this could plausibly cause dust and contaminates to enter the engine and cause damage (compared to a standard paper filter)? This has absolutely nothing to do with the vararam troubles... I'm talking halltech or blackwing type filters.. To minimize disagrement, let us refer to information aquired or created from reliable and credible sources.
And if we come up with nothing, I'm sending this one to the "Mythbusters" on the discover channel!!!
And if we come up with nothing, I'm sending this one to the "Mythbusters" on the discover channel!!!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
K & Ns were originally developed for desert racers (motorcycles), where paper filters would either choke the engine to a standstill or wear it out due to dust damage in mid-race. Apparently they don't do as well as paper on the standard SAE test but everything I've read that wasn't hearsay indicates they are terrific at filtering real engine air as well as for airflow. The only legit knock I've heard on them is that after washing/cleaning, many people oil them excessively, not realizing that it take a while for the (very small) correct amount of oil to 'wick' it's way over the entire surface. When over-oiled, the excess can contaminate the MAF.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,915
Likes: 1,870
From: Hot Springs AR
The only evidence I can give is the oil analyses I've gotten back on my '94 Z-28 and '00 FRC, both which use K&N filters.
Took the oil life monitor down to 10% (8000 miles) on the '00 FRC, silicon was right at the industrial average (don't remember the exact ppm, but can get it tonight if anyone's interested).
Ran the last oil change on the '94 Z-28 to 9000 miles, and silicon content was below the industrial average.
On my '96 Crown Vic, using a paper filter that's changed out, oh, some time ago, running the oil to 7500 miles, the silicon was just barely above the industrial average.
I clean/re-oil my K&N filters every 25000 miles.
So, at least from what I've experienced, the K&N filters aren't any worse than paper filters.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Took the oil life monitor down to 10% (8000 miles) on the '00 FRC, silicon was right at the industrial average (don't remember the exact ppm, but can get it tonight if anyone's interested).
Ran the last oil change on the '94 Z-28 to 9000 miles, and silicon content was below the industrial average.
On my '96 Crown Vic, using a paper filter that's changed out, oh, some time ago, running the oil to 7500 miles, the silicon was just barely above the industrial average.
I clean/re-oil my K&N filters every 25000 miles.
So, at least from what I've experienced, the K&N filters aren't any worse than paper filters.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
I have two K & N filters. I take one off every two track weekends and replace with the other.
When the one is off I take a high pressure air hose and blow the dirt from the inside out and clean the folds. Nope I dont re-oil it.
Oil analysis doesn't show any 'forigain' objects or dirt.
I use a Cyclone air intake, like a Vortexx.
When the one is off I take a high pressure air hose and blow the dirt from the inside out and clean the folds. Nope I dont re-oil it.
Oil analysis doesn't show any 'forigain' objects or dirt.
I use a Cyclone air intake, like a Vortexx.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 19
From: ME
Originally Posted by AU N EGL
When the one is off I take a high pressure air hose and blow the dirt from the inside out and clean the folds. Nope I dont re-oil it.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Also the oil in the filter serves a purpose. The cotton in K&N filters is more porus than paper which allows for a less restricted air flow but to make up for that increased flow of potential contaminants, OIL is used to attracted and hold the dirt and dust particles. In dirt bikes oiled filters are what everyone has run forever, without the oil tons of dirt will be taken in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,915
Likes: 1,870
From: Hot Springs AR
After I checked my records, I'm a wee bit late on cleaning the filter in the Z28 (about 75K miles since last cleaning :o ). It ran 9 ppm on a 9000 mile oil change interval.
The Vette, after running the oil life monitor down to 90% (8000 miles), was 7 ppm.
Have a good one,
Mike
The Vette, after running the oil life monitor down to 90% (8000 miles), was 7 ppm.
Have a good one,
Mike
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Originally Posted by servohead
... Just so you know, even though you said oil analysis is ok, K+N says to absolutely never use compressed air to blow out the filter, or even high pressure water..... It separates the elements.....
The less air resistance and air turbulance coming into the motor and exhuast going out gives a few more ponies.
