oil Vararam filter before install?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 36
From: Bolton Ontario
oil Vararam filter before install?
Just got my Vararam last night and had a quick look at it. It's the new one with the "green" filter, which, from what I've read, is very similar to a K&N. The instructions just say to install it as is, but it looks dry to me. Should it be oiled (with a K&N cleaning kit) before installation? Do others just install it as it comes? From what I remember, the K&N filters come pre-treated with oil, couldn't really tell if this one was or not.
thanks,
Rick
thanks,
Rick
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
If the filter is truly "green" it should already be oiled. I also wouldn't use the K&N kit on the green filter as the cotton used in each is different with K&N being a mat and the green being a weave. Not sure if the oil that each uses accounts for the cotton differences with a viscosity or some other change to the oil. I also didn't think Vararam was using the green filter any more, but rather what they refer to as their "grey" filter. When I had mine, I contacted Vararam and they told me they weren't using the green filter and I couldn't buy it, this was about a year ago.
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From: Cape Coral Florida
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09
The instructions with my Vararam said to install the filter, but did not mention oiling the filter.There was a section in the instructions about cleaning the filter only. I quote:
"Cleaning the filter
Any aftermarket filter cleaning kit will work.
If you choose not to use an aftermarket cleaning kit, wash using warm water from the back side of the filter.
Use liquid detergent, lather filter very well and then rinse again from the back side of filter.
You may dry filter with hair dryer, or let dry naturally.
Once dry, re-oil filter with any aftermarket filter oil or we prefer WD-40."
So, what the heck do you do?Are you supposed to oil the filter before you install it the first time? Cobraboy says Vararam told him to oil the filter first. You know, I have some issues with Vararam now. Their instructions SUCK. If not for cajundudes info on the install, I'd still be messing with it, and now this stuff about the filter. I'm NOT HAPPY.The fact that this is a "next" generation product implies that all these questions and bugs should be worked out already.
"Cleaning the filter
Any aftermarket filter cleaning kit will work.
If you choose not to use an aftermarket cleaning kit, wash using warm water from the back side of the filter.
Use liquid detergent, lather filter very well and then rinse again from the back side of filter.
You may dry filter with hair dryer, or let dry naturally.
Once dry, re-oil filter with any aftermarket filter oil or we prefer WD-40."
So, what the heck do you do?Are you supposed to oil the filter before you install it the first time? Cobraboy says Vararam told him to oil the filter first. You know, I have some issues with Vararam now. Their instructions SUCK. If not for cajundudes info on the install, I'd still be messing with it, and now this stuff about the filter. I'm NOT HAPPY.The fact that this is a "next" generation product implies that all these questions and bugs should be worked out already.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 36
From: Bolton Ontario
Yes, I was just told by VaraRam that the filter should be oiled before being installed. I does kind of bother me that the instructions don't say this (though they do describe how to clean and then oil it). Since the instructions do say it is OK to use WD-40 or "any aftermarket filter cleaning kit", I think I'm going to oil mine with the K&N stuff. The reason is that I thought WD-40 basically evaporates and only leaves sort of a dry-lube after a while, and I think the filter should be slightly wet with oil. Can't see any harm using a proven oil (K&N). Of course K&N says to never use WD-40 on their filters, but that may just be because they want you to buy their oil (or am I just being synical).
Rick
Rick
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,773
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'11-'12
This appears to be our C5 filter after being coated with K&N filter oil. The C5 filter is "gray" in color and does not come preoiled. A very light coat of filter oil or WD 40 is suggested. The C6 unit comes with a "Green " filter and it is preoiled (hold it up to your nose and smell).
As stated - don't overoil the filter as you will pull oil on the MAF and throw codes!!! A very light coat is all that's needed. If anyone has any confusion on their filter PM or call me at 866-507-2648 and I will answer your questions.
Thanks
Steve
As stated - don't overoil the filter as you will pull oil on the MAF and throw codes!!! A very light coat is all that's needed. If anyone has any confusion on their filter PM or call me at 866-507-2648 and I will answer your questions.
Thanks
Steve
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Cape Coral Florida
WELL IM GOING TO SAY IT your over analizing this its a filter there all the same who cares who makes it. there cotton/cotton guaze whatever, nothing new they have been around for 20 years ive used everthing laying around the shop from all-in-one oil to wd40. dust sticks to oil mystery solved just dont drowned it less is more. but hey ive never built a complete space shuttle just a few parts.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'11-'12