Warning for K&N filter users in drought regions!!!

**jad628** · 08-25-2008, 06:59 AM

Once again, I had an unexpected and unexplained SES light come on. I don't have a scan tool and I didn't want to go to Auto Zone to have it checked, so I did a little old-timey check off list to see if I could find the cause.

Found it!

In the Charlotte area, we are still experiencing very dry conditions. We are something like 6" of rain behind this year, in addition to the 12" or so we were behind last year. Every time I cut my grass (I don't use a watering system for >= two acres), I've noticed a need to clean the air filter much more frequently due to clogging from fine particulate matter (dusty air). Well, I normally check my K&N filter (SLP lid w/ "free" air mod to the box) every oil change and usually end up cleaning and re-oiling it about every third oil change. Not anymore. These dry conditions have apparently caused much more dust and dirt to be screened out in the filter, and while the MAF side of the filter looked "okay", the intake side was awful. It was FULL of thick gummy matter very similar to engine sludge around valve covers that aren't cleaned regularly on a high mileage engine. It was embarrassing, but I know that such build up has not been the case in the past on this vehicle or my Dodge truck that uses a FIPK K&N. The answer to this problem has to be coming from the dry conditions we have been suffering. I know that once cleaned, the car ran good and there was no SES light.

I recommend that anyone running a properly oiled K&N filter in drought-stricken areas pay close attention to the filter. It is becoming dirty much quicker than it normally does.

**tnthub** · 08-25-2008, 07:04 AM

If there is anything "gummy" inside, there is too much oil on the filter. No more than a light mist is necessary. I am still using my K&N oil spray from 1996 and that is for all four of our vehicles.

**Spaz** · 08-25-2008, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by tnthub

If there is anything "gummy" inside, there is too much oil on the filter. No more than a light mist is necessary. I am still using my K&N oil spray from 1996 and that is for all four of our vehicles.

if oyur ses light is coming on oyu probably got the K&N oil covering your maf sensors...

**jad628** · 08-25-2008, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by tnthub

If there is anything "gummy" inside, there is too much oil on the filter. No more than a light mist is necessary. I am still using my K&N oil spray from 1996 and that is for all four of our vehicles.

I understand that the oil is to be lightly applied, and that's how I've done it for years, but the build up is something new. It's much thicker than I've ever seen. It fell off for the most part, but using the cleaner, waiting about fifteen minutes, and then hosing it off produced some very dirty run off.

This is abnormal for my vehicles. The problem is the dust and dirt that is tremendously bad due to lack of rain.

MAF, bellows, TB, were all normal and typically clean, with the exception of a bit of dirt/lint on the MAF screen.

**Sarge** · 08-25-2008, 08:05 AM

Stop using old technology filtration that requires cotton all oiled up......that is silly....do you rub sticks together to start a fire?
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaau.aspx

My silicon numbers dropped like a rock and no more oil. Just blow it out hit it with a vacuum and your golden.....

**jad628** · 08-25-2008, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by Sarge

Stop using old technology filtration that requires cotton all oiled up......that is silly....do you rub sticks together to start a fire?
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaau.aspx

My silicon numbers dropped like a rock and no more oil. Just blow it out hit it with a vacuum and your golden.....

When I don't have matches. At least I know how to do it!!

You really are on a new technology kick recently. That or giving me a beat down.

**Sarge** · 08-25-2008, 08:15 AM

No beat downs buddy

Just the AEM and Amsoil filters flow better and have better filtration....fit your existing CAI setup....and no damn oiling.....all for less than a KN filter...so how can you lose? You cannot.

**Sarge** · 08-25-2008, 08:16 AM

Oh yeah...I have been on a "new technology kick" since about 1969

Test Test Test baby!!

**jad628** · 08-25-2008, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Sarge

No beat downs buddy

Just the AEM and Amsoil filters flow better and have better filtration....fit your existing CAI setup....and no damn oiling.....all for less than a KN filter...so how can you lose? You cannot.

I know.

Sounds like a great filter. I might just have to look into that. I had a conical on my T-bird, but it was K&N. The SLP lid I have now rubs on the SS hood. This might be a way to fix two problems at once.

All kidding aside, thanks for the info Sarge. it's great when someone cares enough to give good, researched, and honest info on newer products.

**rbob93** · 08-25-2008, 09:05 AM

Where have you been jad628???
We had our last K&N vs. Amsoil filter war in December 2007!

The K&N guys were pretty much happy with allowing dirt in thier engines & having to clean & re-oil the K&N!

**jad628** · 08-25-2008, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by rbob93

Where have you been jad628???
We had our last K&N vs. Amsoil filter war in December 2007!

The K&N guys were pretty much happy with allowing dirt in thier engines & having to clean & re-oil the K&N!

I have no excuse, sir!!!

I will endeavor to make a more concerted effort to know what the hell is going on!

**rbob93** · 08-25-2008, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by jad628

I have no excuse, sir!!!

I will endeavor to make a more concerted effort to know what the hell is going on!

**blackSS01** · 08-25-2008, 10:39 AM

I like my K&N but will be switching over to Amsoil here soon. My K&N just gets too damn expensive with the cleaner and oil. I seriously have to clean my filter every 5,000 or so miles. It gets fucking dirty.

**CamaroFan71** · 08-25-2008, 11:31 AM

Where can this Amsoil filter be bought from??

**illcul8troffcr** · 08-25-2008, 11:45 AM

Yea yea where O' Where?

**rbob93** · 08-25-2008, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by CamaroFan71

Where can this Amsoil filter be bought from??

Try https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/de...spx?zo=1606470

**JoshieDoom** · 08-25-2008, 09:51 PM

What are the side effects of not oiling your K&N? I guess Im throw a couple of dollars at this. I really dont think about my air filter much(makes me sad.. now)

**rbob93** · 08-25-2008, 10:43 PM

If you don't oil it you will pass big chunks of dirt into your engine.
The oil is to help the gauze collect dirt.

**Sarge** · 08-26-2008, 02:33 AM

Originally Posted by CamaroFan71

Where can this Amsoil filter be bought from??

https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/de...spx?zo=1606470

**CompSyn** · 08-26-2008, 02:51 AM

Originally Posted by CamaroFan71

Where can this Amsoil filter be bought from??

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