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K&N Cleaning kit didn't work...

  • Thread starter Thread starter MustangMulch
  • Start date Start date Jun 13, 2005

MustangMulch

New Member
Mar 27, 2003
303
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0
Santa Clarita, CA
Jun 13, 2005
#1
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #1
So I used the K&N cleaning kit twice already, and my filter is still dark black, covered in dirt. I think it's time to order a new filter. I have the 9" K&N conical filter. I know these filters are like $50-$60 which sucks, but I need a new one. Does anyone know the cheapest place to get one?
 

jpctln

New Member
Jun 1, 2004
198
0
0
StL, MO
Jun 13, 2005
#2
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #2
Are you sure you're doing it right? That stuff kicks ass. Did you let it soak?
 

Superhereaux

chicks make me feel inadequate
Founding Member
Jul 30, 2002
538
3
59
South Texas
Jun 13, 2005
#3
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #3
use simple green


when i bought my '92, it had the cervini 'ram air' hood and a negligent previous owner. the filter was solid black with all kinds of dirt, bugs and leaves. nasty. i sprayed (soaked) simple green into it and cleaned it three times and it worked.

not 'like new' but decent
 

stang22

Active Member
Jan 29, 2003
1,318
7
38
Washington, D.C.
Jun 13, 2005
#4
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #4
Is it stained? As long as air passes through it without any restriction, you should be fine. The filters themselves (mostly) are white, its the oil that makes them red/orange.

Tim
 

maverick0716

Founding Member
Jan 12, 2002
3,924
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56
Chilliwack, BC, Canada
Jun 13, 2005
#5
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #5
All you do is spray the stuff on and let it sit...the dirt should just pour off the filter.
 
G

gooch06

New Member
Sep 23, 2004
117
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0
Jun 13, 2005
#6
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #6
Call KN it should be covered under warranty
 

BrutalStang

New Member
Aug 2, 2004
261
0
0
PA
Jun 13, 2005
#7
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #7
try compressed air. if not, i ditto the warranty thing. its like 1,000,000 miles.
 

Michael Yount

Mustang Master
Apr 10, 2002
9,039
6
79
Charlotte, NC
Jun 13, 2005
#8
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #8
I believe K&N recommends not using compressed air. Spray your cleaner (K&N cleaner, Castrol Purple, Simple Green, 409) on the outside of the filter - LIBERALLY. Let it soak for a good 10-15 minutes. Then put your hose inside the filter to rinse from the inside out. Repeat a few times. Even if it's still dark in color, it should be clean and ready to go. LIGHTLY re-oil AFTER it's dry (no heat guns or hair driers) and reinstall.
 

maverick0716

Founding Member
Jan 12, 2002
3,924
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Chilliwack, BC, Canada
Jun 13, 2005
#9
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #9
Ditto what Mike said.
 

MustangMulch

New Member
Mar 27, 2003
303
0
0
Santa Clarita, CA
Jun 13, 2005
#10
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #10
Well the first time I cleaned it, a lot of dirt came off after soaking it for 15 minutes, but the filter was still dark black even after applying the oil. I guess it is just stained then. So this isn't anything to worry about?
 

stang22

Active Member
Jan 29, 2003
1,318
7
38
Washington, D.C.
Jun 13, 2005
#11
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #11
It's probably only stained. As long as all of the dirt is out, you will be fine. Most people think that it should turn back to the color it was when they bought it. I believe most K&N filters are white, but the oil is red/orange. I also believe it is colored so you will know that you covered the entire filter, just don't put too much. MAF's don't like K&N oil.

Tim
 

89MustangGX

I have nothing productive to add!
Jul 3, 2001
10,262
1
0
Mill Creek, WA
Jun 13, 2005
#12
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #12
I'll also reiterate the importance of flushing from the inside out.
 
K

Kerpal

New Member
Aug 9, 2004
400
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0
Jun 13, 2005
#13
  • Jun 13, 2005
  • #13
Michael Yount said:
I believe K&N recommends not using compressed air. Spray your cleaner (K&N cleaner, Castrol Purple, Simple Green, 409) on the outside of the filter - LIBERALLY. Let it soak for a good 10-15 minutes. Then put your hose inside the filter to rinse from the inside out. Repeat a few times. Even if it's still dark in color, it should be clean and ready to go. LIGHTLY re-oil AFTER it's dry (no heat guns or hair driers) and reinstall.
Click to expand...

Ditto this... I've had K&N's on a couple different cars, and I always just spray a ton of the cleaner on, let it sit 15 minutes, then rinse it gently. Repeat if the filter is really dirty. I bought a used K&N off ebay for the stang, and while it wasn't in terrible shape, it was pretty dark with dirt. After 2 cleanings it looked brand new.
 
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