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

[MustangMulch]

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]

Are you sure you're doing it right? That stuff kicks ass. Did you let it soak?

 

[Superhereaux]

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]

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]

All you do is spray the stuff on and let it sit...the dirt should just pour off the filter.

 

[gooch06]

Call KN it should be covered under warranty

 

[BrutalStang]

try compressed air. if not, i ditto the warranty thing. its like 1,000,000 miles.

 

[Michael Yount]

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]

Ditto what Mike said.

 

[MustangMulch]

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]

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'll also reiterate the importance of flushing from the inside out.

 

[Kerpal]

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.

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.