K&N FILTER, Good or Bad?

[sil_stang02]

I bought my 02 GT new about 2 years ago and I started using a K&N filter right after about it, well about a year later I took it to the dealer for some work on my A/C. They noticed that I had a K&N filter, they told me that a K&N filter is bad for the fuel injectors or something like, cause it had some kind of oil or something in it. And that with time it could mess them up, and it could void my warranty. Well i didnt listen, then about 3 months ago my car started acting up, it would take about 2 to 3 key turns to start. So I took off the filter and took it to the dealer. Sure enough, something in my car was going out that had to do with my fuel system or something like that. Is it just coincidence or has anyone else had problems like this?

Thanks for your response

 

[CaliSS2001]

The only way I can see a K&N filter hurting your car is if you cleaned and re-Oiled it with too much of the Oil/re-charger for the filter you also have to remember to let it dry for a few days so the oil does not clog your Mass Air meter, I've seen it happen many times.

 

[3.8L_of_Pain]

The site fordchip.com makes the following statement:

"K&N Air Filters

K&N filters do improve flow. But the oil on the filter migrates to the hot wire in the MAF and causes a lean shift. We recommend a good paper element filter, but if you insist on using one, clean your MAF on a regular basis with electrical contact cleaner. Never touch the wire on the MAF."

However, I think this problem is extremely rare. On my V-6 Mustang I used to have, the dyno measured A / F = 12:1 with a fresh K&N. Numerous others have had good A/F ratios with K&N filters. I always have and always will run a K&N air filter in my Stang.

 

[triggz]

Like it says, the only possible condition the oil can cause is the MAF reading to be off. And youll notice that with engine knock far before something else breaks.
It's not going to foul up your fuel system.

Clean your MAF and leave the filter in. It's a good idea to clean it every once in a while anyway. Spray the throttle body down with carb cleaner while you're at it

 

[nickthegenius]

I have also read somewhere that the trade-off with a K&N is that you get improved airflow at the cost of less filtration. So more dirt enters your engine. I can't remember where I read it, but maybe someone has a link to back it up

 

[03_silver_GT]

I have question. I just bought a used K&N off a friend of mine who bought a new car. He prob. only had about 3000 miles or so on the filter, but I still rinsed it out like I've seen on tv. I haven't put it in yet though. I was wondering though how necessary it is to have the oil stuff put on it?

 

[nickthegenius]

I have question. I just bought a used K&N off a friend of mine who bought a new car. He prob. only had about 3000 miles or so on the filter, but I still rinsed it out like I've seen on tv. I haven't put it in yet though. I was wondering though how necessary it is to have the oil stuff put on it?

Very. The oil is what helps trap the dirt in the filter material.

 

[twogts4us]

The only way I can see a K&N filter hurting your car is if you cleaned and re-Oiled it with too much of the Oil/re-charger for the filter you also have to remember to let it dry for a few days so the oil does not clog your Mass Air meter, I've seen it happen many times.

Let it dry for a FEW DAYS? I just don't overspray it and then I set it on a newspaper for a couple hours, but not a few days...
I've also cleaned the MAF with Q-Tips and alcohol (to heck with what they say about not touching it - just be gentle (obviously!) and don't do it just after the car has been running (again, obviously!)).