K & N Filters

[ocrick]

From time to time I have heard rumors that long term use of K&N's may kill O2 sensors by contaminating them over time by releasing small amounts of oil. I have seen residue build up on MAF sensor wires. Any thoughts about this?

:confused

 

[Ken]

I have, accidently, over-oiled my K&N when I cleaned it. The MAF was affected, but it cleared in no time at all. The excess oil is burned off at the first shutdown. Thing is, don't over-oil it.

 

[dmrodco]

Ken is right over oiling is a problem. I think the biggest thing that kills O2 sensors over time is use. They are a wear item and can go out anytime. If you think any small amount of oil from the K&N is hurting your O2 sensor just think about those leaking valve seals that chev is so known for. Now there is some oil for you . P.S. thats why Bosch Platinum plugs foul out in GM v8's So Go for the K&N and enjoy. remember they are warrantied to go 100,000 miles before you have to clean them.

 

[TAC]

remember they are warrantied to go 100,000 miles before you have to clean them.

From the K&N website.

7. Will a K&N filter cause my vehicle’s mass air sensor to fail?

No. A properly oiled K&N filter will not contaminate a mass air sensor. However, if extremely over oiled, it's possible for contamination to occur. In the last few years certain vehicles have had design problems with the mass air sensors. Some dealers have attempted to blame the problem on a K&N filter, however, of all the sensors we have sent off to be tested, we have yet to find one that failed due to oil contamination. The defect in all cases was within the mass air sensor unit.



20. How do I know when to clean the filter?

The general rule of thumb is that the filter needs to be cleaned when the dirt build up gets as thick as the wire mesh. The usual interval is 30,000 - 50,000 miles depending on driving conditions. We recommend that you check your filter about once a year in normal usage.

http://www.knfilters.com/faq.htm

 

[Vettelt193]

i will put it in simple terms... I have never heard of any problems with a Corvette caused by a K&N filter (besides the computer needing to be reset... there are exceptions to every rule!)

 

[Springer's LT4]

I would have to call bull on K&N's website about #7... I pulled a brand new K&N out of the box, installed it on my 86 and the 1st time I went WOT, the maf sensor wire broke... this was within a 10 minute period.

From now on, I oil my K&N lightly... and let it set out overnight before installing on the car.

 

[jwn4854]

what is a good price for a kn filter and where is a good place to purchase?

 

[Edmond]

what is a good price for a kn filter and where is a good place to purchase?

Bought mine on eBay for $32, they're around $50-60 brand new. The one I got only had 5K-6K miles on it. Since it's washable, I figured why not.

Ecklers and Mid-America sells them. They can also order them at your local auto part shop or Pep Boys.