Question: K&N Oil vs. Mass Air Sensor?

[Idaho Slim]

I am getting reports from my service manager friend, that putting the K&N drop in filter is not the thing to doo, in fact its not IF it will screw up the MAS due to the oil getting sucked into it, but WHEN!! ................. anyone experieinced this?

 

[G Winter]

I have read of this happening to people on forums. Most seem to think it only happens if the filter is over oiled,but my question is how much is to much.
I have read studies that show that the K&N filters aren't any better than a good AC that is replaced before they get to dirty. Maybe on long term you might see a $ savings.

Glenn

 

[CharlesBrown]

I installed a new K&N for my 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. Subsequently (less than two weeks later) car would start, but not run. Repairs were over $400. Point... If there is any kind of electronic sensor or other resistance-based gizmo down stream from your K&N you are at risk! Other Vett K&N users clearly have used these things and apparently with little or no problems. But why? I'd suggest a good grade of paper filter. Lot cheaper, no problems.

 

[Hib Halverson]

I have used both K&N and Green filters. Both are oiled cotton designs.

I've used them in cars with 4 different engines (LS6 in an 04 Z06, LB6 in a Chevy Beretta, L36 in a Camaro, L35 in a Blazer). All of these engines have "hot wire" type MAFs.

Never have I had trouble with a MAF related fault code caused by "filter oil".

It is true that if the filter is oiled improperly...either the wrong type of oil or too much of the oil, you can have trouble with oil being sucked off the filter media and into MAF where it gets on the actual sensor hardware.

The solution is to properly oil the filter.

That said, after reading the above post about a Mercury...which probably does not have the same kind of MAF used on GM vehicles, I suppose it is possible that other vehicles with different MAFs might be more sensitive to this problem.

The statement that any "resistance-based gizmo" down stream from the filter is at risk is bunk.

Yes, there might be a problem with certain vehicles having poorly designed MAFs and there might be a problem is the filter is soaked with oil, but generally, with the MAFs used in Corvettes starting in 1985, if the filter is a good quality product that's properly oilied and properly installed, there should be no problem.

Obviously, these comments don't apply to some MAF problem caused by something other than filter oil. For example..FOD, electrical problems, infant failure due to defect or just plain old age.

 

[So Bay Vetter]

I am getting reports from my service manager friend, that putting the K&N drop in filter is not the thing to doo, in fact its not IF it will screw up the MAS due to the oil getting sucked into it, but WHEN!! ................. anyone experieinced this?

I've had the K&N since I bought my '96 four years ago. I've cleaned and re-oiled it several times (using the K&N kit) without any problems. That kind of advice is why I would never take it to a dealership!

 

[ZumZum]

I following the oiling instructions to a T. Then I let the filter sit for 24 hrs before reinstalling to allow any possible excess oil to drip off. I've never experienced a problem.