How reliable are K&N filters in long term?

[Qooo]

Hv just cleaned my K&N filter last week. Before I clean it, noticed the oil has already dried out and can see tiny holes of light passing through the mesh. Wonder if I've left it in there for too long *gulp*. Almost 2 years and 25,000km then I clean! *die*

 

One question came to my mind. Is it safe to use K&N for long term? Have anyone here been using K&N for their rides for more than 8 years care to share if there's any problems? Now I scared that my engine will spoil if use K&N for too long.

[Vtim]

there should always be light going thru' the filter element, if not how else can air go thru , just remember to sufficiently oil the filter element after you have cleaned it.

 

Let's see, I've used K & N on my:

 

1st car, 89' Ford Laser and drive for 2 yrs+

 

2nd car, 90' Alfa Romeo 33 1.7Q for 2 yrs+

 

3rd car, 92' Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 16v for almost 8yrs

 

4th car, 01' Honda Civic VTi for almost 2 yrs

 

current car, 03' Ford Focus

 

So what do you think

[Genie47]

Can use. Just change oil more frequently.

[Qooo]

Hi Vtim and Genie!

 

Thanks guys for the reassurance!

 

Wow! That a long list of cars you have there, tim!

 

I've popped back the K&N already hv been enjoying it eversince! Now just have to remind myself to wash it every 6 months. Thanks!

[Vtim]

just enjoy your drive

[Elfenstar]

Wah can guess your minimum age from there

[Vtim]

you'll still get it wrong cause I was also a biker

[Saggi]

but the cost so how... does it really improve the performance

[Bhaal]

Every 6 months? I thought they can last 30K before needing to wash it. I put in 1 on my old vehicle at 30K milage and didn't wash since. I sold my previous car off just when it is about due for 60K maintanence.

[Vtim]

it should be around $100 or slightly less, depending on your ride, it'll improve throttle response, couple with CAI, it'll be

[Qooo]

That's what I thought too! But I take almost 2 years to hit almost 30K. When I took out the filter, the oil has almost dried up! Can see that it's really dry. The filter works best when oiled.

[Qooo]

with it, my ride is less suffocated at high speed. Mine's a 1.3Auto. Dunno if any difference on 1.6 cars.

[Osiris]

My friend wanted to change to K&N during his 10k servicing with Tan Chong. Guess what the SA told him?

 

You want to change can, we have that but it is not good for your ride... So in the end he didn't change and stuck with his filter until it is time to change..

 

That's confusing for me.

[Qooo]

Did he ask for any explanation? There must be a reason why he made that statement.

[Kb27]

K&N filters are generally poorer at filtration than stock paper. If you don't mind more dirt being sucked into the engine, go ahead. I think that's what the SA is trying to say.

[Qooo]

That's the reason for me to start this thread. I want to find out if K&N will harm the engine if used for long term. Hoping for more feedback from anyone who has been on it for many many yrs.

[Kb27]

Some pictures here with K&N filter under microscope:

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultima...c;f=15;t=000338

Edited June 28, 2005 by Kb27

[Osiris]

something about it's more damaging than stock.... didn't really asked....