For the past 3 days we've been having one of the most severe sandstorms I've ever witnessed over here. Some of you may have seen some reports from Iraq about the kind of sandstorms you get here. The sand is so thick that visibility is cut to 30 feet or less, and sunny days turn dark. The “sand” itself is so fine that it should really be called dust. If you open you mouth for a second you'll be spitting out sand, thats how thick it is!

Driving through this I started thinking about my newly installed C&L Street CAI. Will it be able to filter all that dust out of the air? If not, will this harm the engine in any way? As it is the storm seems to have affected my horn, it sounds muffled now like Gonzo from the muppets.

 

Your intake should be able to handle most of the sand. Some of the finest dust may get through though. Anything ingested into the engine can end up in the oil where it is abrasive and can cause extra wear. Some of what makes it into the oil will be cleaned out by the oil filter, but some extra fine particles will remain in the oil.

I wouldn't go so far as suggest an immediate oil change, but I would definitely consider changing it a bit earlier than you otherwise would. Also, stick to the severe service guidelines for maintenance intervals.

 

New K&N filters have shown inferior filtration compared to new paper filters. The K&N-style filters rely on the oil for filtration, which also leeches back into the MAF sensor wire causing driveability issues.

What you can try and use is a filter-wrap on your conical filter.

 

Only if you over-soak the thing... Quit regurgitating stuff you read and speak from experience for a change, it would be quite refreshing



After the windy period is over and things are back to "normal" clean and re-oil the filter and do an oil change and you should be good to go.

Those sand storms are nasty, the stuff out there is so fine it's like talcum powder.

 

I am speaking from experience. The K&N-style filters REQUIRE oil for any type of proper filtration. As with any tack-oil cotton gauze media, the oil may leech out of the media and onto anything downstream. Just because you have not experienced this condition doesn't mean it never occurs. Once the oil gets on the MAF sensor wire, it screws with the temperature of the sensor element causing driveability issues. A quick shot of electric contact cleaner will do the job of cleaning it. Notice how many of the latest CAI systems, especially ones used by OEM's who provide a vehicle warranty, use a dry conical filter element and not oiled cotton gauze.

Right, and that is why large fleets operating in the desert do not run inferior K&N filters.

 

I have it on my 7.3 PSD......... it filters EVERYTHING.......... Even small birds and small kids....you have to keep that Limer safe from the sand.

 

Well that looks like quite the filter, but you forgot to tell us what it is.

 

What does all that sand do to your paint?? I think I would be affraid to take the car out in these conditions for fear the paint would be dulled by the sand.

 

The stuff out there isn't as abrasive as we get here in AZ. It's literally like talcum power, so light that it floats on water. I can remember waking many mornings and look out over the Persian Gulf from my ship and the water being reddish orange. Behind us in the wake of the ship, crystal clear. It's quite interesting looking!

 

I don't see any oil filter CAI's in your mods on either vehicle

Point is, he's got a CAI, he's got an oiled filter. Clean it, oil it and he'll be just fine.

I'll give you credit where it is due though

Now that IS a good idea Other wise known as pre-filters.

 

Is there a guide to oiling these filters? I don't want to over-oil. My 93 Cobra's K&N panel filter is due to be cleaned. Do the 05+ JLT have an oiled filter?

 

Yes, the JLT comes with an oiled filter.

I use K&N's filter cleaning kit for my CAI. Spray on the cleaning agent LIBERALLY, then let it soak for about 10 min. Then rinse out the cleaning agent with clean water working from the inside of the filter out. I rinse it both ways, inside-out, outside-in and then finally inside-out for the final rinse.

Then, you need to let it dry thouroughly. You can speed up the drying by putting the filter in a 150 degree oven for ahwile, or applying some heat to it via a heatgun or both. Just don't crazy with a heatgun and burn the cotton!

Once dry then apply the spray oil. You only want to cover it as much as it takes to change the color of the filter. Hold the can out just far enough to mist the filter. Apply one coat. Let it soak in for a few minutes. Then check to see if you have any areas that are stiil bare cotton, if you don't, you are done, if you do. Just spray enough to discolor the bare area.

One this is done, take a shop rag that you don't mind discarding and dab the entire filter to remove any excess oil that may be lingering in the wire screen.

That's it, your done and ready to re-install the filter.

If by chance, you did over oil it a bit and your car is acting funky afterwards. Get some CRC MAF cleaner, remove the MAF sensor and give it a good spraydown. Once dry (it only takes seconds) replace the MAF and you should be good to go again.

 

Thanks for the info. I have a K&N cleaner kit but it comes with a squeeze bottle, not the spray. I guess I'll pick up one- sounds easier to apply.