How often are you supposed to replace it? How do you know when its too dirty? :scratch:

 

I replace my paper filter after every other oil change. It's dirty enough by then to warrant a replacement. If I wasn't a cheapskate I'd by a new intake and then I wouldn't have to worry about the paper filters. But I am a cheapskate, so unfortunately I have an answer to this question. :notnice:

Sean

 

I can't afford and entire K&N intake system either , but I was looking at just getting a K&N filter like this one



I've never used any K&N products and was wondering about the oil they use:

"The filters consist of four to six sheets of cotton gauze layered between two sheets of aluminum wire mesh. This media is then pleated and oiled to enhance its filtering capabilities and overall performance"


can this oil leak into the intake tube or anywhere else? Any possible problems that could happen that I should know about before I buy?

 

Ford actually recommends every 30,000 miles, which I think it way too long.

I personally would recommend doing it at least once a year, or unless you hardly put any miles on it. I think 15,000 miles or so is enough, especially if you are in a dusty area, such as in new construction, etc.

 

This is a good rule of thumb.
I usually change at 10 k or once a year.
Cheap insurance.

 

To answer your question of how I do know.

On the factory type filters if you remove it and hold it up to the sunlight or any bright light it is good till you have trouble seeing the light through it.

As far as a timeline for changing, it depends on the air and road conditions in which you drive. That will greatly effect the time that the filter needs to changed, or as in a K&N style be cleaned.

There is no need to change a clean filter just because of time or mileage or to wait on a dirty one that will hurt performance.

 

The oil on the K&N filters is the red coloring. When you recharge/clean it, it turns white when you wash it, then you let it dry and respray it with the can of oil.

 

If/when you do replace it, if you want to stick with OE genuine parts, check out CASCO on ebay. Mike has new take out filters for sale. From the dealer the filter is almost $ 50.00, I paid $ 15.00 from CASCO.

 

I have a K&N air filter that I bought from Ninosport. Nothing leaks anywhere. I would recommend them to anyone. If anything, you never have to buy another air filter so it pays for itself IMHO.

 

With the K&N and other similar filters, the oil poses no danger so long as you do not over-oil it when you clean it. Cleaning and re-oiling is pretty simple, so there is little to no danger of that.

 

If you want to buy the K&N drop-in air filter (#33-2298), don't buy it at Kragen/Checker/Shucks. They're charging $64.99 for it. Order yours on eBay instead. I got mine for $40 (including shipping).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GtStallion51 @ October 6, 2005, 8:15 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I can't afford and entire K&N intake system either , but I was looking at just getting a K&N filter like this one



I've never used any K&N products and was wondering about the oil they use:

"The filters consist of four to six sheets of cotton gauze layered between two sheets of aluminum wire mesh. This media is then pleated and oiled to enhance its filtering capabilities and overall performance"
can this oil leak into the intake tube or anywhere else? Any possible problems that could happen that I should know about before I buy?
[/b][/quote]


For the people that use the K&N filter have you experienced any performance gains (MPG, Pick-up) or is that asking a little much from this product. If there is even a slight MPG gain I think it will be worthwhile.

 

The dirtier the paper filter, the better it filters. Side effects may include slight loss of performance and a slight reduction in gas mileage.

 

i recommend changeing filters every 4 months earlier if you have dusty conditions. but all the K&N does is extend the time between needing to change or (in K&N's case) recharge the filter, i know now with my S&B i have to recharge atleast every year or two now