I needed to replace my Air Filter and right next to the stock paper filters were the K&N drop-ins. I decided to go with the K&N thinking that it would be a step above the paper ones. My truck didn't perform better and I didn't get better gas mileage and now my buddy who's a mechanic is telling me to take it out before it damages my truck. He claims that because the filters are oiled the oil clogs the air sensors (reducing performance) and will work its way through the engine. Has anyone else heard of this happening?

He said that on older carborated engines this isn't a problem because the oil will be burned up in the carborator. I've got a '97 4.6L.

 

I have never heard of this happening on a EFI engine. The only thing I have heard is the the oil will get on the MAF sensor and all that has to be done is clean it off. I had a K&N drop in on my truck for about 15K miles and not one problem. I then went with a K&N 77 Series intake and still no problems!

 

Yeah, sounds like an old school mechanic.

 

i dont believe what your buddy mechanic has said

 

I've got a suggestion, just to add the extra insurance... Wrap a few paper towels around the filter and let it sit overnight; the paper towel will absorb any excess oil. If you've got a K&N CAI, stuff some paper towels in it as well.

I over-oiled my K&N CAI filter on my Dakota, and I just put a shop rag in the intake, and then I did the paper towel trick. --Just don't forget to take the rag out of the intake before puting the filter back on... or you will be sorry. lol

Think of it as what you might do to certain foods that you want less greasy, like popcorn or fries... if you notice, the oils readily go to the paper first.

 

I've had a K&N on 5 different vehicles for over 200,000 miles. No problems.

Just be careful that you don't over oil during cleaning.

I always pop in my stock air cleaner so I have plenty of time to let the filter dry. A wet filter will not let the oil soak in properly.

And like has already been pointed out, a great idea is to use a paper towel to remove any excess oil. I will also let mine set for a couple of days just to be sure.

Good luck.

 

The only way an oiled filter can damage a sensor is if the filter is over oiled which can cause a fouled sensor. And you really have to over oil it for that to happen.

 

As stated, just don't over oil, I have 42,000 on my drop-in, no problems.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll be sure not to over oil and let the filter sit in some papers overnight.

 

Don't forget to put it back in.

 

I did that for a couple of weeks.

 

Well anyways i aint never had a problem with em, i've had k&n's on everthing from my 57 to my 05

 

Over-oiling isn't the only problem, as you need to make sure that you have enough oil to actually stop the dirt. In other words, it is very important to the correct amount of oil on the filter.

http://www.sbfilters.com/filter_cleaning.php

Cheers!

 

KUP, thanks for the S&B oiling link. And I ask, what is the difference between your oil and K/N's oil?

 

I tried searching for this answer but couldnt find it...I have a 57 Series K&N...how many miles before you typically have to clean and oil it?

I found the answer....30,000-50,000miles