This weekend I was doing a little cleaning in the engine compartment. Took the air box apart and what did I find. A lot of fine dust, enough to turn your finger black, past the K&N Filter. Yanked that baby out right now. Back to paper for me for good. I have always been sceptical of K&N, especially after reading many posts here, but thought I'd try it anyway. Well, with paper filter in, the truck runs the same. Anyone want the POS K&n?

 

Hey Scotts-crew
Did you have any oil on the filter?
I have been running the K&N in my truck for
40000 miles and it's been really good. Are you sure that black stuff wasn't a build up of a few
filter cleans?
I can tell you one thing, Since I put the K&N in my truck I have average 18 to 22, yes 22mpg in my 1998 F150 4.6l, 4x4, 3.55, orp, reg. cab.
And I think that is great...
Good Luck.

 

Sure did have oil on it. Filter is only about 8 mos old. Nice and red like they should be. I can tell no difference in performance or mileage. Of course here in CO, there is only so much o2 to be had anyhow, so I don't know if it makes any difference.

 

I'll take the filter if you're giving it away. Always good to have a spare. I'll pay shipping.

 

scotts-crew,
are you sure it was sealed on the intake properly? that might be why the dirt got in. ive had mine for about 60,000 miles and only cleaned it once (at 50k miles) and have not had a single complaint with it.

 

Scotts-Crew,
send it my way, RamblinWreck already has one!
I've been watchng them on e-bay, but they've been going for me than I'm willing to spend on a used item. If you're serious about getting rid of it, email at 36fan@mailcity.com and let me know what you want for it.

 

It was installed properly. The dust that I found was very, very fine. Seeing this stuff just broke my confidence in them. I know many on this site have had them for years and no problems, but I guess I'm not convinced that they filter that well. This is a ten year vehicle for me and I don't want to do anything to shorten the lifespan. If I have to pay $150.00 over ten years for filters, that's cool. I will have peace of mind, for me anyway.

 

All filters allow some dirt to pass through. As far as K&N's go, they allow more dirt to pass through when they are new and clean. This is how they flow more air. When they become dirty is when they filter better than a paper one. I've had a K&N before and could not tell any HP difference. Have heard in some applications they actually make 1 or 2 HP less. There is a reason why the manufacturers have stayed with paper.

 

Yep, pretty much the way I feel about them as well.

Natty

 

I understand that if the manufacturer uses something (for instance a paper air filter) it is usually for a good reason.
Why is it that we see K&N type filters on performance and race vehicles? Is it because they are not driven on a daily basis, through widely varrying conditions?
We are lead to believe (by all the advertisements) that this product (K&N) will give us performance and reliability. Seeing them used on race cars is encouraging. Seeing the paper filters (off the assembly line) is confusing!
I have no complaints with my K&N. I would like to know for sure that it is a POS, so I can take is out before my truck is toast! I wish we could come to a conclision on this issue.

Tom

 

i cleaned my whole intake assembly before installing the K&N. i took it apart a couple of months ago and it was still as clean as the day i put the k&N in. personally, i dont have the K&N because it flows more air, or for any performance reason whatsoever, i have it because the dirtier it gets, the better it works, and i wont have to buy another filter for a while. just my $0.02, sorry to hear about your disappointment, SCOTTS-CREW .

 

K&N allows through the dust you CAN'T see; and provides no horsepower gain. you might as well set your money on fire.

 

My goodness, aren't we negative today!

Tony

 

Auto manufacturers use paper filters because they do a reasonably good job and they are inexpensive. Initial cost is a hugh factor.

K&N also does a good filtering job, it allows more air flow at WOT and high rpms, and it never needs replacing. If you don't mind the trouble of cleaning it, it is an excellent buy. I personally have knowledge of Ford, Toyota, and Chrysler dealers who sell and install K&N filters for their customers who want one and are willing to pay the price.

I just removed my entire air box with a K&N filter to install a FIPK. The innards of the stock box was clean as a whistle. I can't help but feel that the dust you found was the result of a faulty seal.

The bottom line is that you have to be true to yourself. If you do not feel confident with the K&N don't use it! We can all agree that a paper filter will not harm your truck. Best of luck.

A man and his truck...it's a beautiful thing!

 

Ive got no complaints.