Postby disallow » Tue Mar 06, 2012 7:39 am
I run a K&N filtercharger in my 05. I have run K&N filter chargers (drop in replacement for factory filter) for years on my vehicles from close to new all the way to 300k+ kms.
The key to making sure these filters work properly is to properly oil the filter medium. Too much oil will cause CELs and fouled sensors in the intake. Too little will allow too much large particulate through and cause excessive engine wear.
I've had no bad experience. I don't think I will ever go to a cone style filter though. Too much opportunity for leaks, and that will cause wear.
Case in point on my 98 civic, ran a K&N from 50k kms til she died at 298k kms. (rear ended someone). I checked compression at 280k kms, and had 195psi all across. I drive plenty of gravel, and live in the country. Oil consumption is another sign of wear from bad filtration, and I have had no issues with that either on my civic or pathfinder.
So my advise is follow the instructions, make sure to apply the proper amount of oil. And you don't need to clean this filter every 3 months. I do mine every 6 or so, based on inspection.
Air filtration is MUCH more critical in applications with a turbo. We have coaches running on mining roads in NW US (nevada, utah). The composition of the soil seems to have a large effect on this. In this application, we had some minor leak issues on the conical style filter we used due to water ingress and improper installation. The turbo impeller looked like rats had been chewing on it. Engines dusted after 30k miles. brutal.
t