Dust in intake tube

[Tinman]

I had to take the low pressure twins intake pipe off the other day to get the passenger side king shock out for rebuild. On reinstall, I noticed a dusty appearance to the inside of the silicone part of the tube. I used a wet shop towel to clean it up and this was the appearance of the towel afterwards. This would be after about 80k of use - the length of time the twins have been in the truck. Now I'm worried about my air filter. The twins kit came with a afe dry, but, I've used amsoil EaA for a few years now. I've done oil analysis on nearly ever oil change and it looks fine, silicone always low, 4-5ish. Compressor blades are not pitted or damaged. I'd love to used a paper cone filter (a small BHAF), but none exist, that I can find. Any comments on the best filter to used? Filter is 6x9 with 4 inch intake.

 

[GrantP]

That looks nasty but since your silicon numbers are good I wouldn't worry about it too much, particularly since it's been 80k since you looked inside that hose. As long as iron/aluminum numbers aren't going up I'd say you're fine.

 

[sag2]

I would disagree. The clean side of the intake system should be just that, perfectly clean. The only filter I can say that keeps them perfectly clean is the OEM paper. Not sure what to tell you but make sure you are servicing the filter often and per the procedure.

 

[GrantP]

I would disagree. The clean side of the intake system should be just that, perfectly clean. The only filter I can say that keeps them perfectly clean is the OEM paper. Not sure what to tell you but make sure you are servicing the filter often and per the procedure.

I can't argue that. But the silicon numbers are good?

 

[Bob4x4]

Connection points in the clean side is where I have seen the most issues.I ran my 94 with a K&N cone type filter before any systems were available with my own designed shield made from lexan then on to AFE when they came to be.Never used a dry filter.Many miles of off road driving and never found even a film of dust inside the tract.Using an outerwear cut down on the pleats filling with bugs and seeds.

 

[Tinman]

I really doubt there could be a leak in the system as every joint is hose clamped but I'm gonna break it down when I get a chance. I was going to go back to the original ATS filter (which I think is AFE re-branded) and it reminded why I changed to AMS oil. You can hold up the AFE and see your hand thru it. AMS oil is much better made and thicker. When I removed the current filter, I wiped the inside of the intake at the filter inlet and it was clean. I got to wondering if the inside of the cold pipe could be oxidizing a little causing the residue. It does see hot compressed air???? Iron levels in UOA have always been in the low 30s with about 7K change interval. A little higher than I wish, but it was this way prior to the twins, and is within expected.

 

[GrantP]

My last UOA showed 35 ppm iron and 4 silicon after 5500 miles. That's a bone stock engine using a 4" paper filter in the oem box. Your UOA is basically saying everything is fine.

 

[Prairie Dog]

My thought is the dirt is obviously there regardless of what your UOA says.
At this point you have dodged a bullet and you can go back to a better filter without worry.

Scott

 

[Tinman]

I agree with you Prairie Dog and Bob, regardless of the UOA, I find this unacceptable. I would have already switched to a paper element, but after having looked all over the net, I can't find one that will fit. Any suggestions??

 

[Tinman]

Update: I inspected both turbo compressor blades and no evidence of pitting. Tube from filter to atmospheric turbo has some residue similar to above but not as much. Cleaned the metal intake tube from atmospheric turbo to high pressure turbo and it was completely clean. UOA since first post was unchanged and no elevation of silicon. No compromise of the intake tubes anywhere. I can only conclude that the AMS oil AE air filter wasn't doing a good job - satisfactory perhaps (as indicated by OA). So I searched all over for a paper cone element that would work. The best I could do was a S&B "dry, replaceable" element but I had to get a spacer for the inlet of the filter b/o the correct size was only in 4.5 inch ID. (Spacer was from intakehoses.com). I'm gonna run this a while and keep a close eye on the UOA and intake tubes.