Hello and questions....

[Vaman]

Just joined the TDR... have had my 24v Cummins since 98. After the EPA ECM damage, I've been looking for some added kick. Just installed the TST variable PowerMax and RV injectors are on the way. I have a couple of questions... I bought a K&N filter when I first bought my truck and sent it back immediately because I could see through it. I've heard people complaining of deposits downstream of their K&Ns. I would like some input on this... any real data out there on it's FILTERING ability? Next question... just installed the pillar mount gauge kit. Any easier way to splice into the variable lighting power? Tech manual says it's an orange wire... can't see an easy way to get to it. Thanks and hello to all.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Vaman, look under the dash, right behind the ash tray. Therem should be a orange/brown combo. I tapped into the orange and it works fine and easy to get at.

Sam

------------------
2001. 5 2500 QC HO 6sp LB 3. 54LS everything except leather, white/agate 2wd,Isspro guauges on the A,ME kit,DD Tru torque module, Psychotty


Fordaholic-clean and Mopar'd since 10/05/00

 

[HC]

I've heard people complaining of deposits downstream of their K&Ns. I would like some input on this... any real data out there on it's FILTERING ability?

First, WELCOME!
I'll take a stab at one of your two questions. I have not seen any really hard data on filtering ability under lab conditions such as micron ratings, etc. Data has been posted on oil analyses done the K&N in place. If the filtering data was really superior, I would expect K&N to post it all over the place, just like they do air flow resistance data. For this reason I do not believe the K&N is a significantly better dirt filter; I think it flows more air while achieving "acceptable" filtration. But this is JMO.
Summarizing what must have been 100's of posts on this topic, I would have the following bullet points:
1) A number of people have posted better oil analysis (Si) results with the K&N than with the original, but a few have received defective K&N's and were very unhappy. K&N has been good about replacements, but you may have to do oil analysis to prove you have a problem.
2) If your K&N is in the factory airbox, then poor filter sealing can render it worthless. But in some cases the factory filters seem to be subject to the same problem. Be sure to use the sealing grease that comes with the K&N.
3) The tendency seems to be for us to "over oil" these filters. Try not to, since an oil coating on the intercooler will collect dirt and render it less effective at heat transfer.
4) Charges of "oil on turbo blades" have been thrown back and forth. I don't know what the real truth is, but unless someone steps forward and says the oil was "K&N red" then I would be more likely to suspect minor oil leakage from turbo seals as an equally likely source that has nothing to do with the K&N.
You may want to try using the search engine over in the "Products" forum if you haven't already - there really are 100's of opinions out there on the K&N.

------------------
2001 ETH, QC, LWB, 4WD, 3. 54, SPA Pyro & Boost, K&N RE-880 w/foam pre-cleaner, ARE Z-series Cab-high shell, Rear ARB locker, and all kinds of synthetic fluids...

 

[K_Arts]

Originally posted by Vaman:
Any easier way to splice into the variable lighting power? Tech manual says it's an orange wire... can't see an easy way to get to it. Thanks and hello to all.

Vaman - first of all... Welcome Aboard.

Now to answer your question on the gauges. I did the following. I went to a local automotive store and got something called "add a circuit. " It is a mini fuse that has a wire sticking out of it... along with it having a spot to plug in 2 fuses (OEM, and the new accessory). I then spliced all of the light wires together from my gauges so that I had 2 wires, A hot and a ground. I pulled the hot wire down to my fuse box, tapped it into the "add a circuit", plugged that into the illumination fuse. . and whoola. Now my gauges are protected by a fuse, and my dimmer switch also controls the lighting of the gauge. This was very quick and simple to do.

Hope this helps

Kev