Oil Sample vs. Air Cleaner

[DaveHess]

Not to stir up any trouble here but I am curious and concerned about my choice of air filtration. With that in mind, I pose the following question. For you guys out there with an AFE Pro Guard 7 air filter, have you done oil samples and what were the results? I went to Bob Is The Oil Guy website and read an article regarding K&N filters in a gas engine and the K&N, although it flowed the best, provided the dirtiest sample for filtration results. I also could not find the MSDS for Mobil Delvac 1 to determine which Group it falls under (III, IV, or V). The bottle reads "Fully Synthetic". I am sure the Amsoil guys are going to jump on me on this one. I had an expensive experience with Amsoil gear lube in my drag car. Four passes after a new rear gear install and the differential failed taking out the bearings, spool and ring gear. I rebuilt the rear with all new pieces the same way I did the first except used Redline this time and the gear is still function as advertised after 9 racing seasons. Can't say for sure the Amsoil caused it or not but I have not had a failure since replacing it. Anyhow, I am curious for you guys with my combination, what were your results.

 

[CTDFreak]

I'm curious of this as well. I have taken off my Proguard 7 because I drive in dusty conditions occassionally. Not sure how much I trust the oiled filters getting all of the dust. Sure miss the sound of the turbo, so I would love to hear of some options.

 

[betterthanstock]

I think using oil sampling to find how well an air cleaner is working, is misleading.

The oil rings will have to be loaded with grit for a long time, in order for some of that dirt to be washed down into the oil pan and show up in the oil test. Some of those sand particles will forever become embedded in the cylinder bores, ring grooves, and pistons.

 

[05mxdiesel]

also you would have to do a virgin oil analysis to find out how much silicon is present in the oil from the get-go.

 

[DaveHess]

OK, how many of you have used the AFE Proguard 7 and changed back to paper? I'll tell you what, it is making me nervous and am thinking about going back to paper. I swiss-cheesed the airbox. Is there a H. P. where it makes a difference between paper and an AFE? Has anyone tested or can honestly tell me the AFE made a difference in EGT temps over a paper???

 

[JCleary]

I've been running a PG7 for almost 30k miles. My oil samples come back with 5ppm silicon at 5k mile oil change intervals running Delo 400. According to Blackstone my filter is working as it should. I don't think a paper filter would do any better.



I do, however, buy replacement filters rather than cleaning the old ones. Cheap insurance, IMO.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I did an oil analysis some time ago because of all the bashing of K&N filters. It also came back with silicon level of 5.

 

[Radshooter]

When I switched over to the AFE, I think I could tell a difference. I didn't dyno or anything, just using the "seat-o-pants-ometer". Right after I switched, we moved our big fiver for a new contract. We pulled a few big hills on the way to the new job, and it seemed I could keep my foot in it longer with the AFE than with the stock air filter. Pulling on the flats, it seemed to run about 100 to 150 degrees cooler, depending on the weather and ambient air temps.

We are in Northern AZ now, and have been through some big dust storms. I got nervous yesterday and pulled the AFE off and checked the Torque tube for dust. Nothing. Clean and slick as a whistle. I know this is not scientific empirical data, but I feel pretty good about the filter doing its job.

Steve

 

[DaveHess]

Steve, I've done the same thing where I'd pull the filter out and with a Kleenex, wipe down sections of the tube between the air cleaner and turbo and everytime they have come out clean. I'm like you in that this test is hardly scientific but good for a warm fuzzy. I do notice that cleaning the AFE is not the same as cleaning a K&N. My K&N on the race car after cleaning comes out white after it dries before adding oil to the cotton. The AFE does not do that. It stays a dark color and only "greens"up after readding oil. Hard for me to tell if it is trully clean. Anyhow, that's my problem and I'll continue to follow the instructions and hope for the best. And do the kleenex test.

 

[6 2 Carl]

I change my oil every 7500miles and the highest silicon count I've seen with the proguard 7 filter is 8ppm. I'm happy with the filtration, but disapointed with the flow.

 

[Cattletrkr]

I've had my PG 7 for over 100K. I've checked the tube numerous times and never found anything. I've played around by switching back and forth with the factory filter (swiss-cheesed box) and all I can say is that I get less smoke and maybe somewhat lower EGT's with the PG7.



Never use AFE cleaner/oil. I used up the garbage that came with the filter and switched immediately back to the K+N kits. Cleaner actually cleans and oil covers better.



I'll wait until I blow my engine to pass any real judgements. Don't expect to hear back from me anytime soon.

 

[macdaddy]

Pro Guard 7 AFE drop in here, with the stock air box.



White white glove tests on the down tube and turbo inlet reveals a clean well filtered air flow.



Truck is used many many miles off road in the desert so west. The trick to the AFE's is not to clean them too often.



Don't let their appearance fool you into thinking they are dirty to the point they are not flowing well. Although they may appear dirty, they are offering good filtration with better than stock air flow .



Mac