Turbo Whine with K&N Filter

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I recently installed a K&N filter on my '97 3500 4X4 and am now hearing the turbo spool up and whine. Is this "normal" with the K&N? I did recheck to see if the top of the air box was sealing with the perimeter of the filter and found evidence of the silicon grease around the perimeter of the box top. Also checked for good hose seal on the box and the turbo inlet and it appeared to be good. The sound isn't disagreeable,I just want to know if this is a problem.

 

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Have a 96 and 99 with K & N. I did not notice any more whine than stock- but hard to tell engine makes so much noise people keep telling me to add oil. #ad


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1996-3500 tst stage 3 plate, K&N air filter,4" exhaust,bigger injectors,b&m trans pan,Amsoil all around,temp gauges out the wazzo,much trans work,double tow 33' 5th wheel and 12' trailer w/motorcycle(Honda Valkyarie Interstate)Also have 1999-2500-stock.

 

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MP welcome to the TDR!Seems like any modifications to your intake system that allow it to breathe easier also let the sound flow out easier also. It's entirely normal.

 

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MP in WA:

Welcome to the TDR!

I have a 96' and have been using the
K&N filters for about 2 years now.
The extra "whine/turbo noise" you
are hearing is normal with these
filters. The K&N allows more air
in than the stock filter. It is
not a problem, however, make sure
you don't over-oil the filter when
cleaning it.

There is some controversy on these
filters for our trucks. But I like
the way they function and have had
no problems with my engine which is
now at 102,000 miles!

Check the "12 Valve Engine/Drive-
Train" Archives under "K&N" for
more information on this.

Good luck!
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John_P.

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Red '96 4x4 2500 Auto 3. 54, TST #5, Pump Mods, Banks Exhaust, Prime Loc, Cummins Chrome Kit, Pro-Torque Converter, BD Valve Body, Sendel 16" Alum Wheels w/ 33" BFGs

 

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Welcome,

The turbo whine you are hearing is totally normal, hook-up to a load and it will whine even more, better yet, remove your turbo silencer ring and the Cummins will really sing #ad


There are many posts on removing the silencer ring, do a search. There was also an article in a past TDR issue. I ditto the controversy on the K&N filter, I have used one for about 15k miles, but have gone back to a stock air filter recently based upon all the controversy regarding the K&N. I do miss all the turbo whistle you get with the K&N #ad


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Terry S. '98. 4 Quad Cab SLT, 2WD, 12 Valves & the BIG "P" Pump! 3. 54, AT, Trailer tow PKG, Camper PKG, OEM cab lights, 4" exhaust turndown, 5th W. Hitch, roll-top bed cover, tint, 265 Michelins and turbo silencer ring in the tool box!

BOMB'n in the NW.

22,400 miles - 8/31/00 Coming real soon, EGT, Boost & Trans temp all mounted on A pillar and a !@# 230/605 CAM P!@^e. No mods here!

 

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I ditto the part about sealing it up. For some reason, the rubber seal around the K&N isn't as soft and compliant as the paper filters. The grease fixes it, though. As long as your K&N is in good condition, with no holes or anything, I have never seen one leak any serious dirt. I've seen paper ones leak more.

I've used a K&N in the desert, in farming country, where there's an overabundance of fine powder, and have never had it leak through the media that I could tell. I've had other leaks, but they were my fault.

As far as noise goes... The Power Wagon makes about 3 times as much intake noise with the K&N, and has a LOT more power with it installed than with a new paper filter.

 

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It hasn't rained in Lawrence, Kansas all summer, and with 1 1/2 miles of dirt road between me and the highway, I give the K&N a work out. The road dust out here is just like Talcum power, and only an oiled filter can trap it. I've used the same filter for three years & over 100k miles, I've serviced it 3 times, and the intake plumbing is still spotless inside. I did notice a little whistle from the turbo when I put it in, and when I took the ring out, it got even better!... ... . DDG

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Locomotive Engineer/Red Ram Driver! 97, 2500, Auto,3:54, 2WD, Re-sale Red, Loaded w/Leather, Diamond Tread running boards & box, Bumper guards, "Bull Ring" tie-downs, Front bumper guards, Clearance lights, TST 230 HP kit (slid forward), Missing silencer ring K&N, Combo exhaust temp & boost gauge, Eng. & Trans. temp gauges, 3 Pos. Lock up switch.

 

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I also have had good luck with the K&N air filter. I've had it for 2-1/2 years now and oil analysis indicates no dust contanimation either from leakage or failure to filter properly.

I didn't notice much increase in turbo "whine" after adding the K&N. I was disappointed.

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1996 Dodge 2500 4X4 SC, SLT, Cummins 12V, 5-spd. , JRE 4" exhaust (my kitty ran off into the woods and the muffler fell off!), TST 280 HP/685 Ft-Lb Uprate Kit, AFC Spring Kit, Horton Fan Clutch, Jacobs/Ram Exhaust Brake, MagHytec Differential Cover, Prime-Loc, Rancho RS9000 Shocks, Combo Gauge, K&N Filter, Brite-Box, Geno's finger-touch oil pan drain plug, no turbo silencer ring, full-time fog lights.