Who has had problems with their K&N Air Filter??

[pwr2tow]

let me start out by saying I think K&N has great products if used in what it was designed for.



I have concerns about useing their product in applications they were not designed for, such as running higher than stock boost levels could suck oil and contaminants through the filter. I'am sure there are guys running higher than stock boost and useing oiled filters with no problems, I just choose not to take the chance.



If a paper filter fails at least I will see it by a hole or colapsed filter. I would rather see that than seeing oil and film on my turbo and knowing for the last how ever many miles I've been running the filter it has been letting grime through.



Just to keep everything as close to perspective as possible, I did run a paper filter for approx. 24,000 miles and never had any grime on my turbo blades, after switching to the K&N 0880 and re-0880 prefilter within 10,000 miles there was grime on my turbo blades. All but a very few of those miles were run with stock boost levels. Maybe there were contributeing factors that I'am not aware of but I choose not to use the K&N anymore.



The price of these trucks and the even bigger off set the dealer wants when a guy tries to trade in his truck is going to force me to keep this truck a long time and I want as many trouble free miles as I can get.



Sorry for the long post.



Ron

 

[TPCDrafting]

kn in stock box

I pulled off the hose going into the turbo just to check what you guys have experienced. The only thing I found in there was a pesky metal ring around the inside of the front of the turbo. I took that out, not sure I like it yet. Will be taking a road trip Tues. and will decide then. Oh,, everything else was clean.

 

[HC]

I voted "problems", but really wanted a third category that was less severe. With an RE-880 with foam prefilter, my Si readings were acceptable. But I had oil residue in my engine compartment under the filter, and was concerned that long term, some oil film would be sucked and collect on the intercooler. Also, K&N says don't use the RE-880 in turbocharged applications (fine print - but they said it somewhere). It all added up and I switched to a MHAF with outwear prefilter. Si is about the same, and I'm satisfied and worry free now.



I think it worth noting that EITHER the K&N RE-880 OR the MHAF/BHAF will eliminate all concerns with sealing in the stock air box.

 

[azcummins]

I've been with the RE-0880 (Cone) I am running 4 on the silicone count just like the BHAF guys. Also I have no dirt buildup even though I do hang out in some dusty areas. I think my pre-filter helps a lot.

 

[sdalton]

 

[gitchesum]

I've had the same K&N RE-0880 for 2½ years and in two different trucks.

Never had a trouble with oil or dirt getting through. When I change my oil, I take a white rag and wipe the inside of the intake hose. Never find any dirt. Oil samples always come back just fine.

Some folks have problems with them, I'm just one guy that hasn't.

 

[sdalton]

I just thought this might clear some arguments as of late.

 

[Chipstien]

No probs here but I have both availiable pre filters on mine. Figure that the 0880 flows so much... . what's a loss of 15% airflow anyway.

 

[sdalton]

I agree with you Chipstien. That is the only way I would use one too.

 

[Jff24Gordn]

I had the metal crimp fall off when I was shaking the bugs, grass seed, and small cars out of it. All of that fake carbon fiber clogs it up.

I tried to put it back on, but my filter has been cushed several times, and I gave up and bought a BHAF from black mountian. It doesnt fit as well with my air horn, but it works.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Dalton, an offer you can't refuse....

"I agree with you Chipstien. That is the only way I would use one too" Hey Dalton, Ready to gamble are you? Since I bought a Scotty II for my AFE cone filter, I have no need for the K&N prefilter I have. I might be persuaded to let you have if you wanted to try a AFE or K&N cone filter. How much you say?



Hmmmmm, How about a post here taking back all the bad things you said about gauze filters, that might do it! :-laf :-laf



Sam

 

[sdalton]

No thanks. I am happy with my BHAF. If it aint broke, dont fix it.

I have a saying about your offer. "Fool me once (with the K&N filter), shame on you. Fool me twice (with a K&N filter), shame on me. "

I might try one of the dirt socks for the BHAF in the near future though. If you or anyone else has one of those, I would be interested in that, though.

 

[Lynn_Schwartz]

K&N didn't fit well

My Banks power pac upgrade came with a K&N filter that fit in the Stock box. I noticed a lot of grit on my turbo blades and grit on the inside of the box. Also I had a little oil on the blades of the turbo. I pitched the K&N and went to the Amsoil Filter with plenty of foam to make the seal. No more grit in the box or stuff on the turbo blades. I probably could have purchased some foam to make the K&N fit but that is stuff they should do. Lynn

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have had my RE-0880 in my truck for close to 40k miles. Oil samples come back fine, no dirt anyhwere its not supposed to be. I have used K&N's for years, there fine.

 

[WadePatton]

Very happy with BHAF for 20k miles. Run surgical stocking for a pre-filter. No leaks, all clean, and no EGT issues. I have no turbo heat shield or splash guard.



When my EGT's come up (I suspect right after I install the 3's) I'll work on isolating the turbo from the air cleaner.

 

[KWIKKURT]

Originally posted by hdm48

On my first gen I have no problems and no FOD. I build Racing Engines for M/C, ATV, Sandrails, Snowmobiles, Mini Sprints, Hovercraft, Ect. and as long as the filter is sealed at it's 'sealing points' the K&N filter is the best filter out there. I have tried ALL other brands.

If you guys are having sealing problems I would go to K&N's web site and let them know or call them. This sounds like an issue that they should know about but maybe nobody has told them there is a problem or something is missing from the kit you got.

I'd call them.



good luck --dave--

Dave, You sound just like me 4 years ago. Then I opened a K&N filter for the 2001 Dodge CTD (Bought in early 2000). The filter does not fit well. I called K&N several times since I was a devoted K&N user. K&N fix was a tube of grease to squirt around the top seal to take up the gap. It's a Joke and a terrible fix. especially since it doesn't work. I've sold and installed hundreds / thousands of them working in various shops for the last 25+ years and always thought the K&N was the best.



The ford TD filters for several years also will leak dirt around the sealing area. some of this problem is due to a poor designed Box.



Back to the CTD dodge filter. The metal screen on top is just layed in and the Rubber seal has been known to just fall apart when it gets wet with chemicals common in Engine areas.



K&N used to be the best now I am really dissapointed in their quality.



It is obivious that you did not compare the AFE Filter. It fits the Airboxes perfect. Uses a Very High quality Silicone Rubber in its construction. Has around 50%+ more and better quality oiled filter material. The Wire mesh "Filter Failure" material is permantly molded in. The rows of media are spaced evenly and almost eliminates the wall of dirt that forms on the K&N and plugs the filter flow way down requiring a filter recharge after only 20% of the filter is dirty. (Very common when used in dusty enviroments).



I have a stack of new /Near new / and used K&N's from customters That have seen a AFE held up to their K&N side by side.



The AFE cone filters also are much higher quality in every way. They even mold the Velocity stack ( sold as a flow improver in many high end air box kits) as part of the internal filter base which is a square corner on the K&N's.



Compare a K&N and a AFE filter for a 94-2002 CTD and if you still post that a K&N is Better in anyway (Other than cheaper) I will give you a Brand new K&N and buy the AFE from you as well as paying shipping!



Kurt Yardley 505-534-0434

 

[CFAR]

After 5000 miles on the k&n I had a little oil, after 20000 miles on the k&n just oil, never any grit or it would have been gone, mine was over oiled from the factory. Eventually (the next time I have to clean it I will replace it with a scotty dogII)

 

[merryman]

I have only been running K&N filters since 1984 on three trucks for somewhere around 400K miles. Some in original box, now a cone type for 50K.

Each time this discussion comes up, I wonder and go check. Day before yesterday, I did it again; pull the inlet off at the turbo, take a clean white cloth and rub around the turbo inlet and on the turbo vanes-----yup, like every other time, only the slightest discoloration visible on the bright white cloth.



Vaughn