aftermarket filter

[Black_Splash]

I know they don't do anything for performance, I bough it for the re usability factor. When I had my wife's Escape was at the dealer they noticed it. They gave me a lecture about how it lets more dirt through and could damage the engine or MAF. Should I go ahead and put a factory one back in or am I alright using the aftermarket filter?

 

[MAKG]

There have been documented cases of fouled MAFs from K&N filters. K&N blames this on "improper oiling," but don't bother to tell you what "proper oiling" is (I'll assert that this is because there is no proper oiling).

There USED to be data on K&N's website that indicated filtering efficiency problems at 1-10 microns, but it's gone now (gee, I wonder why).

Reusability isn't all it's cracked up to be anyway. I can change a paper filter in a couple of minutes. I can't wash, air dry, and reoil a K&N filter in anywhere near that time. As for "using resources," you're using more by trying to clean it (water, mystery cleaner, oil, packaging, etc.). And what do you do with the toxic waste you created?

 

[86freebie]

you do get better throttle reponse from a k&n filter. keep the maf clean with a quick shot of brake kleen. USE BRaKE KLEEN not carb cleaner.

 

[reginald fairfield]

I don't trust the damn things, I have had bad experiences with them. I had a K & N on my fourwheeler, and it allowed a shitload of dirt to get in it, including the cylinder. It fried my brand new Wiseco piston. Just use the paper ones. They aren't that expensive.

 

[Bob Ayers]

you do get better throttle reponse from a k&n filter. keep the maf clean with a quick shot of brake kleen. USE BRaKE KLEEN not carb cleaner.

The dealer is correct, the only thing the K&N passes more than the OEM paper filter is dirt, and oil......You will get the same performance increase if you mail me the money the K&N costs (from WWR Wallet Weight Reduction)!!

 

[almostclueless]

Unlike all the doomsayers here, I use them.

 

[MAKG]

Unlike all the doomsayers here, I use them.

I knew someone would say that.

I have one on my Chevy. Why? It came that way from the previous owner. No other reason.

I put one on my former Bronco II, but took it off after cleaning all the pink crap out of the intake manifold (2.9Ls don't have MAFs to foul, but '86-'87s do have an easily-plugged EGR port that I'd rather not dump stuff into that I don't have to).

It made NO difference to performance; it just got pink crap everywhere. Gray crap if used in dusty conditions.

Now, is your engine going to die immediately if you use one? Probably not, but it might, depending on what you get in there. Or it may last for years, slowly grinding away the rings. Or maybe you'll find the K&N magic oiling procedure and not have a problem.

 

[Evan]

you do get better throttle reponse from a k&n filter. keep the maf clean with a quick shot of brake kleen. USE BRaKE KLEEN not carb cleaner.

Don't use any brake parts cleaning product on a MAF. You should be using MAF cleaner.

I'm with MAKG 100% on this. I buy one paper filter every few years and it takes me 2 minutes. And I don't have to worry about my MAF or other intake sensors getting fouled up. As for performance, the guys at Ford are probably just as good at airflow calculations as the guys at K&N, and also have the life of the engine in mind.

 

[86ford]

my wing adds 100HP too guys!

86

 

[Ranger44]

Use a house brand paper filter.

 

[mkpecor]

i have a cold air in take on my 2.9 it helped on the responce when u gas it. i have oiled it once, i some times will check it out, i have never seen any dirt or dust in the tube , but i dont live or drive in the doons so i have been happy with mine.

 

[Bob Ayers]

i have a cold air in take on my 2.9 it helped on the responce when u gas it. i have oiled it once, i some times will check it out, i have never seen any dirt or dust in the tube , but i dont live or drive in the doons so i have been happy with mine.

Read post #12 in this thread:

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21168

 

[Kdawg532]

my wing adds 100HP too guys!

86

oh yeah?? well my bumper sticker says it adds 20!!!!!!

 

[crbnunit]

I've used one for years with no problems with the MAF or dirt through the filter. My intake tube downstream of the filter is always clean. Granted, I'm running a snorkel and that picks up air out of the stream of dust for the most part but we have glacial silt here. Finer particles you have not seen. If a K&N will filter that, it is doing pretty good. That said, I probably wouldn't buy one unless I got it damn cheap. There is no performance increase.

 

[Maverick]

I too have used them for a few years with no side effects to the MAF. I'm on a toss up performance wise. The 2.3 Duratech in my 05 Ranger seemed to benefit, while my 02 3.0 Ranger didn't. Don't get me wrong though, while the 05 seemed to benefit it wasn't anything to write home about.