K&N Air Filter

[dtgunner7]

Has anyone used the K&N air filter on there Diesel pusher, have read positive and negative on these air filters. Supply houses want almost the same price for stock replacement as K&N wants for a clean able filter...

[427435]

Here is a well documented test on K&N filters (not good results).


http://www.billswebspace.com/AirFilterTest.htm


A key statement from this ISO test is:
After only 24 minutes the K&N had accumulated 221gms of dirt but passed 7.0gms. Compared to the AC, the K&N “plugged up” nearly 3 times faster, passed 18 times more dirt and captured 37% less dirt. See the data tables for a complete summary of these comparisons.


Bottom line, use a filter that meets the engine manufacturers spec (the K&N doesn't).

[tinkerer]

I witnessed a person who dusted his Cummins engine with a performance aftermarket air filter. Engine was under warranty but Cummins was not going to honor it because of the air filter. Expensive lesson. I also learned something after witnessing that incident.;)

[ArchHoagland]

Tried one 35 years ago... never again.

If you do use one the problem comes in when you re-oil it. Easy to get too much oil on it.

And on a gas engine using too much oil it will wreck the MAF sensor.

[wa8yxm]

I have read a TON of argument on the K&N.. I mean TONS of argument. I used on on one of my cars.. (Gasoline) I believe it made a slight improvement (power more than MPG) but...........

I remain on the fence as to how good they are.

[Sully2]

wont even run one on my lawn tractor let alone anything more $$$

[randallb]

I could purchase the Donaldson for my HR with 6.7L Cummins for $36.00 + $7.00 shipping. Why would I want to put a K&N in it? K&N filters work great on dirt race cars where they need to be cleaned after every heat/race but do little more than stop the rocks. You can not increase airflow through an air filter unless you provide a larger surface area or a coarser media.
Randy

[kennethwooster]

I've tried them back in my farming days. As far as mileage increase no. They are also a pain in the neck to clean. I had to for the same vehicle, so while was was drying and being reoiled I could go on about my business. One day I looked up in the intake tube past the filter and found dirt in the tube. Began to really bother me, and realized it is not worth the risk our the trouble.

[bluwtr49]

dtgunner7 wrote:
This unit doesn't claim more HP/mileage, the replacements are just as costly. New K&N doesn't use oil recharge, they say it meets ISO standards.. Just looking for someone who has used on a pusher not pickups or cycles.. Thanks

You may not find very many since both Cat and Cummins recommend they not be used.

Which engine do you have??? and, have you spoken with a good service center on this issue. Air filters are cheap and only need to be replaced when the filter minder shows a restriction.

[dtgunner7]

This unit doesn't claim more HP/mileage, the replacements are just as costly. New K&N doesn't use oil recharge, they say it meets ISO standards.. Just looking for someone who has used on a pusher not pickups or cycles.. Thanks

[ScottG]

You might do a Google search regarding K&N filters and "dusting".
The problem is so prolific that Cummins and RAM have service bulletins instructing techs on how to diagnose the problem - which results in a worn out eng.
The bottom line is they may be fine for normal engines but turbo charged units suck way too much fine dirt through.

[FIRE_UP]

Well,
There's only been about a zillion tests on K&N and, of all the dyno tests and actual tests I've read and seen, not one ever produced any additional HP or, fuel mileage to speak of. In the real world, the human factor can have way too many variables to be able to establish any form of true results. But, in labs, where there's controlled environments, dynamometers test things in EXACT SAME conditions, from test to test to test.

And, the big name auto mags have done quite a few run-ups on those and the only real difference is the fact that you can re-use one. Now, if you feel that the cleaning (which can take quite a bit of effort) and the re-oiling (which is an added cost) is worth your effort, then by all means, enjoy. But, the stock filters, usually specked out under pretty close tolerances by the engine manufacturers, are pretty tough to beat and, you just use them, and throw them away for new ones.
Scott

[guidry]

Had one on a 07' Tundra and never saw a difference. Then I saw a couple of articles saying KN was snake oil and KN never did any scientific evidence to prove otherwise. They just keep selling, what's that tell you?

[10forty2]

I've run a K&N air filter on my motorcycle for the past 10 years....same filter....just clean it and recharge it. A little higher up front to purchase, but when you consider that a single recharge kit for $10 will last several seasons (unless you are driving in really dusty conditions) and the filter flows air much better than most disposable ones, then you win in the long run. Worth it in my opinion....

[bluwtr49]

I had one on my C-12 (came with the coach) and promptly removed it when the Cat dealer showed me the difference in filtration effectiveness between a Donaldson and the K&N.

Yes, the flow a bit more air but at the expense of allowing much more dirt through. Not a good trade in my opinion.

[janechucknicode]

Both my sons are mechanics. One put the KN units on his gassers. no differences, except for higher costs. The other son says snake oils??? You may stick with regular stick unnits and change them more often, rememeber regular maintaintence is better than trusting longer miles.
my 2 p.
chuck