K&N Filter Oil Problems???
K&N Filter Oil Problems??? Has anyone ever had a problem with the oil on a K&N filter attaching to the MAF senors? Here is the article.
WARNING f-body owners
blackknight writes "The installation of an aftermarket reusable, oiled air filter may result in:
^ Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On
^ Transmission shift concerns, slipping and damaged clutch(es) or band(s)
^ Engine driveability concerns, poor acceleration from a stop, limited engine RPM range
The oil that is used on these air filter elements may be transferred onto the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor causing contamination of the sensor. As a result, the Grams per Second (GPS) signal from the MAF may be low and any or all of the concerns listed above may occur.
Tell me what you all think. Should i be worried or not with my K&N??
WARNING f-body owners
blackknight writes "The installation of an aftermarket reusable, oiled air filter may result in:
^ Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On
^ Transmission shift concerns, slipping and damaged clutch(es) or band(s)
^ Engine driveability concerns, poor acceleration from a stop, limited engine RPM range
The oil that is used on these air filter elements may be transferred onto the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor causing contamination of the sensor. As a result, the Grams per Second (GPS) signal from the MAF may be low and any or all of the concerns listed above may occur.
Tell me what you all think. Should i be worried or not with my K&N??
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
I have one on my car and zero problems. Everyone says they can screw up the MAF but I've never talked to anyone who has actually had any problems as a result of a K&N. I think the biggest argument against a K&N on an LS1 is that it's $50 and results in little to no HP increase. Even if the oil does get on the MAF wires they can be cleaned very easily.
no problem here, just cleaned and oiled mine last night. if there was a problem with the oil screwing up a sensor, then all those other cars and trucks that run KN filters would get screwed up MAFs or MAPs or MASs and other sensors in thier TBs.
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
I believe it just depends on how much oil you put on the filter. Over do it and your running the risk of damage to the MAF. I've had K&N open element filters on 4 different vehicles without incident.
On my one and only import, (Audi S4 - wife's car) I installed an ITG filter which is more like an oiled foam element filter. The oil from the filter transferred onto the MAF and resulted in the car running like ****. Had to replace the MAF for about $400. It came pre oiled from the manufacturer and I think that they just put too much oil on it.
FWIW I like using the areosol can of K&N oil so that I can get a nice and even thin coat on the element. I always threw away the little plastic bubbles of oil they included with the kits. I try more for a dark pink and not so much a red color. What is that stuff anyway? Looks like Marvel Mystery Oil...
On my one and only import, (Audi S4 - wife's car) I installed an ITG filter which is more like an oiled foam element filter. The oil from the filter transferred onto the MAF and resulted in the car running like ****. Had to replace the MAF for about $400. It came pre oiled from the manufacturer and I think that they just put too much oil on it.
FWIW I like using the areosol can of K&N oil so that I can get a nice and even thin coat on the element. I always threw away the little plastic bubbles of oil they included with the kits. I try more for a dark pink and not so much a red color. What is that stuff anyway? Looks like Marvel Mystery Oil...
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 1
From: Just This Side of Damnation
I've read that excess oil on the K&N air filter can flow onto the MAF and cause bad readings. The wires are heated and the oil cooks on, never to come off (without ruining it). At least, that's what I remember...
It's a common tendency to over-oil the filter. Less is better, to a point.
It's a common tendency to over-oil the filter. Less is better, to a point.
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Launching!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
I just spent 3 weeks trying to track down a sputtering problem. In the end, it turns out my MAF got screwed up by getting hit with oil from my Volant CAI.
If you're not careful about oiling the filter, a descreened MAF is highly susceptible to contamination.
If you're not careful about oiling the filter, a descreened MAF is highly susceptible to contamination.
LS1TECH Sponsor
iTrader: (33)
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,399
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From: Out on the farm in Central IL
Here's a trick. Oil the filter when it's still damp. You can use a lot less oil and as the filter dries, it will wick the oil over the entire filter surface.
This is the easy way to avoid over oiling the filter. Works for me 100% of the time.
This is the easy way to avoid over oiling the filter. Works for me 100% of the time.
