Are K-N air filters worth the cash & the install - Montana Owners Club

dandt · 09-22-2009, 03:00 PM

I had a nieghbor tell me of getting 2 more MPG with his K-N filter in place. Anyone have any knowledge about them? I tried a search on this website & didn't find anything. Thanks for your input Dave.

richard66 · 09-22-2009, 03:36 PM

They are very good filters. You save $ by cleaning and replacing them instead of buying new. I don't believe every case will yield a specific mileage increase. I do believe you will get better performance from the K&N filter. My mileage did not increase when I installed one in my Dodge CTD. I just don't by filters anymore and I believe they do a better job of filtering.

blarkman · 09-22-2009, 03:53 PM

What I like with mine is it cost me $60 one time and I clean it when it gets dirty and a replacement filter is 15-20 for each one. I have a 2004,3500 diesel with 86000 miles and I feel I get one or two more miles better milage
bob

jjackflash · 09-22-2009, 04:04 PM

My GMC Dealer told me a wet filter would void my Warranty!
Jack

ejc1214 · 09-22-2009, 04:16 PM

K&N messes up the MAS. Best filter is the OEM for the DA.

MuddyPaws · 09-22-2009, 05:23 PM

I had a K&N on my 'Stroke. When I cleaned it I found white powder in the intake. Dust in the intake is bad, very bad.

I replaced the K&N with a PG-7. Same type of filter but more layers of fabric. No more dust. I'm happy with it.

clutch · 09-22-2009, 07:56 PM

You really need to check out some of the Diesel sites. If over oiled they will mess the MAP sensor up with a coat of oil. Then your fuel mileage will really take a dive. A K&N filter has bigger holes to allow more air into the engine. Bigger holes means that more dirt can pass. Do some homework before you put down that $60.

ols1932 · 09-22-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by dandt

I had a nieghbor tell me of getting 2 more MPG with his K-N filter in place. Anyone have any knowledge about them? I tried a search on this website & didn't find anything. Thanks for your input Dave.

I don't know about the increase in mpg with the K-N because I had it installed at the same time I had the Banks Power Pack installed on our truck in 2002. At that time I noticed a 2 mpg increase and I attributed it to the Banks system, which included the filter.

I've never seen the white powder that is talked about. As far as I'm concerned the filter is worth the money. But then again, we all have our own opinions. Don't let that sway you.

Orv

NCFischers · 09-23-2009, 12:58 AM

I put the K&N on my diesel and could feel the engine breathe a whole lot easier. It's been on 3 years without problems.

blarkman · 09-23-2009, 05:18 AM

Dodge was not having a problem with the K&N, but read some post about GM and some on Ford. I would assume by now that they have resolved that issue and I did put mine on about 3-4 years ago.
bob

GregN · 09-23-2009, 05:40 AM

Hopefully this site will work. If not it is in my profile. This is my air filter. This is a Tymar setup. I change the filter oabout once a year. After the first year it was on, I cut the old one open. Very clean inside, no dust in the turbo. I can hear the turbo whistle if i step on it. If I am outside with the hood up and shut down the engine it sounds like a vacum before the turbo winds down.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1174...58432646uRdMkG

Tom S. · 09-23-2009, 07:10 AM

I crusade against K&N's even though I used them at one time. The reason is pretty simple. There are only two ways to increase air flow: 1) increase the hole size in the filter material, or 2) increase the surface area of the filter material. K&N increases their flow via method 1 which means larger size particles of dirt are getting into the engine. However, because I am not an engineer, I suggest you go here and read for yourself: http://www.duramax-diesel.com/spicer/index.htm

For those of you running K&N's, or Fram Air Hogs, or any other brand after market, make this simple test: take a clean white paper towel and rub it on the inside of your air intake after the filter. I did this with an K&N and had all kinds of dirt. If you don't plan on keeping your truck long, it probably won't be an issue, but if like me, you plan on keeping it forever, take heed!

PowellsMonty · 09-23-2009, 07:50 AM

I have read in several places that the Ford OEM air filters are better than any aftermarket and are as good as or better than any filter made.

Delaine and Lindy · 09-23-2009, 10:34 AM

I used the K&N filter in 2005 when we got to Montana from Tennessee I had no difference in fuel mileage. I did notice a lot of dust and dirt and replaced the K&N with the OEM filter, and guess the K&N is still hanging in the Storage building. I personally think its a waste of money, if they were that good the Big 3 would install them. I will only use Freightliner/Mercedes OEM filters. And believe me I have several filters, two fuel, two air, two oil, and 7 gals of oil just to name a few. But its only changed once a year. GBY....

ols1932 · 09-23-2009, 12:15 PM

I'm wondering if now that I have 174,000 miles on my engine if I've shortened the life of it using my lifetime filter. What's a lifetime? After seven 1/2 years using the filter, I have to say so far so good. I clean it every 25,000 miles and reoil it according to directions. Have not noticed any oil or any other foreign substance in the intake.

Orv

dandt · 09-23-2009, 05:40 PM

Thanks for all the input. I think I will just keep what it came with as I get 12-13 MPG towing The 3400 no matter if its flat or mountain. Hard to complain. Thanks again. Dave

ols1932 · 09-24-2009, 12:33 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by dandt

Thanks for all the input. I think I will just keep what it came with as I get 12-13 MPG towing The 3400 no matter if its flat or mountain. Hard to complain. Thanks again. Dave

You're right. With that kind of mileage you are probably at the top of the heap. Only reason I changed filters was that Banks recommended it and I'm satisfied.

Orv

greener · 09-24-2009, 12:36 AM

The diesel sites don`t recommend them as they let through too many fine particles which will eventually damage the motor.

richfaa · 09-24-2009, 01:47 AM

"I have read in several places that the Ford OEM air filters are better than any aftermarket and are as good as or better than any filter made." A phone call to K&N filter got me that same information.

1Happycamper · 09-24-2009, 03:25 AM

I have the S&B CAI on my truck and clean it once a year. Each time I clean I put a white rag in the tube and it always comes out clean. I do make sure to follow the manufactures instructions and use the right amount of oil and have never had any problems.

Bill

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