K&N Filter cleaning kit
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 246
From: las vegas nevada
K&N Filter cleaning kit
Everytime I go to use the cleaner that comes with the kit I only have enough for like 2 cleanings!! I usually clean mine about every 3 months or so. Is there another cleaner I can use on the filter w/o damaging it? Like rubbing alcohol? I know that I still have to use the oil that comes with the kit but I keep running out of the cleaner so I have to buy more. I have like 4 cans of the oil leftover. Thanks for any replies.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,830
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Re: K&N Filter cleaning kit
I think your cleaning it way to much and your useing too much of the creaning and oiling solution. They suposedly filter better when they are a little dirty anyway. Ive still got about 3/4 of my original cleaning kit left and i have cleaned mine about 5 times.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 8,319
From: US 1 Mile Marker 52 in the Florida Keys
Re: K&N Filter cleaning kit
seems like K&N reccommended cleaning the filters about every 50,000 miles in normal conditions. more often in dusty offroad situations.
you know you can just pull the filter and rinse it out with a garden hose. don't use much pressure, just run the water through it from the clean side out.
you know you can just pull the filter and rinse it out with a garden hose. don't use much pressure, just run the water through it from the clean side out.
Registered User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 559
From: Pothole, Ohio
Re: K&N Filter cleaning kit
If I remember correctly even K&N says something about using a mild detergent to clean the filter in their instructions. They warn about solvents destroying the the filter too. If you must wash it with a detergent, mix up a small amount of dawn dish washing liquid in a spray container and thoroughly rinse in / with clean water and let dry completely before oiling. Unless you live in dust you should only need to clean your filter just a few times in your entire lifetime.
Administrator
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 71,124
From: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
Re: K&N Filter cleaning kit
You can buy the "cleaner" separately up to 5-gallon pails, you don't need to buy the complete kit.
http://www.knfilters.com/clningacc.htm
And as noted, you are probably overcleaning it. K&N indicates the "lifetime" filter actually wears out after 25 cleanings and needs to be replaced.
http://www.knfilters.com/clningacc.htm
And as noted, you are probably overcleaning it. K&N indicates the "lifetime" filter actually wears out after 25 cleanings and needs to be replaced.
20. How do I know when to clean the filter?
The general rule of thumb is that the filter needs to be cleaned when the dirt build up gets as thick as the wire mesh. The usual interval is 30,000 - 50,000 miles depending on driving conditions. We recommend that you check your filter about once a year in normal usage.
21. Can I use anything other than K&N cleaner and oil?
We recommend that you only use K&N oil and cleaner. K&N air filter oil is a compound of mineral oil blended with special polymers to form a very efficient tack barrier. We have performed tests on numerous oil combinations and our blend has the required properties for maximum flow and filtration. Petroleum products such as transmission fluid and motor oil will soften and destroy the rubber sealing edges. Our cleaner is a non-detergent degreaser. Solvents and gasoline will harden the rubber seals causing the filter to distort (shrink). A mild detergent can be used in a pinch, but care should be taken to fully rinse it out. Rinsing detergent out of a filter is similar to getting soap out of a sponge; it’s not that easy to do. Always make sure the filter is completely dry before re-oiling.
22. Can I use compressed air to dry the filter faster?
No, this can blow the filter material right out of the wire mesh and ruin the filter. Pick a nice day to clean the filter and let it dry naturally.
23. Should I brush the wire screen with a toothbrush to get all the “crud” off?
No, this could tear up the cotton gauze.
The general rule of thumb is that the filter needs to be cleaned when the dirt build up gets as thick as the wire mesh. The usual interval is 30,000 - 50,000 miles depending on driving conditions. We recommend that you check your filter about once a year in normal usage.
21. Can I use anything other than K&N cleaner and oil?
We recommend that you only use K&N oil and cleaner. K&N air filter oil is a compound of mineral oil blended with special polymers to form a very efficient tack barrier. We have performed tests on numerous oil combinations and our blend has the required properties for maximum flow and filtration. Petroleum products such as transmission fluid and motor oil will soften and destroy the rubber sealing edges. Our cleaner is a non-detergent degreaser. Solvents and gasoline will harden the rubber seals causing the filter to distort (shrink). A mild detergent can be used in a pinch, but care should be taken to fully rinse it out. Rinsing detergent out of a filter is similar to getting soap out of a sponge; it’s not that easy to do. Always make sure the filter is completely dry before re-oiling.
22. Can I use compressed air to dry the filter faster?
No, this can blow the filter material right out of the wire mesh and ruin the filter. Pick a nice day to clean the filter and let it dry naturally.
23. Should I brush the wire screen with a toothbrush to get all the “crud” off?
No, this could tear up the cotton gauze.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 246
From: las vegas nevada
Re: K&N Filter cleaning kit
I live here in Vegas where it is very dusty....every 3-6k I'll pull my filter and it'll be black. I know I'm not getting good airflow when it's that way. If I let it go for 50k like someone suggested...I'd get really ****ty mileage right?
Administrator
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 71,124
From: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
Re: K&N Filter cleaning kit
Is the "black" built up to the level of the wire mesh, per the K&N FAQ? If not, it doesn't need to be cleaned. The oil turns from red to black as soon as it removes the first dirt. Doesn't mean it needs to be cleaned.
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