WOW! So I installed my K&N air filter like 11 months ago and haven't messed with it since then other than the occasional glance when under the hood. I took it out yesterday at work and looked in the fins.... FULL of dirt! So I beat the loose dirt out and cleaned it this morning. It's incredible how much throttle response and power I regained! I feel like such an idiot for neglecting it this long. I bet my gas mileage is gonna go up for sure.

 

That's probably a good reminder for us all. Maybe should have "filter cleaning day, everyone clean your filters", check your fluids day, etc. Idon't know just a random ideaas I have soo much to remember thatsome things slip through the cracks.

 

How do you guys clean youre filter? I use a compressor and blow it out from the inside. That was before i got a kit.

 

Mine has a cleaner you spray on and let soak, then rinse from the inside out under low pressure. Then re-oil.

 

I have the K&N FIPK. I installed it this past summer. I too glance at it when i lift the hood, but have not cleaned it tho. Does the cone come off (unscrew?). I know that K&N has a special kit for cleaning it, do you take it (cone) off and clean it? I don't have a compressor, well i do but, its kinda old, and really don't work that good, but would compressed air work, or should i take it up to my brothers and use his compressor? I think my brother has a K&N on his Grand Cherokee, maybe he'll help me clean it......... Thanx all, Jim

 

You should use the kit I think you can get it at a parts store. I ordered mine online. I just blow it out in between cleanings like when im doing something else to the truck.

 

be careful with blowing it out. Most recommend not using compressed air as itis concentrated in 1 spot and damages the filter.

 

Yeah on a K&N your not supposed to use compressed air on it period. Basically the kit which runs about $10 in any parts store has a cleaning solution and a spray bottle of red oil. You soak it down with cleaning solution and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then you rinse the filter out with "low pressure" water. I just propped mine up on the porch and sprayed it with the water hose till ALL of the cleaner and red oil was out of it good. Then you are supposed to beat as much water out of it as you can and let it air dry. These things are like super sponges and air drying takes half a day. So I let mine dry in front of the fire place and occasionally sprayed it with the air compressor to get loose water droplets out and then let it sit in front of the fireplace some more. Once it's good and dry, you spray it down with oil(mist it), let it sit for 20 minutes, then check it and mist any white spots again and install it. To do this correctly takes several hours. I did it with the aid of an air compressor and it took about 2-3 hours all together. Just make sure if you use an air compressor that you are not spraying it real close to the filter and don't be hitting it with like 200psi of air.

 

Anyone found agood altenative cleaner for the K&N other than their own brand of cleaner? It has been a pain finding the cleaner alone, and buying the kit you will use 3 bottles of claeaner before the first can of oil is done and end up with a shelf full of filter oil spray.

 

You can find either non-oiled filters or filters that do not come preoiled and just leave the oil off. My AEM cone filter (I used to replace the rusted out Airaid filter) came dry and you spray it with oil. I didn't bother. I left it dry. Will it let more dirt through? Probably, but I clean my TB and MAF eveytime I change or clean my air filter anyways. The oil will get a little dirtier quicker I'm sure but I change that religiously. Im paranoid about the oil. I know it can screw up MAF sensors in a hurry. If you want to use the oil anyway, wipe the filter down real good with a cloth or clean rag before you put it back in. It should be fine as long as the extra oil is wiped off the filter.

You can clean these filters with a real mild water, laundry detergent mix. I mean LIGHT on the detergent! Don't let it soak for more than 30 minutes (that might acually be more than you need) after you shake the dirt out of it. Rinse real good with cold water via the back (or inside if its a cone). Then air dry only. I do it when Im cleaning the truck, changing the oil, or just at night before I go to bed and make sure it is 100% dry when i go to put it in (or oil it). Putting it in the house insted of the basement or garage helps it dry faster as it usually warmer and less humid on the main floor of a house.