Oil damage from Air Filters?
Discussion
Does the oil coating on air filters such as the K&N filter damage or coat other parts of the induction system? and if it does what damage if any will occur in the short or long term?
I ask because I was going to purchase one, but was advised that this may not be the best option for a turbo'd car with an intercooler and I wish to know whether he is talking bollocks.
Rgds
Dictys
I ask because I was going to purchase one, but was advised that this may not be the best option for a turbo'd car with an intercooler and I wish to know whether he is talking bollocks.
Rgds
Dictys
dictys said:
Does the oil coating on air filters such as the K&N filter damage or coat other parts of the induction system? and if it does what damage if any will occur in the short or long term?
I ask because I was going to purchase one, but was advised that this may not be the best option for a turbo'd car with an intercooler and I wish to know whether he is talking bollocks.
Probably thae supplier is talking a load of bollocks because he can't supply you. K&N have stopped making them for now. There are many on the Yahoo forum trying to do DIY options with the rubber K&N's
If you find anyone that stocks them, then put a post on the Yahoo forum for the others to read.
If you have difficulty finding one, then ring PNM on 0151 630 6101 and ask for Pete (another plug). He should any day now be stocking Green Cotton filters which are exactly the same as K&N's for £34 ($56).
Hope this helps.
Dave Walters
ps. You could always ask Pete about your concerns, he very experienced and knows these cars inside out.
Rgds
Dictys
I doubt it will damage anything, but oil coating the fins in the intercooler can reduce it's efficiency. Then again, just how much oil does he think you'll be putting on the filter? The servicing interval on the K&N's is rather long, so it's not like you'll be oiling it every weekend...
Cheers,
Sanj
Cheers,
Sanj
Hi,
The amount of oil which can enter the system from the filter can only equal the amount of oil which is applied to the filter in the first place. If applied properly, according to the instructions, this is a minimal amount and will amount to much less than the normal amount of oil which will migrate into the cylinders normally by seepage from the valve guides, surpassing the oil control ring and the valve seal at the seats over the service life of the filter charge. So, any effects are bound to be minimal as well.
That having been said, realize that the K&N filter and similar types are not a necessary addition to your car, nor are they the panacea that their manufacturers and loyal fans claim. Their attraction is basically threefold. Allow me to explain each.
First, they do make slightly more horsepower by allowing a greater flow of air than a standard paper filter. How much additional hp is uncertain, but certainly less than the manufacturer's claim. True, under ideal lab conditions, using a new filter, a substantial increase is achieved. But, the tests are run until a marketable increase is documented. It's doubtful whether such increases can be duplicated in the real world, throughout the life of the filter, without the optimal conditions which exist in the laboratory.
The second attraction to the K&N type filter is their percieved permanence. K&N filters have been advertised as lasting 100k mi., although the manufacturer recommends replacement at 50k mi. But, it should be noted that these filters significantly lose their efficiency at 10k mi. and continue to degrade with mileage and each cleaning/charging cycle. Meaning that both their performance increases and their ability to protect the engine from harmful contaminants lessen significantly over time.
The third and final appeal to K&N filters is their widespread use amongst racers and the fact that everybody is using them. The only counter arguments here are that just because something is race-derived, it isn't necessarily well adapted for street use, and that popular support, (based mostly on myth or a less than thorough understanding) often leaves much to be desired.
I have done significant research into alternative air filters vs. standard paper ones. My conclusion is that there is no perfect answer. The decision comes down to accepting trade-offs. My priorities dictate that a standard paper filter is a better way to go than the K&N as I am not attracted to any of the three advantages listed above. There are much better ways to achieve gains in performance and I am not willing to sacrifice engine protection to achieve them. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
>> Edited by lotusguy on Tuesday 1st July 16:26
The amount of oil which can enter the system from the filter can only equal the amount of oil which is applied to the filter in the first place. If applied properly, according to the instructions, this is a minimal amount and will amount to much less than the normal amount of oil which will migrate into the cylinders normally by seepage from the valve guides, surpassing the oil control ring and the valve seal at the seats over the service life of the filter charge. So, any effects are bound to be minimal as well.
That having been said, realize that the K&N filter and similar types are not a necessary addition to your car, nor are they the panacea that their manufacturers and loyal fans claim. Their attraction is basically threefold. Allow me to explain each.
First, they do make slightly more horsepower by allowing a greater flow of air than a standard paper filter. How much additional hp is uncertain, but certainly less than the manufacturer's claim. True, under ideal lab conditions, using a new filter, a substantial increase is achieved. But, the tests are run until a marketable increase is documented. It's doubtful whether such increases can be duplicated in the real world, throughout the life of the filter, without the optimal conditions which exist in the laboratory.
The second attraction to the K&N type filter is their percieved permanence. K&N filters have been advertised as lasting 100k mi., although the manufacturer recommends replacement at 50k mi. But, it should be noted that these filters significantly lose their efficiency at 10k mi. and continue to degrade with mileage and each cleaning/charging cycle. Meaning that both their performance increases and their ability to protect the engine from harmful contaminants lessen significantly over time.
The third and final appeal to K&N filters is their widespread use amongst racers and the fact that everybody is using them. The only counter arguments here are that just because something is race-derived, it isn't necessarily well adapted for street use, and that popular support, (based mostly on myth or a less than thorough understanding) often leaves much to be desired.
I have done significant research into alternative air filters vs. standard paper ones. My conclusion is that there is no perfect answer. The decision comes down to accepting trade-offs. My priorities dictate that a standard paper filter is a better way to go than the K&N as I am not attracted to any of the three advantages listed above. There are much better ways to achieve gains in performance and I am not willing to sacrifice engine protection to achieve them. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
>> Edited by lotusguy on Tuesday 1st July 16:26
cnh1990 said:
Esprit will probably get get more oil film coming of the turbo itself than the filter after it wears. A few turbos that I have peered down the output neck has a had a coating of light oil.
Calvin
Calvin,
You are absolutely correct about there being other sources of oil present to contaminate the charge cooler/engine. But, you are simply compounding the issue with the addition of another source of oil (K&N filter). Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
Happy Motoring! Jim'85TEI can get the number off the boxes at home. It is the same as a Jaguar on my car. When I bought them they were something like $5 so I bought them all and now have a stack at home. Can't really recall the number right now, but will check the NAPA part number it is a WIX filter.
Calvin
Calvin
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