Alternatives to Air Filter Oil

[Benbay001]

For reusable air filters, are there any cheaper "hacks" for the air filter oil that the likes of K&N sell?

I read chain lube is a possible alternative?

Thanks

[SAS Tom]

Suzuki used to recommend engine oil on motorbikes.

[Benbay001]

Ok, thanks.

Whats the purpose of the oil?

In my head i picture first startup resulting in all the oil being pulled through the filter and it then becoming obsolete. is it just to "Stick" the dust to?

(thanks for moving the thread)

[markyb_lcy]

SAS Tom said:

Suzuki used to recommend engine oil on motorbikes.

I think it would be a very bad idea to use engine oil on an air filter. Buy the proper stuff or switch to a cheapo paper filter for each service?

What’s this about, saving money?

[Benbay001]

markyb_lcy said:

What’s this about, saving money?

Well, yes.

Not wanting to spend £20 on a re-labeled can of chain lube if thats all it is (as a light bit of googling suggests).

Edited by Benbay001 on Sunday 12th April 11:32

[markyb_lcy]

Benbay001 said:

markyb_lcy said:

What’s this about, saving money?

Well, yes.

Not wanting to spend £20 on a re-labeled can of chain lube.

The oil in those kits is good for about 3-4 services though isn’t it? So that’s like £5-6 a service (ignoring initial cost of the filter). Not to mention that the K&N kit at least also comes with the cleaning solution. On my car the general consensus is to not use the oil too liberally as it can screw up the MAF down-stream (which can of course be cleaned).

If it’s the same as chain lube, then use chain lube? (though which kind of chain lube? There are many - wet, dry, ceramic)

[cuprabob]

Benbay001 said:

Whats the purpose of the oil?

The oil provides the filtration therefore it's probably best to use the right stuff.

As said, they don't need cleaned / re-oiled that often

[300bhp/ton]

cuprabob said:

The oil provides the filtration therefore it's probably best to use the right stuff.

As said, they don't need cleaned / re-oiled that often

There have been a number of tests. That show cotton weave filters like the K&N do flow better than paper when they are clean. However they quite quickly become dirty and once dirty flow less than paper filters. Often quite significantly less.

If it’s a race motor where every ounce of performance is required then it’s probably worth it. But on a road car swapping just the paper element is normally worth 0.5-3bhp. The cost of cleaning and oiling them frequently doesn’t really make sense for the gains.

Edited by 300bhp/ton on Sunday 12th April 20:50

[Chris32345]

Stock air filter and intake in the best alternative

[Benbay001]

Thanks guys.

The car came with the cone filter(s) fitted, otherwise i never would.

[Tony1963]

After this crisis is all over I’d be looking for a used oem set up.

K&N filters don’t increase power, reduce filtration, need cleaning etc.

Unless you’ve upped the power by a huge amount, they’re just worse.

[Benbay001]

Tony1963 said:

After this crisis is all over I’d be looking for a used oem set up.

K&N filters don’t increase power, reduce filtration, need cleaning etc.

Unless you’ve upped the power by a huge amount, they’re just worse.

The will costs a small penny. The car is a US import so the cost would probably be greater than sticking new cone filters on at every service

[Tony1963]

Benbay001 said:

The will costs a small penny. The car is a US import so the cost would probably be greater than sticking new cone filters on at every service

Fairy snuff

[300bhp/ton]

Benbay001 said:

The will costs a small penny. The car is a US import so the cost would probably be greater than sticking new cone filters on at every service

What car is it? A different induction setup, removing factory baffles and restriction can certainly add power and alter throttle response.