I agree. K&N filters can coat the MAF sensor in oil and fine dirt. Especially if it is over oiled. IMO, the very slight horsepower gaines aren't worth the aggravation and potential MAF issues. If they aren't kept cleaned and oiled properly then their filtration ability is compromised.
I have used a K&N air filter in my '89 Mustang for well over two decades. I have one on my 2007 Mustang due to the Steeda CAI it has installed. I know all about them from a maintenance, use issues and power delivery aspect. IMO, they are more of a pain to deal with than what they return in power increases. They do coat MAF elements and will not filter optimally if not maintained frequently. They don't cause MAFs to fail. They cause them to read improperly over time if not cleaned. People can use whatever filter they choose but oiled, cloth filters are more hype and a pain to maintain than they might be worth for many.
Paper filters have so little oil, if any, that it is inconsequential regarding any effect on oil coating any component.
I have never had MAF issues. But outside of any minimal power gains I have always seen a bump in MPGs especially when using them on an EB.
Air filters have basically zero impact on mpg. The computer engine controls meter fuel based on how much air actually enters the engine. It will not inject too much fuel to cause a rich running condition that would change mpg. A dirty filter might cause power loss but not a drop in mpg.
That’s a crazy price! I paid $50 for the ones I bought for my two cars, and am getting one for my Discovery Sport. Can’t find any kind of discount for this one, looks like another $50, but they’re well worth it!
It is a deal so that's why i posted it. Just the cleaning kit is 17.00 on Amazon. Some people like them, (Me included) some don't. To each there own.
K&N filters are not junk. They just aren't all their marketing hype makes them out to be. Many people buy them and never realize they need frequent service to operate anywhere near as advertised. Then users will not service them properly and in many cases over oil them to the point it coats the MAF sensor with oil and dirt. I have used the same panel K&N filter in my '89 LX for over 20 years. The first few times I serviced it I over oiled the filter and it gummed up the MAF element to the point I ran a lean condition. I changed my service procedure to use less oil but the MAF will still gum up over time. They are economical to use in the long term but they aren't the end all and be all of air filters. There isn't all that much power to be gained from using one. Look at all the high horsepower cars being sold and you will find nearly all of them use paper air filters. They do this for a reason. K&N has had a great marketing department over the decades that has made their products be larger than life to many people.
Exactly. The whole point is you buy it one time, clean it once in a while and spend your money on other cool stuff. Very small, if any HP gains. Who cares. I have never cleaned MAF sensor in the 10 years I have owned the car as I have never noticed any difference, year after year when I am flying 130 mph+ in to turn one on a road course. It takes a lot less time to clean, dry, and oil these filters then it does to waste time ordering and waiting for one or driving to get a new one.
