My KKM is ruined!!

[biggs85]

Well I went to clean my KKM air filter today and as I was using the cleaner that I bought from KKM I noticed there were some places that had deteriorated. They go completly through and probably let all sorts of crap in. In the pictures it's hard to tell but where it's black it's where it has gone all the way through the filter. Do think this has caused any permanent damage to my engine? I've gone to Moab several times with very dusty conditions.

 

[biggs85]

Here's another...

 

[Rick]

Pretty weird. Almost looks burned. Sucking dust into the motor isn't good, and yes you probably have a bit more wear internally than you would have otherwise, but in the long run I really don't think it will present a problem in the overall life of the engine. Just replace it and figure out what caused it. I have had mine for 4 years or more and haven't seen that problem.

 

[biggs85]

That's the thing, I'm going to have to figure out what caused it. Right now I have no idea as to what it could be.

 

[emon]

Isn't it warranteed or something?

 

[Rick]

Not against burns

 

[rydinhigh]

just wondering if you used the bracketry that was provided with the kit?

 

[biggs85]

I have one bracket because it only came with one but it still holds it in the right position. I think that it might be a leak in the battery. Maybe the water splashed up onto the filter somehow. Anyone know how to prevent the water from coming out of the battery or is that normal? When I took the filter out I noticed it had leaked everywhere underneath the filter but it ruined the filter on top. Probably all those steep ascents on Fins-n-Things . Again, are batteries supposed to leak like that or is it time for a new battery?

 

[mrboyle]

The battery isn't supposed to leak, but they will if they are tilted at a severe angle, over charged or there is a crack in the case. The best cure is to switch to a sealed battery.

 

[Nate1]

Did your engine suck up something caustic? That could be some kind of corrosive like engine cleaner or something...
I dunno, sure looks like a heat burn to me.
Good luck
-----Nate

 

[biggs85]

Looks like I'll be buying a sealed battery tomorrow, then a new air filter, then a new spare tire winch, then a new combination switch, then new ball joints, then new radiator hoses, then...maybe I should just stop driving and I'd be rich!

I always wrap the air filter with a plastic bag and rubber band when I wash the engine compartment but maybe some degreaser still found it's way onto the filter. Either way the battery is always leaking and will be replaced. Any suggestions on a reputable sealed battery? Or is there such a thing?

 

[ipozestu]

Bummer regarding the filter. I picked up a Die Hard from SEARS. It's sealed, and has like 900 CCA for $90 bucks. Has a three year warranty too. If you want to get serious you could always go with a Optima Yellow Top. It has the gel core. No leaks there. But you will have to mod you Bat. hod down with a strap.

 

[Robb]

Looks like another use for duct tape to me!!

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Gell Cell or AGM batteries are the best - they wil not leak. Regular lead acid batteries should not leak, unless they are overfilled, something is wrong, or tilted extremely. Be safe - battery acid will corrode metal as well.

You can neutralize it with a mixture of baking soda and water. If the solution bubbles when you place it on a surface, there was acid there.

 

[hvac man]

Wal-mart extream, I have always had better luck with the yellow batteries from wal-mart than any other brand. I don't know much about the KKM but I think I would stick to the K&N filter my self. I don't think it was the hills of moab that made your battery leak cause I was right there with you Me and my cheap wal-mart battery good luck Mike.

 

[mrboyle]

Originally posted by biggs85
then a new spare tire winch [?QUOTE]

Are you referring to the cable winch that holds the stock spare tire up? If so you can have mine off my X. I don't ever plan to use it anymore.

Any suggestions on a reputable sealed battery? Or is there such a thing?

I personally use and recomend Optmia Red top batteries for anything short of winching use. They aer smaller than the origional battery and will not fit in the stock hold down. They do make some adapters though that will make it fit. If you decide to go with an Optmia, make sure to ask for the adapters to allow it to fit in a stock Ford battery tray. They don't provide them unless you ask.

 

[biggs85]

Thanks for the offer on the spare tire winch Boyle but I already ordered a new one.

I found out that the battery I had was still under warranty from Autozone. So I went there and found out that the battery wasn't just leaking but it was actually a bad battery. We got about $30 towards the new battery and went with the Duralast Gold. I think what happened with they old battery was I overfilled it with water and ruined it that way.
On a side note I now have blinkers thanks to my new multi-function switch . I now no longer feel like a jerk when I drive.
On another side note I'm back to my stock air box for now. I honestly can barely feel a loss in power. So if anyone is planning on getting a KKM for more power don't expect too much. What it's really good for is giving the nice throaty sound when it's under a little bit of load during acceleration and to raise the location of air intake to protect against water and such and maybe a few more miles to the gallon. Just my opinion.

 

[karl_burns]

My KKM hasd the same hole!

Not sure where it came from, but I've had it on for just over two years. Noticed it the other day. Since I've got the adapter plate, i'll just pick up a K&N cone and throw it on. Or whatever open air filament is the biggest.
Weird. I have the same sized hole in mine.

Karl

 

[X24]

From the pics it looks like that filter has seen better days. It looks very faded. Mine has a nice dark red color to it and it's over a year old and I've only cleaned it once... which reminds me, I need to do that soon.

 

[biggs85]

Maybe it had something to do with in the manufacturing process. I've noticed the hole there for awhile but always thought that it was just an oil stain or something. Maybe if I would have known that it was a hole when I first put it in I could of worked out a deal with Kurtz but now its too late. I'm not talking bad about the company and I'd still recommend their products. I'm just saying that the lesson learned is to check for major defects before you use the product.