How to clean a cold air intake air filter...

[Mahonroy]

Hello, sorry I tried searching to find if this was discussed earlier but couldn't find any information on it. I was just curious how am I supposed to clean the air filter on my cold air intake? I heard people talking about putting somekind of oil on it or something, any help is greatly appreatiated.
-Matt

[jrod13]

go to your local checker (or any auto part store) and get the K&N air filter cleaning kit it is like 12 bucks and they give you directions in there it includes the oil

[BlueRush]

I would be sure that you have an actual K&N filter. SOme cheaper aftermarket filter will actual not function correctly (ie. clog) when you use the K&N filtercharger kit on them.

[Bnystrom]

If the filter was not oiled from the factory, it's not meant to be oiled and doing so will cause problems. Unless the manufacturer says the filter can be cleaned, it's probably disposable. It can't hurt to lightly brush off the outside, but using a liquid cleaner could damage it if it's not designed to be cleaned.

[SWortham]

^ Yes. For example paper filters cannot be cleaned, they must be replaced.

On the other hand, something that's cloth-based & oiled like a K&N filter can last for the life of the car if you clean it regularly.

So it depends on what you have, if you bought a cheap intake from Ebay, you probably have a paper filter.

[FordFasteRR]

^ Yes. For example paper filters cannot be cleaned, they must be replaced........

Untrue, I have been using paper filters for a long time. I clean them with with the K&N Cleaning kit just the same as the real thing...

I have cleaned mine a few times and the one on my tib the same way.

:)

[SWortham]

Well I don't think you're supposed to... that's why they call them disposable. Do you reuse disposable cameras? :D

Everything I've read indicates that you should throw away a paper filter when it's time is up. It seems like if you attempt to clean it you could damage it and prevent it from flowing or filtering properly.

[Bnystrom]

Everything I've read indicates that you should throw away a paper filter when it's time is up. It seems like if you attempt to clean it you could damage it and prevent it from flowing or filtering properly.

Exactly. There's no way I'd trust a paper filter that's been cleaned in a liquid cleaner.

[FordFasteRR]

well it hasnt fallen apart on me yet.

i'll let everyone know when that happens.

[jameswing]

Do you reuse disposable cameras? :D


What your not susposted to? I did it once to see if it could be done.

[KeWLKaT]

Just buy yourself a matching K&N filter.. It should work. After that, you can re-clean it with that kit forever :D

[AUTOBOT]

well it hasnt fallen apart on me yet.

i'll let everyone know when that happens.

Falling appart doesn't matter, the problem is, it looses its ability to properly filter dirt.

[Elantra2.001]

If its paper, you can extend the life a bit by using a hose from the inside of the filter to the outside. (off the car of course)

[AUTOBOT]

For the price difference between the two types of cone filters, why bother with all that mess. Just buy a K&N and be done with it. The don't cost that much more.

[SPARTANELANTRA]

i just orderd a k&n to go on my short ram should get here in like three days