Need some info on cleaning K&N Cone filter

**offseri** · 08-08-2008 08:37 AM

Hi all,

My car came with a pre-installed k&n cone filter which i am starting to regret a little bit right now. The filter definitely needs cleaning - i've driven the car for about 8 months after buying it, but after reading some of the posts here about risking damage to the MAF sensor i am afraid to do it without some more info.

The main question is - is there a bulletproof procedure that i can follow to avoid any damage (what is the exact time needed for the filter to dry out before i can put it back in). I read here that some ppl actually have 2 filters and keep switching between those every 6 months to allow ample time for the oil to dry out. Is this really necessary?

Thanks for any input!!!

**diagnosticator** · 08-10-2008 10:37 PM

My advise is to clean it and sell it. Reinstall the stock air box. Use hot soapy water only, don't use high pressure spray, pour hot soapy water from the inside out, rinse with cold water, then allow to drip/air dry thouroughly, may take a day or two. Don't use any compressed air or hot air blower on the wet filter. To re-oil, apply oil on each pleat, inside and out, then let it sit for a while for the oil to wick through out the media. Resist the urge to over oil the filter media. Less oil is much better than to much.

**offseri** · 08-11-2008 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by diagnosticator

My advise is to clean it and sell it.

Well the problem is I am stuck with that thing because the previous owner that did the "upgrade" did not keep the stock air box, bolts etc. So I either have to trade it for a stock one or take my chances cleaning it ... and from what I understand from your post you just mix some hot water with soap, pour it in, then rinse it with cold water then just let it sit in the sun (no compressed air) for a day to dry out then oil it as little as possible let it sit for another day?? and then put it back on.

That is really messed up ... I mean you are basically out of a car for 2 days (or more) just for an air filter ..

**pyro** · 08-11-2008 07:26 AM

just buy the cleaning kit at any auto parts store and follow the directions. i have had multiple k&n's on my cars with no issues, just make sure you oil it as little as possible just enough to get it pink again.

**n7plus1** · 08-11-2008 08:33 AM

simple green works wonders

**diagnosticator** · 08-11-2008 08:45 AM

Yeah, it's not a quick job. The thing is, any measures to dry the filter media quickly, will possibly damage the filter from shrinkage of the media. You can help the drying by using a towel to draw as much water out as possible, and placing the filter near a fan, to blow cool air to speed drying, but don't use a hair dryer or compressed air to dry the filter. After the media is about dry, re oil and let it wick for an hour or so, the filter will be good to go. There is two ways to oil the media, a spray can or a non spray bottle of filter oil. In either case, be careful to apply the minimum amount, avoid soaking the media with oil at any point.

**mike-2ptzero** · 08-11-2008 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by diagnosticator

My advise is to clean it and sell it. Reinstall the stock air box. Use hot soapy water only, don't use high pressure spray, pour hot soapy water from the inside out, rinse with cold water, then allow to drip/air dry thouroughly, may take a day or two. Don't use any compressed air or hot air blower on the wet filter. To re-oil, apply oil on each pleat, inside and out, then let it sit for a while for the oil to wick through out the media. Resist the urge to over oil the filter media. Less oil is much better than to much.

You do NOT want to oil the inside of the filter, the oil is only used to catch the very small dust/dirt. After using the cleaning can just oil the outside very lightly and let it dry, then oil the sections that are still white and let it dry. It is best to let it dry over night after you spray it that second time. This is exactly what is says on the K&N directions and I have been using K&N filters for over 10 years on my turbo cars without 1 maf going bad.

**diagnosticator** · 08-11-2008 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by mike-2ptzero

You do NOT want to oil the inside of the filter, the oil is only used to catch the very small dust/dirt. After using the cleaning can just oil the outside very lightly and let it dry, then oil the sections that are still white and let it dry. It is best to let it dry over night after you spray it that second time. This is exactly what is says on the K&N directions and I have been using K&N filters for over 10 years on my turbo cars without 1 maf going bad.

Thanks for adding your experienced insight here! One thing I think helps avoid over oiling, is using the squeez bottle filter oil instead of the spray can type, it takes a bit longer to apply, but it's easier to control how much oil is applied.