K&N Filter Questions

[marquis00]

i have a 2001 explorer sport with the 4.0L SOHC, and iam looking to a filter charger set on it. But i have heard that the oil on the filter will screw up the MAF sensor. Is this true??? If it is or isn't, which one should i get. i have been looking at the 57 series.

[Johnny Mullet]

I have only heard of this issue when the filter is over-oiled.

[shorod]

I agree with Johnny Mullet, a filter straight from K&N still in the sealed wrap will likely be fine, but once it's cleaned and oiled (usually with too much oil) the excess oil will start to coat the elements of the MAF.

-Rod

[jacobunderwood]

yes the oil on the screen will screw up the maf if wet now if you let it dry i will not but if it was me i would just stay with you OEM style air filter.

[dcmaynard]

Why stay with the OEM? K&N seems to be the way to go since it will last forever and it gives you a little bit more power

[tbalam]

Originally Posted by dcmaynard

Why stay with the OEM? K&N seems to be the way to go since it will last forever and it gives you a little bit more power

I have had a K&N in my '01 for about 30K miles with no trouble at all. I oiled it myself and was very careful to follow the directions. Take your time. I let it sit overnight, and got an extra 3 mpgs on a 1500 miles trip the next day. It paid for itself on the gas it saved me on that trip alone.

I also opened the airbox up at the snorkel to let more air through. I have to clean the filter more often, but still have never had a problem.

[RickMN]

Yes, it's true about K&N. In fact, GM has issued a TSB to all dealers to deny warranty coverage for MAF sensors on vehicles using these filters. Even if you don't overoil, the cotton fibers break off and fry onto the hot wire element in the MAF. That forms an insulation barrier and the MAF gives incorrect readings. If you want a different kind of reusable filter, try the FRAM SynWash. It's made from synthetic material that doesn't need oiling. You just hose it down with dishwashing detergent, let it dry and reinstall. I'm not associated with Fram in any way. But I did a review on it here: http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogs...rch/label/Fram

[j7erry]

I had one in my 2003 Sport for about two years. Never saw any mileage improvement, a slight power increase. Now I've had a check engine light that couldn't be figured out. Turns out the oil screwed up the MAF (yes, I probably overoiled it). So be careful. Higher expense, and with this Ford engine, not much gain.