Oiled Air Filters

Dontech · February 15, 2008

I have am still looking for a Cool Air Intake and keep coming across the information that says oiled filters could foul up your MAF sensor. I can understand this if you were to drastically over oil a filter, but to regenerate according to a manufacturers recommendation has anyone had any problems.

I like the S&B intake but it is oiled so I am hesitant to pull the trigger.

ATMINF · February 15, 2008

I had a K&N on my 1995 Supercharged(procharger) Z28 for about 9 years and about 120,000miles with no problems. I just made sure that I did not over oil it after cleaning the filter. The main problem I have seen and heard about is when guys do NOT let the filter dry properly and then rush to re-oil the filter and then slap everything back together. Just like any oil-water mix, they don't MIX, so the oil does not "soak-into" the filter, but sits on the wet cotton filter media and then they start up the motor and then the oil "flies-off" the filter and coats the MAF sensor and the motor runs like crap.

So don't over oil. Let the filter dry out after cleaning. And you should be good to go! Good luck.

Zembonez · February 15, 2008

WARNING: This will wake up all of the "K&N filters are evil" people!

An idiot can screw up most anything... Used properly they are great. I've used them in almost every vehicle I've owned for a dozen or so years and never had any problem of any kind. In fact there is one in every vehicle I currently own.

EDIT: I too am done with this thread.

Dontech · February 15, 2008

I had a K&N on my 1995 Supercharged(procharger) Z28 for about 9 years and about 120,000miles with no problems. I just made sure that I did not over oil it after cleaning the filter. The main problem I have seen and heard about is when guys do NOT let the filter dry properly and then rush to re-oil the filter and then slap everything back together. Just like any oil-water mix, they don't MIX, so the oil does not "soak-into" the filter, but sits on the wet cotton filter media and then they start up the motor and then the oil "flies-off" the filter and coats the MAF sensor and the motor runs like crap.
So don't over oil. Let the filter dry out after cleaning. And you should be good to go! Good luck.

Good info On the waiting. Water and oil don't mix.

Bostonsfavson · February 15, 2008

I hear that Jim. Knowing this, I'm going to respond right now and never open this thread again. So long as the filter is oiled properly, there won't be a problem.

the hammer · February 15, 2008

No probs here either from K&N. I, too, am done with this thread.

VMax2007 · February 15, 2008

I put a oiled K&N filter on my old truck and used LESS than the recommended amount of oil and my truck blew up and the mechanic said he found a thick 1/4" coating of oil/sludge on every internal component of the engine and the MAF sensor was gone, apparently the oil completely dissolved it. OH, and my engine's crankcase was overfilled by 2 qts of oil, probably from the oiled air filter.

Actually, I did have an oiled K&N drop-in filter in my 2000 and I re-oiled it at 80K miles (after 50K of use) and never had a problem with it.

With that said, I don't see the advantage of it either. The K&N did NOTHING for my perf or mileage.

I'm sticking with a dry filter from now on.

TEE · February 15, 2008

I'd stick with a dry filter for GM...oil and sensors don't go together.

My dad has one for sale that'll fit a 97 Silvy...anyone interested?

vranasaurus · February 15, 2008

As others have said if used properly there shouldn't be any problems.

I used a K&N in every vehicle I owned for about 8 years then I decided not to put one in my new truck not because they are bad but because I saw no advantage to the oiled filter. Plus I saw no gains in performance or MPG.

I am trying out a Fram Synwash now. I still like reusable filters but I like the better filtration vs. more flow. But just like the oiled filters you have to clean and dry it properly or there could be problems. Especially if you don't get all the soap rinsed out.

Oiled filters aren't evil if used properly. Just make sure you clean and oil it properly and you should have no problems.

pwall · February 15, 2008

I've been using a K&N air filer (AirRaid CAI) for quite a while.

No issues re-oiling the filter.

What I do is remove the filter and clean as per the instructions, then I place it over the 'heater' duck in my house. It's forced air and run 24/7/365, so by the next day, it's completely dry. I re-oil and let it sit for the remainder of the day and re-install in the evening. This of course means my truck is not available for 24hrs, so I plan ahead accordingly.