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I use my ISF predominantly for commute during non-peak hours when the traffic in LA is speedy, but busy. So, about 75-80mph 60 mile roundrips daily with quick accelerations and throttle-off slowdowns with rare braking. During the past few weeks, I ve been noticing sluggishness in throttle response. But, my MPG has been steadily going up from 20s to 24s over the past 2 years for the same use . So, I decided to replace the K&Ns which had about 40K miles of use. I was surprised to see the amount of soot on the old filer. I was only used to seeing dirty paper filters before and this was kind of a shock. Now with the new K&N, throttle response is restored, but Mpg is back to 20s (sadly). So from my experience, if you want good mpg, restrict the air flow and your ECU will try to make it a Camry .
Is it common to see so much soot in the filters?
40K intervals too long? The clean side of the old filter looked brand new. So, looks like it was still doing its job, but just less efficiently.
I've been running a conical K&N with the RR tuned intake and I clean it every 10,000 so that amount of dirt and soot is probably normal for 40k.....I would clean the filter more frequently, but I've been happy with K&N filters over the past 30 years of driving and no engine issues.
I use my ISF predominantly for commute during non-peak hours when the traffic in LA is speedy, but busy. So, about 75-80mph 60 mile roundrips daily with quick accelerations and throttle-off slowdowns with rare braking. During the past few weeks, I ve been noticing sluggishness in throttle response. But, my MPG has been steadily going up from 20s to 24s over the past 2 years for the same use . So, I decided to replace the K&Ns which had about 40K miles of use. I was surprised to see the amount of soot on the old filer. I was only used to seeing dirty paper filters before and this was kind of a shock. Now with the new K&N, throttle response is restored, but Mpg is back to 20s (sadly). So from my experience, if you want good mpg, restrict the air flow and your ECU will try to make it a Camry .
Is it common to see so much soot in the filters?
40K intervals too long? The clean side of the old filter looked brand new. So, looks like it was still doing its job, but just less efficiently.
Los Angeles smog, and the fires may have contributed.
^^^^Welcome to the forum The process really is not hard, but you must exercise patience and restraint. Though I don't have a wet filter now, I did on my ISF, both panel and conical. When done right there is no issue.
Hi Lou,
I was not comfortable with doing the cleaning, drying and oiling process myself and didnt want to screw it up with too much/ too less oil.
Not real difficult, but if you're going to get into the habit of replacing them instead of cleaning them, the OEM paper filters will probably be cheaper.
I've been running a conical K&N with the RR tuned intake and I clean it every 10,000 so that amount of dirt and soot is probably normal for 40k.....I would clean the filter more frequently, but I've been happy with K&N filters over the past 30 years of driving and no engine issues.
I've been using K&N Drop-Ins and Cone Filters for years, and have never had an incident. When I clean and reoil, I am very careful not to over oil. I don't use the spray oil, but the I use the drip bottle. I also let the filter dry for 24 hours before I reinstall.
I have been using their recharge kit here:
I'm just careful when I re-oil like everyone has said not to overdue it and let it dry properly and before installation make sure you have no residual oil that bled through from the outside of the filter and your golden
Nice thought. Not my experience with K&N over the long haul. Expect worn valves and guides in the long haul because oiled gauze isn't very good at filtering compared to paper.
Note my signature many are actually worse than stock as this is a direct reference to my experience with K&N on multiple motorcycle engines.
Nice thought. Not my experience with K&N over the long haul. Expect worn valves and guides in the long haul because oiled gauze isn't very good at filtering compared to paper.
Note my signature many are actually worse than stock as this is a direct reference to my experience with K&N on multiple motorcycle engines.
Couldn’t agree more. My car is at its fastest with the oem intake and OEM air filter.
10-02-20 | 12:54 PM
K&N Drop-in filter- 40000 mile report
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The process really is not hard, but you must exercise patience and restraint. Though I don't have a wet filter now, I did on my ISF, both panel and conical. When done right there is no issue.
