k & n filter questions

[Ryan_V]

I have an 08 dodge cummins that has a cold air intake with a k &n filter. I notice that the "filter minder" is always reading that the filter is dirty. I was told these filters are supposed to be good for 100k with minimal maintenance. This filter has about 20k on it, all good highway (minimal gravel) miles. Can I just blow it out? What else can/should i do? Should I clean it and not oil it? Any help/ideas is appreciated.

[randerson]

K&N filters need to be cleaned about every 10K purchase a cleaning kit it contains cleaner and a oil kit should cost about $15 don't you air on your filter it will just push the dirt into areas it will be hard to clean or it will blow a large hole in it. Use 2 five gallon buckets of hot water, tap filter to get loose dirt off than spray cleaner onto filter let soak rinse in water repeat if necessary then rinse again in clean water let air dry once dry liberally reoil repete every 10-15,000 miles

[Powerstroke]

Exactly what he said. Plan to have your vehicle out of service for a day unless you do the washing at night. The hardest part is oiling. You can over do it and the excess will run off and excess oil can get mess up the MAF sensor.

[efgh]

Buy a second filter, put this filter in untill the K&N is dry, then reinstall the K&N. The 2nd filter does;t have to be a K&N.

[Ryan_V]

The truck isn't a daily driver. So cleaning isn't an issue. Picked up the cleaning kit today. Thanks for the responses!

[1968]

I would throw it away and go stock, unless you are racing the truck or using it for a swamp buggy.

[EBass]

Interesting... Thanks 1968

[Scott K]

I would throw it away and go stock, unless you are racing the truck or using it for a swamp buggy.

Some very in depth testing NOT done by an air filter manufacturer- air filter test link

These are pretty much the standard feelings for mechanics. Throw them away and use stock. They do more damage to engines, turbos, and MAF sensors then anything.

[Macgyver55]

These are pretty much the standard feelings for mechanics. Throw them away and use stock. They do more damage to engines, turbos, and MAF sensors then anything.

That was my first thought when I read it too! You beat me to it.

[Scott K]

I stopped being a preacher about it though, because it causes to many arguments, because someone uses one and they never had a problem.