Community Forums

new rver · 02-08-2011, 05:03 AM

have a 04 duramax lly getting ready to change air filter just like to know is it worth the money to go to the k & n filter ?
safe travels bob linda & missy

IC2 · 02-08-2011, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new rver

have a 04 duramax lly getting ready to change air filter just like to know is it worth the money to go to the k & n filter ?
safe travels bob linda & missy

In a word, NO.

-Yes, they are cleanable, but that cleaning kit is about $10+/- (and messy with solvents that need to be used and disposed of afterwards - soap and water will not clean them plus, they need to dry for hours to days, depending on atmospheric conditions)
-Unless you are running at full throttle any additional pass through air is not measurable.
-They do not inlet clean air as well as dry paper filters until they have been used for quite a few miles and partially loaded up with dust
-Their cost is what 3-4 standard dry filters will run
-Mass air flow wires tend to get fouled with carry over oil - and cleaning or replacing that little gadget, lots of $$$

There are those that love 'em and folks like me who have used them and found that they are not worth the premium cost for mostly a "perceived" benefit on a daily driver/utility vehicle (like your truck). If I were driving a race car, and at WOT most of the time, I would then use a K&N

Iron Man · 02-08-2011, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IC2

In a word, NO.

-Yes, they are cleanable, but that cleaning kit is about $10+/- (and messy with solvents that need to be used and disposed of afterwards - soap and water will not clean them plus, they need to dry for hours to days, depending on atmospheric conditions)
-Unless you are running at full throttle any additional pass through air is not measurable.
-They do not inlet clean air as well as dry paper filters until they have been used for quite a few miles and partially loaded up with dust
-Their cost is what 3-4 standard dry filters will run
-Mass air flow wires tend to get fouled with carry over oil - and cleaning or replacing that little gadget, lots of $$$

There are those that love 'em and folks like me who have used them and found that they are not worth the premium cost for mostly a "perceived" benefit on a daily driver/utility vehicle (like your truck). If I were driving a race car, and at WOT most of the time, I would then use a K&N

I have read the post on the internet about K&N and other type of air filters letting more dirt into the engine than conventional paper filters. I have been running an K&N on a 2003 PT Cruiser turbo since new with no issues. While it is less restrictive it is an wet fiter while the OEM is a dry filter. Read this test it is one that i know is independant

1.The cleaing kit I bought was good for several cleanings. You rinse the filter with water.

2. engine are air compressors, the more air that gets in the more power created.

3. look at this
Filtration Testing for Amsoil, K&N, Napa, Jackson Racing, Baldwin, and Mazda air filters on a Miata

4. True but they never need replacing. Clean and reuse

5. Several friends with different applications use them without problem. When cleaning follow the directions about oiling the filter.

K&N Air Filter Cleaning Instructions

Larry Barnhart · 02-08-2011, 08:17 AM

I had a K&N filter on our 2001 8.1 gas engine. Looking into the intake after the air filter there was lots of dirt. I had it cleaned and back to the orginial air filter and same on our 05 duramax.
chevman

RustyJC · 02-08-2011, 08:37 AM

HERE is the comparison test referred to previously. I would suggest that you peruse and draw your own conclusions.

Rusty

Ray,IN · 02-08-2011, 07:28 PM

As the link in Ironmans #3 bullet clearly states, a K&N air filter gets poor ratings for dirt filtration. That reinforces the ISO test results from the link Rusty provided.
The bottom line, however, is to use what you wish based on your preferences.

Albert001 · 02-08-2011, 07:38 PM

Don't waste you money stay with OEM or quality paper air filter. Do your
research pro's and con's on the line first before making your choice.

bachler · 02-08-2011, 08:33 PM

Haveing read the posts I agree with everyone.. Just a bit more with some. I had a car and a truck that I put the K N filter in.. What a mess to clean them right, And the added cost;; I say stay with the stock change it regulary, And save your money;; should you buy one ??? NO NO NO;

new rver · 02-09-2011, 05:15 AM

thanks for all the info

Raca-roni · 02-15-2011, 06:57 PM

I think you folks are miss informed about the K&N filters for diesel coaches and HD diesel trucks. First of all they are not a oiled type filter. They are dry. They will give you better performance and possibyl some increase in MPG. Chekout the K&N website and look for the HD type filters. They have several styles and they are direct replacements for OEM units. I had one in another coach and I definitely noticed a difference......Check them out!

Arch Hoagland · 02-15-2011, 07:26 PM

Been there, done that. Total waste of money as far as I'm concerned.

Kip · 02-21-2011, 12:22 PM

I use the AFE prodry no oil just use some air and blow it out.

Ray,IN · 02-21-2011, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raca-roni

I think you folks are miss informed about the K&N filters for diesel coaches and HD diesel trucks. First of all they are not a oiled type filter. They are dry. They will give you better performance and possibyl some increase in MPG. Chekout the K&N website and look for the HD type filters. They have several styles and they are direct replacements for OEM units. I had one in another coach and I definitely noticed a difference......Check them out!

I hesitated to say anything before, but thinking about it a few days I have to say it. If the only thing you changed in the complete air intake system was to the K&N air filter and noticed improved air flow. The only way to accomplish the improvement was due to less restriction=larger more open filter media=increased dirt/dust throughput. Unless the laws of physics have changed and I failed to notice.
This is the Duramax board, no mention of the OP having a MH or HDT.

w6pea · 02-21-2011, 10:10 PM

I put a K&N Filter on my F-250 460cid. I also put on on my E-450 RV. Also put one on my wife's van.
I made a trip up Dead Mans Summit in the Sierras, my F-250 acted like it was starving for air.

A couple of weeks later we drove our 26Q over the same route. The V-10 motor seemed to bog down, I have since gone back to OEM filters both the RV and my F-250 now both run great and not like they are starving for air.