Air filter

[ShadeTreeMech]

can a paper filter clean down to X microns? Sure, and there's years of experience to prove it.

can a reusable filter clean down to the same x microns? theoretically yes. Will you gain power? maybe. Will it be more economical compared to a new paper filter? doubtful.

And what is most likely to fetch the most consistently high quality filtration, replacing a good quality paper filter or cleaning and reoiling the cotton filter? And what is the likelihood of getting oil on the hypersensitive MAF sensor?

Here's a discussion from a corvette forum on the issue. To be quite honest, a paper filter is inexpensive and nearly guaranteed to work 100% of the time, while the cotton filter requires maintenance to keep it working correctly.

Worst case scenario with a paper filter if you're a couple thousand miles behind on replacement is that the acceleration is less peppy. But with the cotton filter, you risk damage to the engine.

I personally don't like to take such chances with a good engine.

[ShadeTreeMech]

Here's a more scientific approach to the question

[AeroModder]

I just put the K&N back in my car, and I'll see what the mileage is. I have several tanks with the Fram to compare it with.

By the way, reuseable filters help add less to landfills. There's eco for you. XD

[sarguy01]

Originally Posted by AeroModder

I just put the K&N back in my car, and I'll see what the mileage is. I have several tanks with the Fram to compare it with.

By the way, reuseable filters help add less to landfills. There's eco for you. XD

It does add less to landfills, but what about when people degrease them in their driveways and the old oil runs off into the street?

[mwebb]

Originally Posted by AeroModder

The car they used had a MAF (Mass air flow) sensor and a turbo. My car has a MAP (Manifold absolute pressure) sensor and is naturally aspirated. Results vary.

speed density systems or
systems with Manifold Absolute Pressure MAP sensors

might actually get slightly IMPROVED FE with a clogged or restricted air filter as
MAP = Baro minus intake vacuum ,
and a restricted air filter will INCREASE intake vacuum and DECREASE the MAP value . and since MAP is the primary load sensor
AND
an increase in intake vacuum will DECREASE fuel pressure

all else the same less MAP = Less fuel injected

of course Mr 02 sensor will correct the mixture to 14.7 to 1
but
the ignition timing map will now measure with slightly less load
and too many variables to predict .

bottom line -
a clogged or restricted flow air filter WILL NOT DECREASE FE in a speed density system

[ShadeTreeMech]

I can often extend the life of a paper filter simply by knocking off the loose dust from the exterior of the filter. (There's a lot of dust in my area.)

Has anyone messed with cyclonic dust removers? (I'm referring to a device that removes dust from the air like a Dyson vacuum.) I've heard of them, and seen some examples in heavy equipment, but not in passenger vehicles. Using a device of that sort before the air filter would certainly extend it's life, or even using a foam filter in front of the paper filter.

Reuseable filters are a good idea, but they need to be a bit more sophisticated than a porous collection of cotton fibers. I've seen some reusable filters in vacuum cleaners that are reusable, but look very similar to a traditional paper filter. I would love to have a reusable filter that i could trust, but the K&N variety is a type I don't trust.

[TOOQIKK]

check out the links in my next post they show some facts about filters and there is an informative video in the second on....

[TOOQIKK]

a bit more sophisticated than a porous collection of cotton fibers


little video for ya'll

[viio]

Nice video link!

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by ShadeTreeMech

I can often extend the life of a paper filter simply by knocking off the loose dust from the exterior of the filter. (There's a lot of dust in my area.)

Funnily enough yesterday I took mine out, knocked a load of dust out of it and then stuck a hoover (vacuumn cleaner) nozzle over it and it looks almost new. I'm hoping that reduces the recent smoke under full throttle issue I've been having, otherwise its the turbo. Maybe.