MotorvateDIY: K&N Filter Dirt Test Results

[MotorvateDIY]

Here are the results of our 20,000 KM / 1300 mile paper vs K&N filter "dirt catching" test. The paper filter was in use for 9,315 KM and the K&N for 11,358 KM.

[Cyber370]

Interesting results. I just have a few questions.
Do all foreign contaminants make it into the Oil?
Is silicon the only foreign contaminant that can cause damage?
Low amounts of iron and lead just indicate no premature engine wear. But does this necessarily mean that the air is as clean as with a paper filter?

I apologize if I'm missing something but for every positive K&N result I see on the web, there are 10 negative ones. I'm just saying.

[Raeshlavik]

Originally Posted by Cyber370

Interesting results. I just have a few questions.
Do all foreign contaminants make it into the Oil?
Is silicon the only foreign contaminant that can cause damage?

Dirt is mostly silicon, so that's the big tell on how clean the air is going into the engine. For the most part, everything else on the report is stuff already in your engine.

Some of the things he didn't cover are the fuel% and glycol, which can quickly point out failing seals.

[MotorvateDIY]

Originally Posted by Raeshlavik

Some of the things he didn't cover are the fuel% and glycol, which can quickly point out failing seals.

You are 100% correct. The purpose of this video was to only look at air filter performance from a filtration perspective, which is mostly silicon (dirt) in a UOA.

Fuel, glycol and more will be explained in an upcoming episode "The Quick Guided Tour of Used Oil Analysis", now in pre-production.

[Chan Chee Hoe]

K&N Air Filters are very good when new,which is Factory Oiled,the problem start when the Filter get Dirty,most Owner don't know how to do the exact cleaning,some "Over" Oiled,which cause the MAF 'coated' with a thin layer of Oil,some Oiled not complete,the dust went thru these area....it is not a easy Job.....it also need to be completely dry,before putting on the Oil,which needs at least 2 Hours under the Sun[cannot use Compressed Air]....

[ramoszx12r]

Originally Posted by Chan Chee Hoe

K&N Air Filters are very good when new,which is Factory Oiled,the problem start when the Filter get Dirty,most Owner don't know how to do the exact cleaning,some "Over" Oiled,which cause the MAF 'coated' with a thin layer of Oil,some Oiled not complete,the dust went thru these area....it is not a easy Job.....it also need to be completely dry,before putting on the Oil,which needs at least 2 Hours under the Sun[cannot use Compressed Air]....

[Kzonts]

I use the K&N drop-ins and change my oil every 3,500 miles. I don't try to stretch the limits so I'm not too concerned. Besides, doesn't every CAI system use some type of non-paper filter? There are so many cars out there running these non-paper filters, including most FI setups.

However, I wouldn't use a K&N filter on a vehicle operating in dirty/dusty conditions.

[MotorvateDIY]

Originally Posted by Kzonts

I use the K&N drop-ins and change my oil every 3,500 miles. I don't try to stretch the limits so I'm not too concerned. Besides, doesn't every CAI system use some type of non-paper filter? There are so many cars out there running these non-paper filters, including most FI setups.

However, I wouldn't use a K&N filter on a vehicle operating in dirty/dusty conditions.

3500 miles???? You might want to get a used oil analysis to see if your oil change interval can be safely extended and save some money.

On my G37, my oil analysis tells me that 7,000 miles of hard use (11 dyno pulls, multiple runs down the drag strip) the oil is still performing as needed. Iron and aluminium is low and the BN is still > 4.

Just something to think about.

[Z50]

How much did the oil analysis cost? I'll get it done at my first service if it's a reasonable price.

[Hungry4Real]

Thanks to the op for sharing the video. I had my fair share of experience with K&n drop in filters from my other previous vehicles and always been pleased. This video definitely gave me reassurance that these filters are more enhanced than the stock air filter. I am interested to keep my Z original until my warranty expires or completes if I ever do decide to modify. Plus I'll have the peace of mind being able to retain the factory warranty which is great ����

[SINISTER]

Thanks Motorvate your videos are great!