How does this sound?

[jmb3675]

I was using Fram air filters in my 2004 F-150. I sarted using them with the first filter I changed. Last spring I decided to try a K&N drop in air filter. The engine computer had to adjust at first and it almost stalled but it leveled out. It sounded meaner and seemed like it had an increase in power. Also fuel mileage seemed to go up right away. For the first year or so That I had the truck, I lost about 1-2 miles per gallon by the time the oil had 5000 miles on it. About the time I started using Fram air filters it went to about 2-3 miles per gallon lost after 5000 miles. I ended up using Frams because they were always in stock and cheap. With the K&N I noticed a 2 mile per gallon gain right away. But by the time I had 5000 miles on the oil I had lost 4 miles per gallon. But I was still about even with what I had with the Fram. I decided I wanted to try cleaning the K&N filter a few months ago so I bought a Motocraft filter on sale for less than the Fram to use while I cleaned it and waited for it to dry. Then something came up and then it snowed. Since I had the paper filter in it, I got lazy and never got around to cleaning it. After a few months with the Ford filter it feels like it has the same power as the K&N and my fuel mileage has stayed a little more consistent so far. I am getting about 1 mile per gallon less than the K&N but I am only losing 1 mile per gallon with 3000 miles on the oil so far. And the oil looks cleaner on the dipstick as well. Sorry for another long winded post, but for my experience with my truck, the factory filter seems to be the best choice. Also I have never noticed a change in fuel economy or power as an air filter has gotten dirty. I was replacing them about ever 15k miles or every 3rd oil change. I may Try the K&N again after a future oil change.

 

[virginoil]

Mods still asleep?

 

[bigt61]

Even in a relatively dirty air environment of N Va (Wash DC) our air filters are lasting 30,000 miles and more. The air quality is much better than what it was in the 70's. I'd stick with the OEM filters for both oil & air. Change oil by the OLM - it knows when you're stuck in stop and go, and it doesn't even assume you're using a brand name full synthetic. Even changing by the OLM is likely overkill. Save money and resources - win-win.

 

[wemay]

Droopy, there is no evidence that the particulate increase observed in the multitude of used oil analysis shared here equate to any measurable engine damage or shorter engine life while using K&N. That being said, it is a fact that more of these foreign objects are allowed into the engine, and this is never better than less particles allowed. My advice, stick with OEM or OEM equivalents.

 

[Yah-Tah-Hey]

K&N air filters are over rated and over priced and don't filter as good as the OEM filters. And who wants the pita washing and re-oiling them? Just another item, or several items, to clutter up a cabinet of shelf.