Originally Posted By: wrcsixeight
The filter in the photo was serviced regularly. I have gone through an entire K&N filter recharge spray cleaner and oiler kit in those 75 k miles and 8 years.
In fact, buying another Kit has been floating around in my mind for the last 6 months, but that will not be happening now.
The only reasons I can think of for the media to look so worn out is that after cleaning I would let it air dry, in the sun, and perhaps the UV light degraded it in that short time, the ~8 times it occurred.
Perhaps there is a corrosive element to Baja's dust.
Perhaps my salt air environment.
I am on my 4th radiator in 10 years.
Anyway, back to paper.
There brings up the argument again that if you live in a place that has problems like this, it's probably best to stick with paper and change it before it filters to the point of restriction.
Interesting if there were some link between going through 4 radiators, or 1 every 30 months, and the K&N deteriorating.
I would, for the record, like to hear how you cleaned the filter. K&N claims people clean TOO often.
Would cleaning the filter too often cause the element to deteriorate? As in, some part of the process leaving room for 'gouging' the media? The rinse used being too strong or trying to dry the filter in any way OTHER than letting it air dry?