K&N oil filters

[Bob570]

I was considering changing from NAPA Gold/WIX over to K&N oil filters because the nut on the top would allow me to change the oil without burning my hand on the oil pan. Like a good BITOG lurker I did a quick search about them; the only threads I found were at least 4 years old, and most of them were more than 10 years old.

In one of the newer threads I found, it said something about production moving to Korea and that filtration efficiency is in the 80s, yikes.

So are K&N filters a bad idea?

 

[SZR48207]

They shouldn't be worse than any other basic filter. They may or may not be made by a company called Hiflofiltro and then private labeled for K&N.

The price does carry a premium simply because of the K&N name, though.

 

[901Memphis]

The K&N oil filters are made in either Mexico or Korea depending on part number, they are around 92% efficient now. They used to be around 95% when made by champion labs so they got slightly cheaper, lost the made in the USA prestige and kept the premium price.

That being said they are decent filters, albeit over priced considering the full synthetic offerings with better stats at a cheaper price, but if the nut on the end prevents a burn by all means use it!

 

[fdcg27]

You could just buy an oil filter wrench that tightens as you turn it counterclockwise with a ratchet and extension.
One of these would cost less than a single white-body K&N, would work on any oil filter and would be equally effective in avoiding burning your hand.
I have a couple of these guys and they work great even on stubborn oil filters. One of these is really indispensable with our Forester, since the oil filter is cunningly located in a tangle of exhaust headers. If the pipes don't burn you, the sharp edges of the heat shields will cut you, hence the need for this type of tool.

 

[Dyusik]

Not really worth the price, oil filter pliers is what I use. That or a gardening glove to avoid burns.

 

[Bob570]

Thanks for the replies guys! I think I'll just stick with NAPA Gold/WIX.