Oiling a coton/paper media (dry) filter

[TuBon_gRips]

Will oiling a dry filter (lightly!!) increase its filtering efficiency?

I've got a Spectre filter on my Corolla (I'd rather a K&N but the Spectre was there when I got it) and the amount of oil it needs for a recharge will leave bout 20ml in the bottle after the last recharge (there's enough oil to last the next 5 years in the kit) and I'm looking for a use for this extra oil.

I eventually want to put a K&N filter on my wife's Civic but it's not in the budget right now; she needs a new air filter, so I bought a cheapie paper filter to hold for now. My theory is that the oil will add some tack to the filter media and allow it to trap smaller particles, but in doing so it will also greatly shorten the filter life. I'm fine with this, as I plan to drop a K&N filter in at the next OCI, so it only needs to be able to run for a little over 2k.

Thoughts?

 

[oldhp]

No.
All you'll do is ruin a good air filter.
Use a stock air filter in your wife's car. Honda, NAPA, Wix, etc.

 

[TuBon_gRips]

Thanks, that's what I figured.

In that case... Anyone in the east bay area have a 2000 Civic EX? This filter should still have a lot of life left in it in a couple thousand miles when I drop the K&N in, if anyone wants a free air filter at that point.

I was trying to push the theory on myself so I wouldn't have to eventually find a use for 20ml of Spectre filter oil. That said, I'd only have used 2-3ml, which would have still left me finding a use for (or throwing out) 17-18ml. I guess it was a pointless exercise anyway.

 

[stephen9666]

K&N air filters are not very well liked here. I would recommend you perform a search. Many people here prefer regular paper air filters.

 

[TuBon_gRips]

Originally Posted By: stephen9666
K&N air filters are not very well liked here. I would recommend you perform a search. Many people here prefer regular paper air filters.


Unlike many here, I'm not so concerned with opinion. I've run oiled-media filters in my vehicles for the past 13 years without any issues. [censored], I drove from Ohio to California on a K&N filter with no issues, I don't see what issue people have with them (or oiled media filters in general, given that I'm currently running a Spectre).

The only time I ended up with a dirty MAF from an oiled media filter was when I didn't think to re-oil after washing and hosing down the engine (while it was running, so wrapping the filter in a bag was not an option). Dusting the MAF with a little MAF cleaner restored it to like-new condition and no damage was done.

From a cost perspective, the filter is $50 and the oiling kit, which will re-oil most filters at least 5 times, is $12. That's the equivalent of 6 dry filters for $62; a Wix for my Corolla is $20 locally, which would come out to $120 for 6, putting me $58 ahead after 6 filter changes (or cleanings, in my case). That's the value proposition portion of the equation.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: KeMBro2012
From a cost perspective, the filter is $50 and the oiling kit, which will re-oil most filters at least 5 times, is $12. That's the equivalent of 6 dry filters for $62; a Wix for my Corolla is $20 locally, which would come out to $120 for 6, putting me $58 ahead after 6 filter changes (or cleanings, in my case). That's the value proposition portion of the equation.

How much value do you think your time worth in cleaning and oiling the used filter ?

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: KeMBro2012
Will oiling a dry filter (lightly!!) increase its filtering efficiency?

I've got a Spectre filter on my Corolla (I'd rather a K&N but the Spectre was there when I got it) and the amount of oil it needs for a recharge will leave bout 20ml in the bottle after the last recharge (there's enough oil to last the next 5 years in the kit) and I'm looking for a use for this extra oil.

I eventually want to put a K&N filter on my wife's Civic but it's not in the budget right now; she needs a new air filter, so I bought a cheapie paper filter to hold for now. My theory is that the oil will add some tack to the filter media and allow it to trap smaller particles, but in doing so it will also greatly shorten the filter life. I'm fine with this, as I plan to drop a K&N filter in at the next OCI, so it only needs to be able to run for a little over 2k.

Thoughts?

Fram has slightly oiled Tough Guard paper air filters. It seems to catch dirt very quick.

 

[Coprolite]

Being careful can avoid getting a fouled MAF. However, K&N usually shows higher silicon in used oil analyses. On the bright side, particles may help hone the cylinder walls.

I would go with AFE or AFM for quality air filtration that is reusable.

 

[TuBon_gRips]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: KeMBro2012
From a cost perspective, the filter is $50 and the oiling kit, which will re-oil most filters at least 5 times, is $12. That's the equivalent of 6 dry filters for $62; a Wix for my Corolla is $20 locally, which would come out to $120 for 6, putting me $58 ahead after 6 filter changes (or cleanings, in my case). That's the value proposition portion of the equation.

How much value do you think your time worth in cleaning and oiling the used filter ?


Unless you want to count the 10min I'm off doing something else while the cleaner soaks in or the 6hr I'm off doing something else... The 5min total it takes me to spray the cleaner, rinse the filter, and oil the filter is a total cost of $13.33 at my normal work rate. A re-oiling kit will oil my filter 5 times, a total time-cost of $66.67, or one trip to the auto parts store for an air filter.

 

[TuBon_gRips]

Originally Posted By: Coprolite
Being careful can avoid getting a fouled MAF. However, K&N usually shows higher silicon in used oil analyses. On the bright side, particles may help hone the cylinder walls.

I would go with AFE or AFM for quality air filtration that is reusable.


I'm actually quite liking this Spectre filter on my Corolla. I may consider going with a Spectre in my wife's Civic, especially since I already have a re-oiling kit for it, which will likely last as long as we're planning to keep either car.

 

[TuBon_gRips]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR

Fram has slightly oiled Tough Guard paper air filters. It seems to catch dirt very quick.


I know they say "FRAM it before you slam it" but I's rather slam it (into a tree).

Edit: Reading your post again and noting the bolded text, I see that you were suggesting that it may be workable, rather than sugesting a FRAM part.

 

[earlyre]

you wanting a drop in, or cone filter?

i have a used (maybe 60k on it, last washed/oiled @6k prior to pulling) AFE Cone Filter off my CAI.(I replaced it with a K&N cuz i wanted to

) the K&N that replaced it is a RU-3130 for dimensional reference.
free except for shipping if you're interested.

(it was on the car when i bought it@ 54k, changed out @67452 not sure when the CAI went on.)

the whole fouled MAF thing is over rated. you only have issues if you OVER oil the filter. if you follow the directions you'll be fine.

 

[TuBon_gRips]

Originally Posted By: earlyre
you wanting a drop in, or cone filter?

i have a used (maybe 60k on it, last washed/oiled @6k prior to pulling) AFE Cone Filter off my CAI.(I replaced it with a K&N cuz i wanted to

) the K&N that replaced it is a RU-3130 for dimensional reference.
free except for shipping if you're interested.

(it was on the car when i bought it@ 54k, changed out @67452 not sure when the CAI went on.)

the whole fouled MAF thing is over rated. you only have issues if you OVER oil the filter. if you follow the directions you'll be fine.


I'm running a Spectre cone right now and I have no intentions of replacing it at the moment, since I just oiled it last night. My wife's Civic is still running the stock intake as we haven't found a CAI or short ram we can both agree on (I'm after performance and she's after looks) that's legal in CA so I definitely have to go the drop-in route for her car.

Thanks for the offer, though.

 

[DrDusty86]

KeM,
SAVE your money. The intake will get you MAYBE 4hp if you are lucky and many cost over $200. On a little 4cylinder you are just waisting your money with the bolt ons..

 

[TuBon_gRips]

Originally Posted By: DrDusty86
KeM,
SAVE your money. The intake will get you MAYBE 4hp if you are lucky and many cost over $200. On a little 4cylinder you are just waisting your money with the bolt ons..


She wants it to look/sound cool... all the ones she likes, tho, are either not legal in CA, are of questionable build quality, or bring with them a reduction in performance.

You're also missing something else an intake can bring to the table, which also happens to be the reason the previous owner of my Corolla installed a short ram (and why I haven't put the stock intake back in even though he included it with the car): while it may not increase horsepower, it certainly can (and did in this case) shift the power curve.

 

[earlyre]

if the car you are wanting to put one in is a 2000 Civic EX, with the 1.6l engine, This K&N Typhoon intake IS CARB Certified (CARB EO Number: D-269-30)(but NOT for the 1.5l)
Installation Instructions
Dyno Chart

however as someone pointed out, you would be spending $372.55(Free Shipping!), for a gain of 5.33HP@4692 RPM, and 5.96lbft@4692 RPM,
are those 5.3 ponies, or~6 torques gonna make a noticeable enough difference to justify the better part of $400?

that's for your Mrs(and you) to decide.

 

[TuBon_gRips]

Originally Posted By: earlyre
if the car you are wanting to put one in is a 2000 Civic EX, with the 1.6l engine, This K&N Typhoon intake IS CARB Certified (CARB EO Number: D-269-30)(but NOT for the 1.5l)
Installation Instructions
Dyno Chart

however as someone pointed out, you would be spending $372.55(Free Shipping!), for a gain of 5.33HP@4692 RPM, and 5.96lbft@4692 RPM,
are those 5.3 ponies, or~6 torques gonna make a noticeable enough difference to justify the better part of $400?

that's for your Mrs(and you) to decide.


Considering that, as I've already stated, performance gains aren't the goal here, that's not an issue. The issue at hand is that she thinks that intake is ugly, and against the backdrop of a red car, I agree with her.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: KeMBro2012
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR

Fram has slightly oiled Tough Guard paper air filters. It seems to catch dirt very quick.


I know they say "FRAM it before you slam it" but I's rather slam it (into a tree).

Edit: Reading your post again and noting the bolded text, I see that you were suggesting that it may be workable, rather than sugesting a FRAM part.

The Honda OEM air filter of my S2000 is slightly oiled too. So that a slightly oiled paper filter is workable and should be more efficient than non-oiled paper filter.

Fram air filter is very good and Tough Guard air filter is better than average aftermarket air filter.

The one I'm avoiding is Fram Extra Guard oil filter, the main reason is other filters such as Purolator Classic is one of them is better at lower cost.

Fram Ultra oil filter is 1 of the better filters available locally at lower price, therefore it is 1 of the best buy.

One part group is not a good value doesn't mean all other parts of that company are bad.

 

[Shannow]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: KeMBro2012
From a cost perspective, the filter is $50 and the oiling kit, which will re-oil most filters at least 5 times, is $12. That's the equivalent of 6 dry filters for $62; a Wix for my Corolla is $20 locally, which would come out to $120 for 6, putting me $58 ahead after 6 filter changes (or cleanings, in my case). That's the value proposition portion of the equation.

How much value do you think your time worth in cleaning and oiling the used filter ?


None, because it's not on anybody's clock.

If he has to skip paid work to do the filter laundry, then it's a different question...

painting your fence slowly over a weekend, versus paying a contractor to do it in an afternoon does not justify paying a contractor to do it.

 

[Jim Allen]

Originally Posted By: KeMBro2012
Will oiling a dry filter (lightly!!) increase its filtering efficiency?

I've got a Spectre filter on my Corolla (I'd rather a K&N but the Spectre was there when I got it) and the amount of oil it needs for a recharge will leave bout 20ml in the bottle after the last recharge (there's enough oil to last the next 5 years in the kit) and I'm looking for a use for this extra oil.

I eventually want to put a K&N filter on my wife's Civic but it's not in the budget right now; she needs a new air filter, so I bought a cheapie paper filter to hold for now. My theory is that the oil will add some tack to the filter media and allow it to trap smaller particles, but in doing so it will also greatly shorten the filter life. I'm fine with this, as I plan to drop a K&N filter in at the next OCI, so it only needs to be able to run for a little over 2k.

Thoughts?


Actually, if you used a suitable oil with a tackifier, it might help efficiency but might also ruin the media if it wasn't designed for oil. Some cellulose filters use a tackifier oil from the factory. Used to be more common than it is now. FYI, the tackifier oil is the key to K&N efficiency. Without it, efficiency goes from 97-98% (coarse dust) to around 50%.

I would comment that if you are looking for high efficiency, the paper filter you want to replace with an oiled cotton gauze OCG) is at least as efficient as the OCG and possibly more so.