So...I got a response from K&N

[ltslimjim]

Okay, all for starters this isn't a 'bash' K&N thread, but I simply wanted to share K&N's response to my inquiry regarding using their air filters(the reusable replacement drop in filters) and how could they explain increased silicon in used oil analysis etc.

K&N's response today(I made mention of BITOG so perhaps they'll take notice):

Quote:
Thank you for contacting us concerning your questions that arose while browsing the internet.

It seems there are two questions you would like answers to;

Quote:
Could the K&N Filter oil contribute to elevating the silicon ppm results?
No, there are no properties in our filter oil that would elevate the silicon ppm.

Quote:
What advice or information can K&N produce regarding their air filters in regards to this apparent issue of increased silicon while using their air filters instead of OEM, in particular any recommendations while using said air filters in applications performing extended Oil Change Intervals?


We are unable to answer the question above with a “one size fits all” answer other than a "when using a properly installed and maintained K&N Filter the user will not see elevated silicon levels when compared to the same vehicle with a disposable filter driven under similar conditions." This is taking into consideration the integrity of the airbox, intake tube and all other attachments are secure and sealed. Dust can enter the engine through several avenues not just through the filter.

The internet is a great place for information but it truly is a “buyer beware” situation. Your statement above infers the use of our filters increases the oil silicon ppm level and that is what a buyer/user can expect. The misconception that more air=more dirt. This is not correct, and if that is the impression you were left with after browsing that particular website I suggest you look further into your own experiences with our product. Frequently websites develop a particular leaning towards a particular product or brand and as such attract those that have an attraction to posting negatives about competing products. Just like the political forums, my guy good your guy bad…….

So I must ask you, have you performed your own UOA and experienced an elevated silicon level?

If you have, call me and we can discuss your particular situation. But feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

 

[heavyhitter]

Thats a better response than 99% of the companies would give you about their proctuct.

 

[electrolover]

well they dont filter as well as some paper filters, but its not that bad unless your doing extended drains.

from what i saw on bobs tests i was surprised by the K&N! it actually fared much better than i thought it would

 

[ltslimjim]

I got another follow up email that made several points:

K&N has used and recommends Blackstone Labs.

Some with higher silicon may be among those actually cleaning their filters TOO often.

This particular K&N employee says a fellow employee had a used oil analysis with 40k+ since cleaning the filter(these guys in particular live in SoCal, this particular vehicle an exposed cone filter) and the results showed lower than universal averages in wear and silicon.

PS: ...and encouraged me to share my used oil analysis and even offered for me to give them a call.

ADDED, he recommended me look at the pictures of the air filters on the K&N website that showed when to clean.

http://www.knfilters.com/cleaning-pics.htm

 

[kr_bitog]

Well, most people will clean the filter too often, but for sure I have black thicker oil sooner with K&N. To gain the advantage for K&N better to use bigger filter rather than drop-in size

 

[Herz]

I clean my KNs every 50k, and I think that is too often.

 

[ltslimjim]

I wonder if washing the filters too often causes the media to deteriorate more quickly, thus making it less efficient at filtering? ...the idea of not cleaning it until it looks like the pictures on the website is sorta scary. I'd clean it if it were in between the two "uncleaned" pictures. I suppose it'd still offer less air resistance even filtered to near capacity?

Dirty but not ready to be cleaned:

Ready to be cleaned:

 

[Scum_Frog]

I must say the K&N folks are very open and are willing to work with whoever may have an issue with their product.

I have a K&N in my Nitro and I sleep well at night.

 

[ltslimjim]

I concur, helpful folks at least, regardless of outcome. I'm curious to see how my used oil analysis turns out.

 

[Jim Allen]

Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
I wonder if washing the filters too often causes the media to deteriorate more quickly, thus making it less efficient at filtering? ..


This is one of the focal points on the issues with cleanable filters in general. Do it wrong (mainly high pressure air) and you've ruined your filter and if you install that ruined filter, you have a big long term problem.

 

[subiedriver]

I did my first K@N clean at 25,000 miles, it had a moderate cake of dirt on it. I may run it out to 35-40k this time, as the performance was still fine.

 

[ltslimjim]

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
I wonder if washing the filters too often causes the media to deteriorate more quickly, thus making it less efficient at filtering? ..


This is one of the focal points on the issues with cleanable filters in general. Do it wrong (mainly high pressure air) and you've ruined your filter and if you install that ruined filter, you have a big long term problem.



True. Definitely it makes cleaning it a critical point, especially if you're using a damaged filter.

 

[SplashnGo]

Wonder if you can run it without re-oiling? Probably not. Boy, mine was NOT dirty after 2 yeras and 20,000 miles based on the example in the photos. Thanks for sharing - much appreciated.

 

[postjeeprcr]

Originally Posted By: electrolover
well they dont filter as well as some paper filters, but its not that bad unless your doing extended drains.

from what i saw on bobs tests i was surprised by the K&N! it actually fared much better than i thought it would


Where is the proof they don't filter as well as some paper filters? Also what are those paper filters?

 

[metroplex]

There is a reason we don't use K&N filters on military vehicles in the desert. The K&N filters don't filter nearly as well as paper, that's a fact. If you did see increased Si levels and called K&N to privately discuss the matter, the most they would do is ship you a new filter or refund your purchase.

 

[ltslimjim]

I'm giving it a shot, but will be comparing Si levels to paper filtration if the levels are considered high.

 

[[RT] ProjUltraZ]

Quote:
Thank you for contacting us concerning your questions that arose while browsing the internets.


lol

they said nothing within the K&N is contributing to silicon...how about the voids that let dirt thru?