Next let's look at the dirt that was trapped in the filter.
For the purposes of this experiment I let the contents of the bucket settle overnight. At which point I poured off the water to reveal the dirt left behind in the bottom of the bucket.
![Wood Beige Tints and shades Circle Landscape]()
The amount of ultra fine silt material is astounding. As well as a decent amount of fine magnetic black sand material 'aka' magnetite. That stuff can and will kill an engine in short order if it gets inside.
Additionally, when I pulled the filter from the box the inside of it look like this(before cleaning)
![Shoe Automotive tire Wood Tints and shades Bicycle part]()
Notice the glossy black rubber sections that have zero "dust" accumulated. Likewise the wires containing the filter medium have zero dust residue. What makes those parts glossy is the light coating of oil residue that exists; surely any dust making it's way past the filter would stick to this oil covered surface. (Let's hear what y'all have to say).
The inlet to the intake track looked as follows:
![Automotive lighting Automotive tire Audio equipment Grille Automotive exterior]()
Again, same results. No indication of dust build up on the glossy oil coated intake surfaces.
Notice the K&N air filter sealing grease around the flange. This is an important step not to be overlooked. The only filters that do not utilize this grease are the typical 'clamp-on' style elements. All other 'press to seal' type elements must use this grease around any sealing surfaces for them to be effective. Here is said grease:
![Automotive tire Motor vehicle Road surface Asphalt Wood]()
The sealing lid looked as follows upon removal:
![Dishware Serveware Circle Close-up Tableware]()
The center portion exposed to "clean air" has a similar thin oil residue coating. Yet when wiped no dirt/dust appears on the rag. Nor is any visible upon inspection.
Before we dive into the airflow research side of this conversation I'd first like to share some thoughts about why these filters have such a love/hate relationship among performance enthusiasts and everyday folks it seems.
Here's a few to consider
Price: These filters are not cheap. No matter the application they're at a premium price point above 'most' other options.
Availability: While it's not as much of an issue these days with all the online options but, most places don't 'stock' many options of K&N filters so some additional leg work must be done to aquire one. Again still at a premium.
Application: Even though there are tons of applications available not all models have a K&N option.
Maintenance: I know for a fact that some folks just don't want to hassle with having to clean the darn thing every so often. Plus the expense of the cleaning kit. Just grabbing a brand new filter each time and tossing it in is just plain easier.
Stay tuned for the next post as you won't want to miss this video about K&N filters in relation to airflow testing. It's all about the how and why.
For the purposes of this experiment I let the contents of the bucket settle overnight. At which point I poured off the water to reveal the dirt left behind in the bottom of the bucket.
The amount of ultra fine silt material is astounding. As well as a decent amount of fine magnetic black sand material 'aka' magnetite. That stuff can and will kill an engine in short order if it gets inside.
Additionally, when I pulled the filter from the box the inside of it look like this(before cleaning)
Notice the glossy black rubber sections that have zero "dust" accumulated. Likewise the wires containing the filter medium have zero dust residue. What makes those parts glossy is the light coating of oil residue that exists; surely any dust making it's way past the filter would stick to this oil covered surface. (Let's hear what y'all have to say).
The inlet to the intake track looked as follows:
Again, same results. No indication of dust build up on the glossy oil coated intake surfaces.
Notice the K&N air filter sealing grease around the flange. This is an important step not to be overlooked. The only filters that do not utilize this grease are the typical 'clamp-on' style elements. All other 'press to seal' type elements must use this grease around any sealing surfaces for them to be effective. Here is said grease:
The sealing lid looked as follows upon removal:
The center portion exposed to "clean air" has a similar thin oil residue coating. Yet when wiped no dirt/dust appears on the rag. Nor is any visible upon inspection.
Before we dive into the airflow research side of this conversation I'd first like to share some thoughts about why these filters have such a love/hate relationship among performance enthusiasts and everyday folks it seems.
Here's a few to consider
Price: These filters are not cheap. No matter the application they're at a premium price point above 'most' other options.
Availability: While it's not as much of an issue these days with all the online options but, most places don't 'stock' many options of K&N filters so some additional leg work must be done to aquire one. Again still at a premium.
Application: Even though there are tons of applications available not all models have a K&N option.
Maintenance: I know for a fact that some folks just don't want to hassle with having to clean the darn thing every so often. Plus the expense of the cleaning kit. Just grabbing a brand new filter each time and tossing it in is just plain easier.
Stay tuned for the next post as you won't want to miss this video about K&N filters in relation to airflow testing. It's all about the how and why.
