My car has about 64k and I popped the K&N around 15k. I think the filter is shot already and have been using the factory filter for about 2 months. When you look at the K&N, it has such large holes in the mesh that dirt and insect parts become embedded, and you cannot use a tooth brush, stiff cardboard etc. to get that out. I think it in essence clogs the filter.

Why I don't think the whole K&N idea works is the notion called surface area. Every good filter relies upon surface area to trap dirt. Just imagine you cuffed and pleated pants vs. your g/f's low-rider Levis--yeah, maybe the latter turns more heads, but which one has more material?

So I am out of the cleaning solution with lots of that nasty red oil left, should I purchase another cleaning kit? Look at how much it cost just to go about 50k ($49 + 12). imho Nissan filters are not only cheaper but would offer better filtration.

 

You should'nt have waited 40k to begin cleaning it. Clean it at least once a year.

Try soaking it in dish soap, and run warm/hot water to back flush it.

 

uh-uh. I've cleaned it every time I changed the oil. That's why I've run out of cleaning solution. I would never put this thing called K&N in a european car, that's just my .02, I know people do. The whole concept fails I think due to what the whole notion of what a filter is supposed to do. Would you use a reusable vacuum cleaner bag, if you cared at all about dust in the house?

 

Frank, I fully agree with you, a K&N is hardly worth it for the amount of dirt it lets in the engine.