Can I clean my K&N Pod Filter?

[BoostBoy]

Are K&N Pod filters cleanable/washable? If so, what's the best way to go about cleaning one? Mine's quite dirty, but I don't have an air hose to blow it all out.

[senn]

Yes you can clean it. I don't know what most people use, but K&N do make a cleaning kit for them (contains cleaning fluid, and filter oil to re-oil the filter once clean)

The cleaning fluid seems to remove the previous oil application, and any finer stuff in it, they don't reccommend that u use compressed air to clean them, as it can damage the element, and create holes IIRC.

Some people say you don't need to re-oil them, as the oil can slightly restrict flow, but for road use, personally i'd rather my car not ingest snot....

You should be able to get a cleaning kit from places that sell the filters, i don't think u guys have Coventries over there, to i can't reccommend them heh

[M_Green]

I've used the K & N Cleaning kit on mine, came with cleaner, oil and instructions.

Wasn't hard to do and i've noticed the car breathes a little better now. (the pod was very dirty!)

[Woj]

You could use something like carby cleaner or brake cleaner in a aerosol can that has solvents in it which will evaporate off the filter once you squirt it down.

If your in the "bush" or really stuck, detergent & water with a tooth brush or similar soft brush you can get into the ribs of the filter. Leave it to dry in the sun / warm place. Hair dryer can help you too.

Apply a 'film' of oil to the filter. Use the rule of "less is more". The oil holds the finer particles, that the bigger particles catch on, but shouldn't drip off the filter like mozzarella. MAF meters don't like oil.

Regular cleaning with light applications of oil are better than drenching it and leaving it for extended periods of time.

Hope this helps.

Woj.

Are K&N Pod filters cleanable/washable? If so, what's the best way to go about cleaning one? Mine's quite dirty, but I don't have an air hose to blow it all out.

[andrew_mx83]

just buy the k&n cleaning kit its good gear and will last you forever. dont blow compressed air thru it....

yes you must oil the filter.

[Dieseltrain]

Dont use solvents as they can kill the actual materials used in the element. The K&N cleaner is a detergent based cleaner and best to use whats sold for them .

[4agerolla]

Dont use solvents as they can kill the actual materials used in the element. The K&N cleaner is a detergent based cleaner and best to use whats sold for them .

Agreed.. I use the kit and its fine

[RObErT_RaTh]

I've used the K & N Cleaning kit on mine, came with cleaner, oil and instructions.

Wasn't hard to do and i've noticed the car breathes a little better now. (the pod was very dirty!)

Yup, just buy the cleaning kit and comes with everything you need. But beware, don't over do it and use it all up as they aren't cheap (atleast mine wasn't) and if you're spending that kind of money it's almost worth getting a new filter depending.

[BoostBoy]

Nah new K&N filters have gone up in price...$160 for my type of filter! I spent $26 and got a K&N recharge kit which includes the filter and oil...well worth it I think!

[BoostBoy]

So I ripped off my pod today and found some oil inside the pipe it was attached too. Also found a film of oil inside the boost pipe from the turbo...is this normal seeing that the filter is oiled for better filtration??

[Mr Revhead]

im with the guys saying use the K&N kit

oil... thats probably from the cam cover breather, if the filter is oiled right you wont get oil in the intake
if you have a AFM car be ver careful not to over oil the filter, excess oil screws with the AFM

[mullett]

So I ripped off my pod today and found some oil inside the pipe it was attached too. Also found a film of oil inside the boost pipe from the turbo...is this normal seeing that the filter is oiled for better filtration??

As everyone else has said, the right oil and cleaner is important. The cleaner will last you forever, the oil you need to be careful with. If you get the oil in a pourer bottle, it'll drive you insane, you'll never get the right coverage and you'll SOAK the filter in it. They do make the oil in an aerosol can, it makes the job a thousand times easier. Just make sure you get oil even, and ALL the way to the bottom of the cleats, any missed patches will munch dirt. And yes, hotwire AFMs hate them, flap type don't seem to mind.

As far as the oil, that's very very normal. If you're worried about it being your turbo, take the whole intake system apart, clean it REALLY well inside, install a catch tank instead of the 'return to intake' breather system and see if oil still builds up. If the turbo was that bad you'd probably be seeing a bit of white smoke though...

-RM.

[BoostBoy]

Thanks for that info.

Yes the cleaning kit I bought came with the spray on Oil. After washing the filter with the cleaner I then applied a light film of oil on one side of the cleats, rotating the pod and spraying evenly. Waited a bit and then did the alternate side.

When installing the pod back into the car, there was some dripping, but I hope that is just excess oil dripping off and not a sign of me overdoing it haha

I cleaned the film of oil from the turbo and pipes...there wasn't a lot there and it sounds normal and not getting any white smoke, so I'm happy. FYI, car has a MAP sensor.

Thanks all for your help.