Can K&N air filters ruin your air flow meter?

[SouthSwedeSpider]

I've read in a few fora (not Fiat-related) that Bosch air flow meters could be harmed by the oil in air filter of K&N type, i.e. filters based on oil soaking, and that these consequently should not be used on fuel injected cars. I don't know whether this applies to the older types of sensors used in our cars, and last I saw it was on an Audi forum. Has anyone else heard about this, or have any personal experience? Maybe it's just an urban myth?

Bjorn

[Snoopy]

I know this from newer cars. To much oil waste the air flow / air mass meter.
Its very dufficult to clean the new one without destroing it. Its much more finer than the old one.
I think to clean the spider afm is no problem.

[majicwrench]

What they are refering to is hot-wire style AFM's, not the vane style AFM. And then yes, KN filters can get oil on the hot wire and change the reading. Hot-wire AFM's can be cleaned using brakeclean and a cotton swab.
I am not a fan of KN filters. Most of them that I see on customer's cars look like they have never been cleaned. And I don't blame people, it is a messy job to clean em, when you could just stick in a new OE style filter and be done with it.
Keith

[v6spider]

That is handy piece of information. Luckly, I don't have a vehicle that has the hotwire afm. On my 4Runner I am using a spectre air cleaner which is just like the k&n. I don't know why people are too lazy to clean them. The whole key is not over saturating them with the oil. Lightly spraying the element is the key.

Cheers!
Rob

[ga.spyder]

I have had a K&N cone filter on my Spider for years,w/ no problems.I do keep the filter clean.As V6spider says,I think the key is to not saturate the filter with oil.Follow the cleaning instructios and allow it plenty of time(overnight) to dry.I dont think there is any performance gain by using the setup,but it looks so much better than the giant shoebox-looking stock filter!!

[NCArachnid]

I have read the same thing on a Lexus IS forum. I think they postulated that the distance between the element and the sensor plays a roll as well. The IS 300 has a short intake tube and only 8-10 in. between the two. I've run an oiled element for about 18 months without problem. I've cleaned it twice and always allow it to "dry" overnight before use.

[tester]

@ Craig Nelson

What is the part number of the K&N assembly shown on your car?

Thanks

[tester]

I think I found it

http://www.international-auto.com/index ... sid=854429

Looks like they want about $130 for the brackets

[Europa]

@ Craig Nelson

What is the part number of the K&N assembly shown on your car?

Thanks

This thread has the part number (scroll down) for the K&N filter. The information was provide by Criag.
http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... ter#p42184

[ga.spyder]

Thanks for finding that,Abey.I am not good at searches!! Hope that all is well with you and the family? We missed you at FFO this year.

[Europa]

Thanks for finding that,Abey.I am not good at searches!! Hope that all is well with you and the family/We missed you t FFO this year.

Thanks Craig. I had some employment challenges late last year. I'm ok now. Looking forward to FFO 2012.

[vandor]

Looks like they want about $130 for the brackets

You can easily make your own L-shaped bracket to hold the AFM, and sometimes you can find the adapter in junkyards on old BMWs. I have a few if you want to get one. They are much simpler and nicer looking than the aftermarket ones.