[bradical]

i know these can be cleaned and re-used, but how? any help is appreciated 8)

 

[FX-1004]

yea.... i wanted to know that also... how often do you guys clean it?

 

[bradical]

i was never sure if you could clean the type of filter that we have. i know that the drop in "ring" type are easily cleaned but ive never seen any info on the kind that i have. maybe this is just a throw-away?

 

[ujmot]

STOCK FILTERS ARE NOT REUSEABLE. Throw them away when they look filthy.

FOR K&N & JWT FILTERS: There are K&N cleaning kits avail in auto stores or on the web. It includes a cleaning solution and an aerosol can of filter oil. There are also instructions included in the kit.

Basically, what you need to do is:
1) Remove the filter
2) Spray the cleaning solution on the filter (the dirty, outside side of cone filter)
3) Let it soak in for ~10-15 mins
4) Run water through the clean side (inside of cone filter, becareful not to use much water pressure)
5) Let it air dry
6) Re-oil the filter

The process take a bit of time because of the drying time.

K&N type filters are good for ~100k miles or quite a few clean/re-oils.

 

[bradical]

what and where do you "re-oil" ?

 

[ujmot]

The filter element. You have the JWT, so it would be the blue part of the filter.

When you use the solution to clean it, it will break down the oil on the filter and after flushing it with water, it will look like a cotton gauge w/ a wire mesh. The blue color is from the oil used. If you use JWT's oil to re-oil, then the filter will turn blue again. K&N's oil is red, so your filter will turn red.

 

[bradical]

The filter element. You have the JWT, so it would be the blue part of the filter.

When you use the solution to clean it, it will break down the oil on the filter and after flushing it with water, it will look like a cotton gauge w/ a wire mesh. The blue color is from the oil used. If you use JWT's oil to re-oil, then the filter will turn blue again. K&N's oil is red, so your filter will turn red.

you learn something new every day

so my filter has a lot of pollen on it, but its only been in there for a few months. whats your position on cleaning these as far as how often and what you use as a criteria to clean?

 

[ujmot]

Well, that is completely up to you. I guess it depends on how obsessive or lazy you are, lol. Even if it looks filthy, these filters still can be surprisingly effective (over the stock paper type). I used to clean the filter I have on my BMW every 3000 miles - until I realized it was a bit overkill and somewhat obssesive (to me atleast). :lol: It's also a pain because it can be a long process if you dont have an extra filter laying around. Nowadays I just check every once in awhile to see if it looks dirty enough for me to clean it.

 

[bradical]

sounds good. i think ill just get a spare filter and then when im ready to clean, ill just do the swap and then clean at my leisure.

 

[e39ng]

Cleaning instruction on K&N site: click here